Community Engagement Librarian

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Director, Community Engagement and Programming, the Community Engagement Librarian co-ordinates the planning, delivery and assessment of community engagement and partnerships. This position collaborates with Leads, Branch Managers, Community Librarians, and other staff to support the implementation of the community engagement and partnership framework, build partnerships with service agencies, and meet established Library strategic objectives and service standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1.   Support the Director, Community Engagement and Programming in overall community engagement and partnership strategy and planning.

2.   Develop and enhance the library’s visibility and reputation within the community. Under the direction from the Director of Community Engagement and Programming, organize and coordinate the library’s participation in community events, festivals, and summer activities, including information booths, interactive activation spaces, and on-site outreach. Initiate and develop collaborative relationships with outside organizations and community partners to build awareness of library services, strengthen community connections, and support an appropriate library response to community needs.

3.   Initiate project proposals and makes recommendations regarding the adoption of new practices, standards, and service innovations in response to emerging trends and issues in community engagement and partnership building.

4.   Work with Assessment Librarian to ensure that evidence-based assessment is used in the design, implementation, and evaluation of all new services and significant service changes.

5.   Implement, manage, and monitor the community engagement budget and associated contracts, including approving fee agreements and invoices within the policy structure of RPL.

6.   Coordinate with branch management on the delivery and assessment of community engagement activities within and outside the library walls.

7.   Initiate, implement, manage, deliver, and evaluate training for library staff on understanding RPL’s community engagement position and their role in community engagement at RPL.

8.   Support community engagement through communication with various people, organizations, and agencies within the community to establish partnerships and promote joint opportunities for meeting community needs.

9.   Participate in and/or leads teams within and outside RPL, as assigned, to further RPL’s programs and services, and to represent RPL’s interests in external activities.

10. Recommend, implement, evaluate, and support effective and efficient community-focused services (i.e. collections, programming, and customer service) at the local level, using the principles of evidence-based practice and assessment.

11. Supervise summer students, including providing orientation and training, assigning and coordinating work, establishing schedules and priorities, and providing ongoing guidance and feedback.

12. Undertake ongoing professional development activities leading to a broad and in-depth knowledge of current library and community engagement practices, trends, and standards.

13. Perform related work as assigned, including participation on teams.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1.   An ALA accredited Master of Library and Information Studies degree.

2.   Minimum three years professional library experience.

3.   Minimum of two years relevant experience in community engagement and partnership building in the library or non-profit.

4.   Demonstrated experience or interest in working with immigrants, older populations, places of worship, and underserved populations.

5.   Demonstrated commitment to deliver consistent, high quality customer service.

6.   Demonstrated strong organizational skills including the ability to effectively and efficiently manage work, scheduling, and priorities to support customer-focused services.

7.   Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public, staff, external agencies, and to work as a member of a team.

8.   Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, and delivering presentations.

9.   Demonstrated ability to assume responsibility, and perform duties requiring independent judgement, initiative, and discretion.

10. Demonstrated analytical skills and problem-solving ability, including the ability to evaluate, assess and problem-solve using logical, fact-based reasoning.

11. Demonstrated knowledge of current technology, trends and issues related to customer and community service such as might be gained through experience, education, or professional activities.

12. Demonstrated ability to lead teams in work and projects related to the ongoing community engagement.

13. Flexible to change.