Business Specialist

Champaign Public Library•Champaign, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Adult Services Manager, the Business Specialist at the Champaign Public Library assists customers who want to create, start, or grow their business. This position is responsible for developing business-related programs, community partnerships, young entrepreneur programming, seminars, roundtables, and coordinating guest speakers. The Business Specialist is responsible for providing customized business reference assistance to individuals and training staff to use the library’s business-related resources. This position requires initiative and the ability to build partnerships with local experts, execute programming, and recruit speakers.

Requirements

Experience with entrepreneurship, business practices and business development
Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend rotations
Knowledge of business trends
Knowledge of business-related print and digital resources
Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct
Exceptional customer service skills and enthusiasm for working with the public
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
Able to vary work schedule as needed
Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for job-related transportation
Satisfactory pre-employment background check

Nice To Haves

Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Library Science degree (MLS) from ALA-accredited institution required
Customer service experience in a public library experience preferred
Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate business-related programming
Coordinate business-related programs requiring outside speakers
Develop and expand library’s holding of business-related print and digital resources
Conduct outreach to educate public and raise awareness of business resources at the library
Build partnerships with relevant leaders, businesses, organizations, and groups
Attend networking events to build rapport with community members and local businesses
Train staff to use and understand business-related resources to assist customers with business information needs
Maintain current awareness of developments in technology as they relate to libraries and library users, including knowledge of mobile and handheld devices
Assist and advise customers with their use of library resources, including books, movies, music, media, and digital resources
Assists with training staff and volunteers
Answer informational and reference questions for customers
Attend and participate in professional activities, conferences, and committees, including on-site and virtual professional development opportunities and training
Assist with monitoring and correcting customer behavior to ensure a safe and welcoming environment
Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training
Provides excellent internal and external customer service
Other duties as assigned