Manager of the Hive at City of Cambridge in Cambridge, MA

ABOUT THE LIBRARY: At the Cambridge Public Library, we welcome all, inspire minds and empower community. We support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives, and democracy thrives. Since 1889, the Cambridge Public Library has been a place of learning and community where all are welcome to expand their horizons. Through the Main Library and six neighborhood branches — Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente — the Library operates as a unified system to offer free library services and programs to residents.

ABOUT THE ROLE: Reporting to the Manager of STEAM Programs, the Manager of The Hive is a senior leadership position with responsibility for overseeing the daily operations of the Main Library Hive Makerspace. The Manager of the Hive supervises a team of 6, manages budgets, establishes priorities, and sets the tone for providing excellent programs and services to all ages, particularly for groups and individuals who are traditionally underserved or underrepresented in STEM fields. The successful candidate will be a passionate advocate for STEAM and maker culture, possess a track record of effective managerial and organizational leadership, and be able to inspire and engage staff and community members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBITILIES:

Leadership:

Provides effective leadership and management for the Hive in a manner that supports overall Library goals and ensures that staff members offer the highest quality assistance to library users.
Fosters a Hive culture that embraces change, innovation and continuous learning.
Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships with other City staff, community groups, schools, etc. to foster collaborative STEAM programs and services.
Communicates the Library’s STEAM programs, philosophies, goals, and results to stakeholders.
Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective and relevant Hive programming by CPL staff, contracted instructors, and volunteers.
Directs all activities in the Hive and oversees staff schedules and work assignments, ensuring that coverage is adequate and assigned in the best interest of public service.
Supervises assigned staff members and provides thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and development to each. Evaluates staff performance annually.
Aids in the recruitment of new staff, serves on relevant search committees, and trains new staff members, acquainting them with library policies, processes, and procedures.

Operations:

Oversees the daily operations of The Hive, ensuring it is a safe and welcoming space for all, particularly for groups and individuals who are traditionally underserved or underrepresented in STEM fields.
Contributes to budget planning and tracking for the department.
Directs staff in ensuring spaces, equipment, and community use are compliant with safety measures.
Maintains appropriate standards of behavior per the CPL Behavior Policy, ensuring mutual respect and safety in programs; enforces policies of the Hive and the library.
Responsible for inventory for the space including tracking equipment and identifying and addressing repair or replacement of equipment.
Ensures proper monitoring of equipment, tools, and supplies and addresses issues with proper calibration, functioning, maintenance, and requisition as identified by staff.
Maintains accurate and current written policies and procedures for the department.
Trains and directs staff in the training of staff, volunteers, and patrons on safety and operation of equipment.
Prepares reports and compiles statistics.

Patron Service:

Engages and directs staff in engaging library users in making, creating, and designing with technology and equipment.
Leads and directs staff in delivering in-person and virtual instructions and provides assistance with use of the various technologies.
Prepares and directs staff in delivering technical workshops and trainings on equipment and processes.
Responds to and resolves patron concerns and issues.
Delivers and directs staff in the delivery of exceptional and engaging service to the public.
Monitors public areas of the library.

Other Responsibilities:

Performs all duties with cultural awareness and humility, recognition of historic and institutional systems of oppression and their impact, and an active commitment to providing equitable services to marginalized or underserved populations in Cambridge.
Serves as a member of the leadership team of the library, attending regular leadership meetings.
Represents the Library at City and professional meetings, conferences, and trainings.
Contributes positively to the public relations efforts of the Library.
Supports the Library’s strategic directions and plan.
Contributes positively to the work culture of the Library.
Any other duties required for the good of the Department and the Library.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree, preferably in science, technology, education or related field.
At least 2 years of experience working in a makerspace setting or equivalent.
At least 2 years of experience in science/STEAM education.
At least 1 year of experience supervising or managing staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proficiency with digital design and fabrication tools and processes including 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering, sewing, virtual and augmented reality equipment, and other makerspace technologies.
Technical sophistication including comfort with graphics and CAD applications.
Experience with audio and video recording equipment and software.
Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
Knowledge of supervisory and leadership principles and practices; demonstrated ability to direct the work of other staff members.
Exceptional customer service skills and commitment to public service.
Ability to frequently adopt and teach new tools, software, and technology.
Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse community.
Ability to work with non-technically orientated end users.
Ability to handle multiple activities or interruptions at once, to work independently, and to meet deadlines.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a positive attitude.
Effective project management skills
Experience in external outreach with potential vendors and collaborative partners
Adaptability, dependability, and flexibility especially during emergency staffing situations.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of larger department and system teams.
Knowledge of change management and process improvement principles and practices.
Sound judgment and strong problem-solving skills; flexibility and adaptability in stressful situations and times of change.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Fluency in a language in addition to English

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment, AV equipment, mobile devices, and makerspace technologies. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to manipulate equipment which may be heavy and/or intricate. Ability to access files and operate a variety of prototyping machines including laser cutting systems, 3D printers, CNC routers, vinyl cutters, plastics forming systems and other power equipment. This may require lifting and positioning raw materials and/or products, loading materials into machines, fabricating working models of product ideas. Ability to pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Primarily works in Hive Makerspace; Works in other assigned areas, including offices, training rooms, library locations, and community spaces as necessary. May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, goggles, or masks. Conditions in the Hive Makerspace are typical of a workshop and may include moving mechanical parts, high noise levels, occasional odors, dust, heat, vibration and the presence of chemicals. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.

ADDITIONAL WORK HOURS INFORMATION: 37.5 hours per week, including one evening per week and participation in a Saturday rotation once every three weeks. A flexible schedule is required in support of programs and events.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
Vacation and Sick leave eligible
Paid parental leave
Sick Incentive Pay Eligible
3 Personal days
14 Paid Holidays
Management Allowance, $2,700/year
City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement, Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

Resume
Cover Letter