Community Engagement Assistant, Outreach

Fayetteville Public Library•Fayetteville, AR

2d•$16 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Engagement Assistant - Outreach position at Fayetteville Public Library is a non-exempt role within the Community Engagement Department, reporting to the Manager of Community Engagement. This role is focused on proactively engaging with patrons, providing excellent customer service, and promoting library materials and services both in-person and at outreach events. The assistant will also be responsible for driving the Bookmobile, assisting with its operations, and implementing specialized outreach programming. Additionally, the role involves maintaining relationships with volunteers and partners, tracking statistics, representing the library in public forums, and pursuing professional development to stay current with library trends.

Requirements

Valid Driver's License
High school diploma and two years of college, plus two years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write reports, business correspondence, and effectively present information and respond to questions from groups.
Basic math skills, including the ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
High reasoning skills including the ability to solve practical problems and deal with several variables where only limited standardization exists and the ability to communicate this information.
Intermediate computer skills including proficiency with office productivity software, volunteer management software, and ability to operate standard office equipment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule as assigned that includes evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts.
Ability to perform both independently and as an effective team member.
Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under pressure on multiple projects with frequent interruptions and tight deadlines.
Significant initiative and drive.
Ability to appropriately handle sensitive information.
Ability to provide own cell phone.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills

Responsibilities

Proactively greet and establish rapport with patrons, engaging them in conversations about library materials and services.
Provide exemplary customer service in-person at outreach events and library locations.
Answer questions about library programs and services, referring patrons to appropriate staff or service desks.
Communicate effectively with patrons regarding library products, services, policies, and code of conduct.
Use creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making to enhance the customer experience, de-escalate negative situations, and resolve concerns.
Ask open-ended questions to understand customer needs and provide tailored recommendations using institutional knowledge.
Provide readers' advisory and technical assistance.
Drive the Bookmobile and assist with pre-trip inspections, material selection and stocking, and on-site programming.
Maintain the neatness and orderliness of the Bookmobile, prepare and evaluate programming, and report concerns to the manager.
Assist with the implementation of specialized outreach programming and library special events.
Oversee and administer specialized Community Engagement work activities, including outreach programs, library tours, at-home book deliveries, and story times.
Update Bookmobile scheduling information and communicate changes to designated staff.
Drive a motor vehicle to attend meetings and visit various work sites.
Maintain and cultivate relationships with current and potential volunteers and meet with them and partners as needed.
Track and compile key statistics for performance reports.
Speak, instruct, and perform in front of library and outreach audiences.
Represent and promote the library in public, media, and at community events.
Pursue professional development to stay informed of current and emerging library trends, particularly in community engagement.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through workshops, seminars, webinars, publications, networks, and professional organizations.
Collaborate with the supervisor on departmental projects.
Conduct special projects as assigned.
Participate in departmental and library meetings and activities.
Assist with library services, programs, events, and outreach opportunities as needed.
Represent the department on library committees as assigned.
Staff public service desks as assigned.
Help orient new staff and train new staff members as assigned.
Display excellent time management, attention to detail, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Balance multiple tasks and prioritize work proactively.
Complete work at an appropriate pace with a sense of urgency.
Assume personal responsibility for building maintenance and solving minor issues.
Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.