ASSISTANT MANAGER

St. Louis Public Library’s Julia Davis Branch (refreshed for 2026!) has an exciting opening for Assistant Manager.  This location has recently undergone substantial renovation as a result of the May 16, 2025 tornado.  The upgraded regional library will bring recording studios, a digital maker’s space, and digital literacy training to this busy urban service community.   Our ideal candidates are comfortable working with the public and are enthusiastic, patient, and committed to providing excellent customer service.  

The Assistant Manager is someone who is enthusiastic, understands the importance of collaboration, and is skilled at inspiring a talented team. This position assists in the direct supervision of staff at a large and busy Regional Library. The role will require high-level decision-making in regards to customer service, staffing, quality programming, and effective outreach.

In this role you will:

• Assist in the daily operation of a busy regional library including circulation, reference advisory, technology assistance, programming, and outreach

• Resolve customer complaints

• Assist in staff supervision, including the hiring, training, scheduling, assigning, evaluation, and potential discipline of staff

• Motivate and coach staff through effective communication and embracing change.

• Work with librarians and managers system-wide to develop and execute strong public services.

• Assist in the development of system policies and strategic plans.

You will need to be:

• Friendly, outgoing, and able to build relationships at all levels.

• Strategic about engaging staff to meet and exceed library goals.

• Able to see the big picture and promote system-wide consistency and excellence of service.

• Capable of effectively presenting information and responding to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

• Flexible, positive, and willing to work with customers and staff to successfully resolve problems. 

You will need to have:

• A master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited university; or

• A bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of experience in public libraries.

• One year of supervisory experience.

• Customer service experience

• Strong communication, writing, and speaking skills.

You will get:

• Competitive salary range starting at $58,869  

• Medical, dental, and life insurance

• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick days

• Pension plan through the Employees Retirement System of the City of St. Louis

• Professional development

Hours for this position are:

Current schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays 11:40am - 8:10pm; Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:40 AM - 5:10 PM; alternating Friday & Saturdays 8:40 AM - 5:10 PM. Some Sundays 1-5pm.  Hours subject to change.

About SLPL:

St. Louis Public Library is a true urban library, representing the historic center of the St. Louis region: the City of St. Louis.  With its roots in the mid-1800s, St. Louis Public Library has a long history of innovation and service, a large and historic collection including rare books and extensive special collections, and a diverse and dedicated staff.  Our technology is a major resource throughout the City and beyond, and the Library makes an enormous investment in technology annually to keep them state of the art. We operate 15 locations in a relatively small city of 61 square miles.  These range from our magnificent Central Library – one of the world’s great public libraries – to regional and neighborhood libraries that vary in size and design but are centerpieces in their communities.  St. Louis was an early, passionate supporter of library services to children, and that remains a core value and mission.  Outreach into our varied communities, marketing the Library’s remarkable strengths, and working with civic and cultural partners to benefit St. Louisans are all closely held values and goals at the Library.  

About the Julia Davis Library:

• Originally opened in 1974 at 4666 Natural Bridge Avenue.  The branch was relocated to a brand new facility at its present location in September 1991.  

• The Library broke with tradition by dedicating the branch in 1991 in honor of a living person, local educator and activist Dr. Julia Davis. 

• 15,000 square foot facility with 2 meeting spaces (one auditorium & one computer lab)

• A popular browsing collection of books, movies, games, and more! 

• A Creative Experience digital makerspace 

• The Julia Davis Tool Library, which allows customers to borrow home repair and maintenance tools free with their library card!

About the neighborhood:

The Julia Davis Branch is located north and slightly west of Downtown St. Louis City on Natural Bridge Avenue, a major thoroughfare in North St. Louis.  The library is within the Penrose neighborhood.  The Julia Davis Branch has a special connection to the community it serves.  In 1961, local educator and activist Dr. Julia Davis donated funds for the creation of the Julia Davis African American Collection.  Newly upgraded for 2026!  The 15,000 square foot facility includes the Creative Experience, a makerspace and workforce development center with studio-quality software and equipment to help with project production, and now features a Tool Library to support the next DIY project, essential repairs, or property assessment. 

To apply:

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online and submit both your cover letter and your resume. Thank you!