Youth Services Consultant

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Services Consultant is a statewide subject matter expert in the Library Development branch of the Arizona State Library. The position provides leadership, consultation, technical assistance, and training to libraries throughout Arizona on services supporting the learning, literacy, and developmental needs of children, teens, and families. Areas include youth services best practices, early literacy, STEM learning, summer and out-of-school programming, emerging technologies, and community engagement. The consultant directs the Arizona Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Library of Congress; coordinates Arizona's statewide Summer Reading Program; develops strategic partnerships that advance literacy and lifelong learning; and plans and delivers professional development for library staff. The role 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 is supported by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant funding and is established for the grant-funded period. Continued employment beyond that period is not guaranteed and is subject to funding availability, grant requirements, and project needs. Remote work within Arizona may be available based on department business needs and continued performance measures.

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 settings.
Skill in using technology, online platforms, databases, and data management tools for 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.
All 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

Provide statewide leadership, guidance, technical assistance, and subject matter expertise to libraries serving children, teens, caregivers, and educators.
Monitor and evaluate 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 services to children and young adults and promote equitable access to learning opportunities.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with library organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and community partners.
Direct statewide programs, partnerships, outreach, and promotional activities for the Arizona Center for the Book; coordinate Arizona participation in national initiatives and manage related planning, communications, budgets, records, and reporting.
Lead planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Arizona's statewide Summer Reading Program; coordinate with vendors, libraries, and State Library staff; analyze participation and outcomes data; and recommend program improvements.
Plan, develop, and deliver in-person and virtual training, workshops, conferences, and other professional learning opportunities for Arizona library staff.
Work with Library Development colleagues to identify workforce development needs and create programs that support statewide priorities.
Represent the State Library in professional organizations, committees, conferences, and collaborative initiatives at local, state, and national levels.

Benefits

Sick leave
Vacation
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 insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan through the Arizona State Retirement System
Life insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Optional short-term disability insurance
Optional deferred compensation plans
Optional supplemental life insurance
Remote work may be available within Arizona, subject to management approval and business needs.