MS/US Librarian

Job Title: Middle & Upper School Librarian

Department: MS/US Library

Dwight Englewood is seeking a dynamic librarian with the ability to provide exceptional research support and superior programming for a diverse community. The ideal candidate should have a passion for working with adolescents, for reading and promoting middle-grade and young-adult literature, and for collaborating with others.

The librarian is responsible for the coordination of all aspects of the library program. This includes the management of the physical space itself and the development of that space as it redefines its role in a 21st Century independent school campus. The librarian is also responsible for developing and maintaining a robust physical and digital library collection. Additionally, the librarian is responsible for the development and execution of an academic program that prepares students to be thoughtful, critical, and responsible consumers of information and research materials.  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead collection development of physical and digital books, particularly with respect to middle-grade and young-adult materials

• Lead the library program related particularly to the MS curriculum while collaborating to support the US curriculum

• Lead the curriculum and development of and supervise the 6th grade independent reading program

• Coordinate with MS leadership to promote reading in grades 7 and 8

• Maintain an organized and purposeful presentation of all resources to students both online and in the physical space of the library

• Maintain the physical space of the library in such a way that it accommodates and promotes the many types of individual and group activities that support the intellectual growth of the patrons

• Maintain a scope and sequence of information literacy and research skills and work with teachers to infuse those skills throughout the middle school curriculum

• Develop (as appropriate) additional extra-curricular programs that improve the connection between the library and the life and culture of the school

• Engage actively in the full life of the school

Specific Duties:

• Teach one middle school elective course as scheduling permits

• Participate in ongoing planning meetings with various stakeholders including teachers, students, and administrators to further define the role of the library and its physical layout.

• Collaborate on organizing library programs related to community goals including virtual and in-person author visits, maker events, and student showcases 

• Cultivate collaborative relationships with faculty and staff in order to deliver classes, workshops, and individual help with research and other library skills

• Participate in the development, evaluation, and maintenance of the library’s collection of print and electronic resources, in support of students’ academic and personal interests

• Work with chairs to ensure that curriculum maps reflect appropriate information literacy and research skills at all levels

• Provide top-notch readers’ advisory services to students and faculty including delivering booktalks, fulfilling student requests for recommended reading, and creating recommended reading lists for teachers that align with their curriculum

• Supervise and evaluate Library staff and volunteers

• Supervise Middle and Upper School students in the library space in a firm, yet positive and inviting manner

• Track and manage annual library budget

• Serve on school committees (i.e. summer reading) and sponsor clubs (i.e. reading groups, literary magazine) as needed

• Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in current middle-grade and young-adult literature

• Expertise in teaching library and research skills in line with a student-centered philosophy

• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development in order to stay current with trends in library services and instruction

• Solid understanding of technology and the ways that the digital world is shaping information distribution

• Ability to articulate a clear vision for the role of a library in a 21st Century school

• Demonstrated intellectual rigor (must be a reader / consumer of information)

• Strong design skills

• Strong management skills

Position Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred), with a strong emphasis on degrees in Library or Information Sciences or another related field

• At least three years of teaching experience, with a strong background in Middle School preferred

• Personal and professional alignment to the school’s mission, vision, and values.

• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, and anti-bias education in all aspects of the work with Upper School students, families, and colleagues.

• Excellent oral, written, and electronic communication skills

• Leadership of after-school activities (in athletics, the arts, or other programs).

Terms of Employment:

• This is a 10-month faculty position.

• Faculty commits to eight-hour workdays as well as attendance at faculty meetings and other school-wide meetings and events.

• Salaries are based on experience. The salary range for this position is $68-90K

• Professional days are considered workdays and participation in planned activities is mandatory.

• Dwight-Englewood offers a comprehensive benefits package including, health, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) plan, life insurance, tuition remission, and a generous time-off policy.

Dwight-Englewood School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or military veteran status. The diversity of our student body supports our commitment to employ a diverse faculty and staff. Educators from all backgrounds who bring knowledge and expertise in equity, diversity and multicultural education are especially encouraged to apply.