Primary purpose:
Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Adult Services the Digital Communications Librarian develops, manages and maintains the functionality and organization of the library website and all other online and digital means of communication and information provision used by library patrons to access information about the library and provided by the library.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
Essential Elements
Understands, maintains, develops and updates the code base of the library website using tools, methods and coding systems provided. Updates content on the library website as needed by other library staff, based upon priorities set by the Library Director and the Supervisor of Adult Services. Documents standards, practices and methods used in developing, maintaining and organizing the library website to make further development as easy as possible.
Instructs other staff in how to do content updates to the library website using adopted content management tools and procedures.
Understands the operational aspects of all digital communication, content and resource tools and services that the library subscribes to or otherwise utilizes. Implements and evaluates these tools and services to help the library get the optimal use out of them.
Develops and provides usage reports for the website and other digital communication and resource tools.
Provides assistance and standard information and referral services to library patrons. Interviews library users in person, by telephone or other electronic means to evaluate specific needs and identify information and resource sources to meet those needs.
Instructs patrons in how to use and identify information sources. Instructs patrons in the use of library technology and equipment. Is familiar with the standard operation of all technology and equipment in service with the public and can perform detailed troubleshooting of that equipment. Promptly uses established protocols to inform IT support staff of problems that do not respond to initial troubleshooting.
Collaborates with other library staff to plan and implement Library services that meet the needs of the community at large. Participates as leader or member in one or more teams organized to address specific areas of library service. Cooperates with other librarians in the region to provide enhanced services and to facilitate resource sharing.
Follows and adheres to department, City and other government rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Secondary Elements
Maintains required contacts to keep abreast of developments within field or areas of interest.
May design, organize or oversee the implementation and presentation of workshops, book talks and other programs in a particular area or discipline, as assigned. Coordinates with the Assistant Supervisor of Communications and Programs in the development of this area of programming
Performs other duties as required.
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Attend and participate in Department and other meetings and special events.
Minimum Entrance Qualifications:
(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.)
Education, Training and Experience: Masters of Science degree in Library Science from an accredited program and one to three years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience in Computer Science or related fields.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: . Broad knowledge of advanced professional library science, and the operation of library equipment such as personal computers and computer software. Demonstrated experience with HTML coding and website content management systems.
Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as routine reports and procedures manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to present information effectively, which may require considerable tact, to visitors, customers or employees of the City.
Skill:. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.
A strong commitment to public service required.
Physical requirements/work environment
(The physical demands described here represent those requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Work is performed under typical office conditions; the noise level is quiet to moderate at most times. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
Operates computers, printers, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, telephone and standard office equipment.
Has frequent contact with other City departments, current employees, and vendors/service providers.
Has access to all department-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion and professional office protocols.
Work requires accuracy, consistent task execution, sound judgment and timely coordination.
Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5 - 10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Performance Standard
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change
THE CITY:
The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.
OUR GOVERNMENT:
Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.
AS AN EMPLOYER:
The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing [email protected].
Human Resources Diversity Statement
We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:
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Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
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Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
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Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
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Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
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Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
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Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.
The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.
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Health insurance
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Dental insurance
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Tuition Reimbursement
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Flexible Spending Accounts
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457 Deferred Compensation plans
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Metro Credit Union
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Verizon Wireless discount
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Employee Assistance Program
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Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
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City Retirement (Mandatory)
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Weekly Direct Deposit
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Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees
