Outreach Specialist

Fremont Public Library District•Mundelein, IL

About The Position

The Outreach Specialist builds partnerships and connects diverse communities with public library services and resources beyond traditional library spaces. The role develops relationships with schools, community service agencies, local businesses, library Friends and volunteers, and serves as the Library’s primary connection to the community through social media. The specialist coordinates outreach events with librarians and other staff and manages community groups’ requests to use Library meeting rooms. This is a year-round, full-time exempt position at 40 hours per week. Hours vary according to duties and include evenings and weekends. The position reports to the Assistant Director and is part of the Community Engagement Department, working with the Marketing Specialist and Graphic Artist/Designer and coordinating closely with outreach staff in the Adult, Youth and Circulation Departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or at least five years of experience working in a similar position.
Proficiency in Windows, MS Office and social media platforms.
An extremely flexible schedule to take pictures at Library events and attend outreach events outside normal business hours.
Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability to work with different teams and partner with other staff.
Ability to represent the Library with a professional image and manner that is professional and friendly.
Enthusiasm for public presentations and one-on-one engagements with the public.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to local organizations and businesses as needed to promote the Library.
Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Ability to operate a computer keyboard and mouse; read documents and a computer screen; and detect color coding.
Fluent English communication skills, both written and oral; ability to speak and be heard, hear coworkers and patrons in person and by phone, and address a larger group without a microphone.
Ability to lift lightweight folding tables, manipulate a canopy tent with assistance, and push carts of supplies to events outside the Library.
Ability to greet and communicate with patrons in varied settings, including outdoor events in hot or cold weather, and to travel across potentially long distances or grassy areas while hauling a wagonload of supplies.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Library Science; librarians with a Master’s degree are encouraged to apply.
Proficiency in speaking Spanish.

Responsibilities

Work with Adult, Youth and Circulation staff to develop and deliver programs and services at community locations, with a specific focus on underserved populations.
Stay informed about outreach activities conducted by other library staff and provide support as needed.
Conduct Outreach Team meetings to complete tasks for the Library’s Strategic Plan.
Facilitate community members’ use of Library meeting rooms.
Serve as the primary creator of content for the Library’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok profiles.
Coordinate with programming staff to take photographs and video at Library events for social media.
Build and maintain relationships with community members and organizations through outreach to local businesses and nonprofits, and by serving on local boards and committees.
Facilitate the Fremont Second Chances initiative by delivering withdrawn or donated books to area Little Free Library locations.
Coordinate the Library’s participation in larger events, including local festivals and farmers’ markets.
Participate in Library-wide events such as the Summer Library Club and help facilitate involvement by community organizations and businesses.
Serve as liaison to the Friends and Foundation of the Library.
Manage Library volunteers.
Assist with special Library functions and fundraising efforts.
Collect data about the Library’s interactions with the community and use demographic and forecasting tools to advise administration on community needs.
Attend professional continuing education seminars related to job tasks and objectives.
Attend and participate in consortium and system-related committees and meetings.

Benefits

Medical insurance options for individual or family coverage, with the employer paying 90% of individual premiums and 75% of family premiums.
Employer contributions toward higher deductibles through a Health Reimbursement Account or Health Savings Account, depending on the selected plan.
Employee-paid dental and vision insurance coverage.
Employer-paid basic life insurance, with optional employee-paid AD&D and supplemental coverage.
Employer contributions to an IMRF pension plan, with required enrollment, and the option to start a 457 tax-deferred retirement savings plan.
Funding for conferences, seminars and workshops.
Employee Assistance Programs offering counseling and wellness services.
Four weeks of vacation, 12 sick days and four paid leave days per year.
Eight paid holidays.
Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
Five days of paid bereavement and/or emergency leave.