Job Description
Broad Scope of Position:
This position works closely with public library directors and trustees to support library and community development with such issues as strategic planning, governance, legal and policy considerations, standards and practices, and community engagement. This position also partners within CDE and with other Colorado agencies to develop strong and vibrant communities and meet the educational, civic, and economic development needs and aspirations of our communities and residents. This position is federally funded and part of a broader team of library development professionals.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as a leader for public library and community development by facilitating and supporting strategic planning, policy development, and other aspects of public library leadership and administration.
- Provide consultation and instruction to library leaders on standards, best practices, trustee training, and topics for improving Colorado communities and library services, including overseeing the ongoing development of Colorado public library standards and guidelines.
- Develop strategic partnerships, innovative statewide initiatives, and grant projects that improve Colorado public libraries’ capacity to meet community aspirations and needs and encourage public community engagement.
- Represent the State Library with statewide stakeholders including local and regional library groups, nonprofit and state organizations that support library efforts, national colleagues, and other community organizations to strengthen public libraries
- Assist local library leaders and other government entities gain a better understanding of Colorado library law and other legal requirements as they relate to public library administration, district formation, ballot initiatives, and long-range planning.
- Facilitate collaboration among Colorado library staffs and connect library innovators to further strengthen public libraries for future success and effectiveness.
- Coordinate meetings and groups interested in aspects of library effectiveness, such as fundraising, trustee development, regional networking, professional development, civil discourse, workforce development, economic development, and diversity.
- Support communities in developing sustainable public library governance structures and all aspects of successful public library offerings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Additional Info & Requirements
This position reports to Sharon Morris, Director of Library Development.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum of four years of professional, leadership-level experience in a public library.
- Demonstrated experience in facilitating strategic planning, meetings, and similar initiatives to stimulate improving library services.
- Excellent social and emotional intelligence skills.
- Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and formal presentation communication skills.
- Demonstrated expertise in project management.
- Familiarity with Colorado Public Library Law and its applications in public libraries.
- Willing and able to travel in- state (day trips and overnights) on a regular basis.
- Able to pass state-required background check.
Preferred:
- Experience as a public library director.
- Experience as a community leader, including involvement in community-level strategic planning and/or initiatives.
- Master’s in Library Science.
- Experience coordinating state-wide projects and/or partnerships.
- Experience in delivering online and face-to-face instruction and training.
- Experience writing and administering grants and/or other fundraising initiatives.
- Experience with library building and/or remodeling projects.
The Community
This position works throughout the beautiful state of Colorado.
HR Info
Please email a completed Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Employment Application, letter of interest, and resume to careers@cde.state.co.us with the Position# and Title in the subject line.
To obtain a Colorado Department of Education Employment Application, visit our website at http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdemgmt/HR/jobs.htm
All materials submitted should be current and specifically address the qualifications for this position.
Hard copies of application materials and application materials sent via mail or fax will not be accepted.