Title: Outreach Services/Programming Specialist Department: Brooks Memorial Library
Nature of Work: Functioning in a team environment, under the direction of the Library Director and in concert with library staff and the Friends of Brooks Memorial Library, the Outreach/Programming Specialist is responsible for a broad range of duties related to community outreach and adult programming. This position supports the promotion of library services and activities throughout the community in person and online, and includes but is not limited to developing, planning, implementing and evaluating adult programs, as well as assisting Youth Services staff with outreach to children and teens. Initiates contacts and nurtures relationships to advance awareness of library services, resources and opportunities.
Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week; including Saturdays in schedule rotation and evenings as required.
Hourly: FY’25 $21.74 per hour + excellent benefits package
Supervision Received: Receives supervision from Library Director.
Supervision Exercised: May supervise designated volunteers.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with Library Director, Staff and Community Partners to identify opportunities, plan and implement programs that introduce and illuminate a wide range of interests and opinions and meet the needs of the community in accordance with the library’s mission. Assess and evaluate community needs and opportunities in the development of programs and services that align with the organizational strategic goals.
- Solicit and respond to suggestions, feedback, and requests via surveys, meetings and community input.
- Maintain central programming schedule and statistics.
- Increase relationships with local partners to promote initiatives, programs and services.
- Leverage municipal resources and community partners for promotional opportunities to convey the value of library resources and services. Supports the promotion of all library programs and services throughout the community using a variety of different formats outlets and promotional venues.
- Establish diverse and inclusive connections to support underserved and vulnerable sectors.
- Continually measure and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and outreach campaigns.
- Liaise with relevant community organizations, agencies, businesses, groups and individuals to build and maintain a network of community contacts.
- Employ outreach opportunities to engage customers in library membership and position the library as a trusted community development partner.
- Oversee and manage reservable public spaces (e.g. Community Room and small meeting rooms).
- Track statistics and budgets related to position.
- Maintain events section of the library website, community asset database, and weekly e-newsletter.
- Contribute to policy and procedure discussions during weekly senior staff group meetings.
- Provide circulation desk support as scheduled or required.
Non-Essential Duties and Tasks: The responsibilities and duties listed above are examples of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Competencies Needed:
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying, unless specifically stated as required.
- Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience working in public library service, events management, community outreach, and/or public relations.
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment on difficult or complex tasks.
- Strong commitment to respectful and compassionate customer service.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with library patrons and staff of many ages and from diverse backgrounds levels of ability and experience.
- Ease and experience with public speaking.
- Knowledge of audio-video technology, graphic design software and web development.
- Experience creating, disseminating and evaluating surveys.
- Knowledge of library services and resources, and trends and issues in the profession.
- Strict commitment and adherence to personal privacy and patron confidentiality.
- Strong decision-making skills; accuracy, initiative, and ability to be creative and forward-thinking; ability to use sound judgment and logical reasoning to resolve problems.
- Time management acumen, high attention to detail and capacity to prioritize tasks. Ability to balance multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment and to respond quickly to changing conditions.
- A willingness to examine existing systems and refine or improve them as necessary. Must be open to innovation and change.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and volunteers from the Town as well as from other agencies and the public.
- Enthusiasm for new experiences and environments. Proactive approach to promoting library service with alacrity in a multitude of settings and avenues of communication.
- Willingness to attend conferences, participate in workshops, research relevant literature and actively network to ensure awareness in library service advancements.
- Must be able to work effectively in the absence of close supervision.
- Must be able to learn and retain instructions, policies and procedures and continue to learn new methods and stay current within the field.
- Ability to actively support Town diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
Physical Demand: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their work duties. While performing their duties the employee must be able to communicate verbally or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach or twist and able to climb stairs. The employee may occasionally be required to lift or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities require the ability to read computer screens and printed documents including close, distance vision, with the ability to adjust focus with or without correction. Hear in the normal auditory range with or without correction. Must tolerate moderate noise levels and interruptions in a moderate to fast paced environment.
Work Environment: Work duties are divided between the public library setting in a moderate to fast-paced work environment and within community settings of meetings and events. Must be able to abruptly switch focus to address frequently changing priorities. Requires the ability to maintain mental focus in an often-busy environment that welcomes members of the public. Will be sitting and standing, with extensive use of a telephone, computer, and keyboard. Desk is in an open communal staff work area that is shared with co-workers. Requires ability to assess volatile or potentially dangerous situations with patrons and follow library procedures.
Type of Employee: Non-Exempt, hourly employee; this position is affiliated with Local 98 Union after completion of successful probationary period. (1 year of probation)
The Town of Brattleboro is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ applicants, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply, recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service.
To apply, visit https://secure4.saashr.com/ta/6155296.careers?CareersSearch
– Posted 6/25/24