Head of Community Engagement

Livingston Parish Library•Livingston, LA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Library Director, the Head of Community Engagement (HCE) is responsible for creating events and services that connect the library with its community. The HCE is responsible for organizing, planning, developing, and operating library events for all ages, both onsite and off. The HCE is also responsible for overseeing the resources and services available to the Outreach Department and the system's bookmobile. The HCE manages six direct reports and indirectly supervises a portion of the branch-level coordinators' work. Applicants must be flexible, understand modern library programming and events, and be willing to visualize improvements and forecast trend changes.

Requirements

Master's degree in library science
Two or more years of progressively responsible experience in professional library work within an adult or youth services department.
Ability to think critically, make sound independent judgments, and decisions.
Knowledge of the modern principles, methods, and practices of public library management.
Ability to ascertain the needs of the community served and to develop programs and events responsive to those needs.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of the department in a conducive environment to full performance and high morale.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other community organizations, and the general public.
Ability to develop presentations for community partners that promote library programs and services.
Ability to manage time effectively and efficiently.
Ability to resolve problems and conflicts with diplomacy and discretion.
Completion of assessment test
Transcripts of degree earned (if applicable)
Successful completion of background check.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of experience working in a public, school, or academic library.
Experience creating, organizing, and running community events for 100 or more people.
Experience in public speaking.

Responsibilities

Direct supervisor for the following positions: Adult Services Specialist, Youth Services Specialist, Programming Assistant, Adult Literacy Coordinator, ESL Assistant, and Outreach Manager/Coordinator. Assigns priorities, analyzes operations, and coordinates activities.
Plans and coordinates all aspects of library events, including creating and managing forms and procedures with the Library Administration.
Works with the Outreach Manager/Coordinator to facilitate positive engagement with the community and works to foster partnerships and bring Outreach services, resources, and events to underserved or remote areas of the parish.
Ensures the Outreach Department operates at an efficient level and has access to all of the resources and staffing it needs to function at peak capacity.
Coordinates all aspects of community engagement, including oversight of the development and implementation of recurring and one-time events, coordinating scheduling with Branch Managers, and tracking attendance, statistics, and evaluation of library programs.
Works events at library branches as needed, as staffing levels dictate, and participates in functions with the Outreach Department offsite, including festivals, school events, etc.
Monitors and mentors Adult and Youth Coordinators by attending events and offering suggestions for improvements if needed.
Interprets library policies and procedures, pertinent to related programs and services, for the public and staff.
Participates in hiring, supervising, training, developing, and evaluating Community Engagement and Outreach staff.
Develops and implements large-scale library events and chairs planning committees for Comic-Con, Summer Reading Programs, and the Livingston Parish Library Book Festival.
Develops and maintains positive relations with community partners by promoting partnerships and projects that strengthen the Livingston Parish community.
Participates in continuing education at local, state, and national levels.
Stays up-to-date on topics related to the field of librarianship by attending conferences, participating in professional organizations, and reading professional literature.
Participates in selection duties as needed in collaboration with the Head of Collection Development.
Develops and monitors appropriate budgets under the supervision of the Library Director.
Identifies and seeks grant opportunities.
Tracks statistics related to department services and events and provides reports to Library Administration as needed.
Works with the Public Information Officer to inform the patrons of events and library initiatives, through newsletters and social media, as well as identifying opportunities for community partnerships.