Job Posting: Historical Reference Desk Manager
Location: Savannah, GA
Pay: $20.00–$30.00 per hour
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:30 pm; Must work 2 Saturdays/month

Position Summary

The Reference Desk Manager is responsible for coordinating daily operations of a research center reference desk, supervising staff and volunteers, managing reference services, and supporting library and special collections projects. This role is both people- and process-focused, requiring strong leadership abilities to ensure top-quality service for patrons and researchers.

Duties & Responsibilities

Staff Management (50%)

• Supervise, onboard, and train reference desk associates, interns, and volunteers
  

• Create staffing schedules 30 days in advance; adjust as needed
  

• Establish goals/metrics and monitor staff performance
  

• Ensure adherence to organizational policies; handle staffing issues alongside HR and management
  

• Track and report project updates and team deliverables

Reference & Operations (35%)

• Provide exemplary reference services to patrons (in-person, email, phone, mail)
  

• Manage research appointments and orientations; oversee the Research Center calendar
  

• Evaluate resources and enforce reading room procedures; support inventory management
  

• Present instructional orientations and participate in outreach activities

Collection Support (15%)

• Assist with collections management such as shelf reading, inventory, and deaccessioning
  

• Maintain a clean, secure research environment
  

• Plan and execute audits to ensure operational and facility needs are met

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• MUST HAVE: Minimum 3 years’ direct people management experience, including performance management, scheduling, and training
  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required
  

• Experience working directly with patrons and in reference services
  

• Proven ability to coach, supervise, and motivate staff teams
  

• Proficient in library cataloging/classification standards (AACR2, RDA, LC, MARC 21)
  

• Strong organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills
  

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  

• Able to work independently and collaboratively, adapt to fast-paced environments, and manage multiple priorities
  

• High attention to detail and integrity under pressure
  

• Technologically proficient in standard computer and cataloging systems
  

• Background in special collections, libraries, academic, corporate, law, or bookstore environments preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move between sitting/standing; frequent walking and standing required
  

• Capable of reaching, kneeling, ascending/descending stairs and ladders, and occasionally lifting 50 lbs
  

• Good hearing and vision for both research and communication tasks
  

• Willingness to provide in-person event support, sometimes outside standard hours

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