Job Description

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is the nation's largest public library system, with 92 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, including 88 neighborhood branch libraries where this role will focus its work. For nearly 130 years, NYPL has been a vital democratic institution, ensuring free and equitable access to books, information, and opportunities for all New Yorkers and people worldwide.
In 2025, NYPL launched its Five-Year Strategy, a bold plan to strengthen the Library's role as a civic and cultural leader. Anchored by three strategic pillars - Reading, Learning, and Research, the plan reimagines how NYPL connects with communities citywide and ultimately, worldwide.
Within this framework, the Reading Strategy takes center stage. At a time when deep engagement with books is threatened by digital distraction and misinformation, NYPL is recommitting to reading as the foundation of critical thinking, empathy, and civic participation. The Library aims to expand access to books and programs, reaching 1 million active borrowers by 2030.
The Director of Adult Reading, Programs & Partnerships will play a critical role in advancing this vision, ensuring that adults across New York City have access to reading and literary culture through multiple entry points, from the experience of browsing the shelves of a local branch library, to encountering the bookmobile on city streets, to innovative programs, inspiring cultural experiences, and other meaningful opportunities to connect with books, authors, and each other.
Job Summary
The Director of Adult Reading, Programs & Partnerships will provide systemwide leadership for adult-focused reading, outreach, and programs that inspire lifelong learning, foster community, and expand access to literary culture. Reporting to the Senior Director of Reading & Engagement, the Director will play a pivotal role in advancing the Library's Reading Strategy by implementing adult-centered initiatives, cultivating high-profile partnerships, and amplifying New York City's reading culture.
The Director will oversee Outreach Services & Engagement, Adult Cultural Programming, and Reader Services, unifying these areas into a cohesive portfolio that supports the Library's strategic goals. This role will serve as a connector between NYPL and New York City's publishing, cultural, and philanthropic sectors, building relationships with publishers, authors, bookstores, funders, and literary organizations to expand the reach and sustainability of adult programs. Internally, the Director will align adult engagement efforts with Research, Children's, and Teen Services to strengthen systemwide impact.
We are looking for someone we can count on to:
Own:

• Strategic leadership across Adult Cultural Programming, Outreach Services & Engagement, and Reader Services, ensuring these portfolios are integrated into a unified adult engagement strategy.
• Oversight of literary and cultural programs for adults-including large-scale, high-profile events and flagship programs, as well as localized, branch-based initiatives.
• Strategic advancement and improvement of the in-branch user experience with browsing and discovery of books.
• The cultivation of key relationships with programmatic, publishing, and community partners to expand outreach and engagement.
• A dynamic portfolio of projects at various scales, balancing the curation and development of new programs with the management of diverse funding sources and evolving operational needs.
• Reporting, data analysis, and storytelling about this portfolio for internal and external stakeholders.
• The promotion of a healthy work culture, clear operational structures and guidelines, and opportunities for staff development and growth.

Teach:

• Innovative methods for engaging New York City's diverse communities of adult readers.
• Best practices in program/initiative development, outreach, and evaluation.

Learn:

• The evolving needs and interests of New York City's diverse adult populations, with a focus on reading behavior, trends, and demand for literary and cultural programming.
• The scope of existing outreach efforts, including the operation of three NYPL bookmobiles.
• The opportunities to improve the in-branch and out-of-branch reader experience.

Improve:

• The effectiveness of cross-functional collaboration within NYPL to support program delivery and continuous improvement of the reader experience.
• The overall reader's experience with a focus on programmatic engagement.
• The reach and impact of adult literary and cultural programs and outreach services, measured by attendance, engagement, and feedback.
• The quality and frequency of the Library's year-round author- and reading-centered programming, including creative ways to bring readers together.
• Contributions to systemwide Reading Strategy goals, such as expanding active borrowers, increasing participation in reading-focused programs, and reducing wait times for materials.

Some expectations for this role are that within:
1 month, this person will:

• Become familiar with existing programs, staff, and key stakeholders.
• Support the Senior Director of Reading & Engagement in developing a plan for integrating and aligning departmental efforts.

3 months, this person will:

• Establish clear goals for ambitious literary and cultural programming, outreach, and reader services to New York City adults, in support of the Library's 5-year strategy.

6 months and beyond, this person will:

• Implement new programmatic, outreach, and readers services initiatives and evaluate their impact.
• Establish strong partnerships with key external organizations.

Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver innovative adult literary and cultural programming that aligns with the Reading Strategy, including citywide initiatives, book clubs, literary festivals, and public campaigns.
• Serve as NYPL's connector to publishers, authors, media, and cultural institutions, strengthening the Library's role as a hub of New York City's reading culture.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Associate Directors and their teams in Outreach Services & Engagement, Adult Cultural Programming, and Reader Services.
• Collaborate with Digital and Strategy teams to integrate adult programming into the Library's evolving digital reading experience.
• Communicate a clear and compelling vision for adult programming, outreach, and reader services to staff, external stakeholders, and the public.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, funders, and cultural partners to support program sustainability and growth.
• Align adult initiatives with systemwide reader engagement efforts, working closely with Research, Children's, and Teen Services.

Required Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• A graduate degree in Library Science, Education, Cultural Studies, or a related field is strongly preferred, as advanced study equips this leader with the tools to navigate complex learning, cultural, and community needs.

Required Experience

• Minimum 7 years of leadership experience in libraries, cultural institutions, publishing, or related fields.
• Established relationships or demonstrable experience working with the publishing industry, authors, and the literary community.
• Proven success in building and leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience cultivating partnerships with donors, funders, and cultural partners to sustain and grow initiatives.
• Track record of designing and delivering impactful adult-focused programs in libraries, literary organizations, or cultural settings.
• Experience producing a range of public events, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats.

Required Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to inspire diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and project management expertise, with proficiency in digital platforms and data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to foster collegiality, shared vision, and teamwork across departments and with external partners.
• Creative thinker with the ability to translate publishing and literary trends into compelling public programs.
• Intellectually curious, adaptable, and responsive to emerging opportunities.
• Collaborative leader with a positive, solutions-oriented approach.

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Responsible for a team of over 20 staff members, including at least 3 direct reports (Associate Directors).

More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Office setting with frequent travel to library sites in Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx.

Physical Duties

• Limited physical effort is required
• Requires travel within NYC

Pre-Placement Physical Required?

• No

Union/Non Union

• Non-Union

FLSA Status

• Exempt

Schedule

• 35 hours per week
• Schedule subject to change

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
About The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations-including research and branch libraries-throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.

Skills Required