Youth Services Consultant

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

15h • Remote

About The Position

The Youth Services Consultant plays a critical role in the Library Development branch of the Arizona State Library and serves as the statewide subject matter expert for library services that support the learning, literacy, and developmental needs of Arizona's children, teens, and families. The position provides leadership, consultation, and training to libraries throughout Arizona on youth-services best practices, early literacy, STEM learning, summer and out-of-school programming, emerging technologies, and community engagement. It directs the Arizona Center for the Book, coordinates Arizona's statewide Summer Reading Program, develops strategic partnerships, and plans professional development for library staff. The consultant represents the Arizona State Library at local, state, and national levels and monitors emerging trends and research to support innovation and excellence in library services to young people and their families.

The position may offer remote work within Arizona, depending on department business needs and continued achievement of expected performance measures. Remote work is a management option and may be discontinued at the agency's discretion. The position is supported by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Program funding and is established for the period of grant funding. Continued employment beyond that period is not guaranteed and depends on funding availability, grant requirements, and project needs.

Requirements

• Master of Arts in Library Science or a related degree.
• Valid Arizona driver's license.
• Knowledge of current issues, trends, and best practices in library services for children, teens, and families, including early literacy, STEM learning, and emerging technologies.
• Knowledge of public library operations, youth programming, community engagement strategies, and statewide library development services.
• Knowledge of training, project management, partnership development, and program evaluation principles and practices.
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and managing complex projects, programs, and statewide initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Skill in developing and delivering professional development, presentations, and training for diverse audiences in in-person and virtual environments.
• Skill in using technology, online platforms, databases, and data management tools to support communication, program administration, and reporting.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with library staff, educators, community partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and complete projects successfully in a collaborative team environment.
• Newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• Teaching certification or experience working with schools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the State Library's lead consultant for youth services, providing guidance, technical assistance, and subject matter expertise to libraries serving children, teens, caregivers, and educators throughout Arizona.
• Monitor and evaluate emerging trends, research, and best practices in youth librarianship, early literacy, STEM education, digital learning, and family engagement, and translate findings into practical resources and recommendations.
• Develop tools, resources, and initiatives that strengthen library services to children and young adults and promote equitable access to learning opportunities across the state.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with library organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and community partners to advance statewide literacy and learning goals.
• Direct the activities of the Arizona Center for the Book, including statewide programs, partnerships, outreach activities, and promotional efforts.
• Coordinate Arizona's participation in national Center for the Book initiatives and develop programs promoting literacy, reading, writing, storytelling, and Arizona's literary heritage.
• Cultivate partnerships with authors, educators, cultural organizations, libraries, and other stakeholders to expand public engagement with books, literacy, and lifelong learning.
• Manage program planning, communications, budgets, records, and reporting associated with Center for the Book activities.
• Lead the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Arizona's statewide Summer Reading Program.
• Coordinate with vendors, libraries, and State Library staff on program administration, resource development, training, communication, and assessment.
• Analyze participation and outcomes data to identify trends, measure impact, and recommend future program development.
• Promote approaches that support literacy, learning, and engagement for children, teens, and families during out-of-school time.
• Plan, develop, and deliver in-person and virtual training, workshops, conferences, and learning opportunities for Arizona library staff.
• Collaborate with Library Development colleagues to identify workforce development needs and create professional learning programs that support statewide priorities.
• Represent the State Library through professional organizations, committees, conferences, and collaborative initiatives at local, state, and national levels.

Benefits

• Sick leave.
• Vacation and 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance.
• Retirement plan through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
• Optional short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance.
• Remote work may be available within Arizona, subject to management discretion and business needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level