The Program and Engagement Librarian III is a change leader and champion. They lead the strategic planning and execution of a diverse schedule of dynamic programs and events for adults, teens, and children. This individual develops a comprehensive, district-wide programming strategy that aligns with our mission and serves a diverse, multi-generational community. The Programming and Engagement Librarian III will strategize and facilitate projects across departments, implement robust evaluation tools and processes, and develop and maintain high-level partnerships with community organizations in alignment with our strategic plan. This position is also responsible for developing a comprehensive outreach and community engagement road map, emphasizing opportunities to connect with underserved communities.
Cultivate Curiosity. Enlighten the Mind. Strengthen the Community.Job Overview
The Program and Engagement Librarian III is a change leader and champion. They lead the strategic planning and execution of a diverse schedule of dynamic programs and events for adults, teens, and children. This individual develops a comprehensive, district-wide programming strategy that aligns with our mission and serves a diverse, multi-generational community. The Programming and Engagement Librarian III will strategize and facilitate projects across departments, implement robust evaluation tools and processes, and develop and maintain high-level partnerships with community organizations in alignment with our strategic plan. This position is also responsible for developing a comprehensive outreach and community engagement road map, emphasizing opportunities to connect with underserved communities.
Essential Functions
1. Program & Events Design
- In coordination with the Youth and Adult Services Librarians, develops a master plan and schedule of innovative and creative programs and events for all ages, directly based on community interests and needs.
- Provides leadership and direction to Youth and Adult Services Librarians, overseeing the collaborative planning, promotion, and execution of programs and events to ensure an engaging, well-organized, and high-quality experience for all attendees.
- Leads strategy and brainstorming workshops with all programming staff, fostering a culture of shared ownership where collective creativity leads to innovative, district-wide initiatives.
- Strives to ensure a balanced approach of programs featuring a wide range of topics, sizes, and appeal to ensure programming is of interest to a variety of audiences.
- Researches and implements best practices in programming and library services by staying informed on emerging trends, participating in professional development opportunities, and engaging with other librarians and industry groups to exchange ideas and innovations.
- Closely liaise with Communications to develop all programming and outreach promotional materials.
- Closely liaise with the Innovation Technology Supervisor to develop IT specific programming and outreach.
- Embraces a dynamic, non-routine work environment, proactively developing, launching, and retiring programs to ensure services remain relevant and innovative.
2. Partnerships & Community Engagement
- Identifies and engages with a diverse range of community partners, ensuring the library’s programs and services reach patrons of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
- Leverages connections in order to develop strategic partnerships that enhance library programming and ensures the library remains a responsive and valuable resource for patrons in the community.
- Works closely with the Communications team to promote programs and services effectively, leveraging strong community connections to identify new marketing opportunities and outreach channels.
- Actively embeds in community groups and attends local meetings to build relationships, gather insights on community needs, and identify gaps in services.
- Works in collaboration with Executive Leadership and Communication teams to develop and deliver presentations to community groups and prospective partners, effectively communicating the library’s mission, services, and program offerings to raise awareness and foster collaboration.
3. Evaluation and Strategy
- Manages the evaluation of all programs and events through data collection, feedback, and assessment tools, ensuring responsiveness and the ability to make data-informed adjustments in order to enhance effectiveness and engagement.
- Conducts quantitative and qualitative analysis to determine the ROI of CLD programs to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Report findings to leadership and stakeholders to demonstrate library value and alignment with CLD goals.
- Works with the Program and Engagement team to determine outcomes and standards, develop and maintain the programming framework for the district.
- Define core programming topics and themes and disseminate to librarians and programming specialists, and mobile services.
- Conduct program and outreach audits and make recommendations accordingly.
4. Department Management
- Supervises and provides leadership to the Youth and Adult Services Design Librarians, guiding their efforts in facilitating, planning, and contributing to the development of programs and events.
- Defines the roles and responsibilities of the Youth and Adult Services Design Librarians, as well as the Programming and Engagement Coordinator, setting clear expectations and providing ongoing support to foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
- Evaluates the work of direct reports, offering consistent and constructive feedback to ensure quality programming and professional growth.
- Models exceptional customer service and professionalism in all interactions.
- Manages the logistics for high priority initiatives centered on the development of digital skills for all community members.
5. Budget and Resource Management
- Collaborates on the determination of the annual programming and community engagement budgets, and oversees expenditures and budget reports to ensure alignment with budget scope.
6. Other duties as assigned
Incumbents will be required to work evenings and weekends, be on call, and travel to external events.
Supervisory Responsibility
- This position has direct supervision of the Youth Services Design Librarian, Adult Services Design Librarian, and the Program and Engagement Coordinator, reporting directly to the Sr. Manager -Severance Library.
- The position may participate in the Most Responsible Person (MRP) rotation, including regular evening and weekend coverage.
Education and Experience Required
- Requires a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Five (5) years of experience in a public library setting working closely with programming and outreach.
- Three (3) or more years of supervisory experience for staff within a library system, customer service, and/or a non-profit organization, highly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Anticipates trends that will impact libraries, literacy, publishing, and information technology.
- Adaptable and creative with a deep understanding of all levels of programming.
- Passionate for community engagement and a lifelong love of learning.
- Ability to master handling multiple projects and priorities at the same time, while a high degree of attention to detail.
- Embraces innovation and experimentation.
- Embraces a flexible mindset to navigate evolving organizational structures, priorities, and processes with resilience and effectiveness.
- Maintains flexibility in managing tasks, schedules, and responsibilities to effectively support evolving team and organizational needs.
- Makes recommendations to help the library stay relevant and vital to the community.
- Proven ability to conduct successful library programs in diverse settings.
- Demonstrated ability to think analytically, exercise initiative, and act in the best interest of the library.
- Demonstrated ability to set practical and strategic goals for the department.
- Ability to establish relationships and adapt communication style to effectively engage with a wide range of ages.
- Demonstrated ability to think analytically, exercise initiative, and act in the best interest of the library.
- Ability to speak publicly with enthusiasm and friendliness, and effectively present in a variety of settings.
Work Environment
This position will sit in a open office /cubicle environment. It may require being up and moving around Library locations and, at times, stationary at work station. The job requires stooping, bending, squatting, and stretching. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required. Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (with keyboard, shelving), eye-hand coordination, data entry, and computer use for accessing information. Should be conscious of appropriate ergonomics and workstation setup.
Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
This general outline illustrates the type of work that characterizes the job. The statements in this job description are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of the job.
Pay: $78,744.08 - $96,461.50 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
