Job Description
The Youth Educator/Librarian is a member of the Library’s Education Team, helping to build our growing Teen/Youth Program and contributing to its future by designing, planning, and implementing a full range of high impact programs for youth.
- Our model incorporates the “connected learning” concept for youth engagement, curriculum development, and delivery of teen education and workforce development programming through programs that provide a project based, educational experience that incorporates youth interests, technology, library collections, community needs, and aligning with school curriculum which result in measurable, quantifiable outcomes.
- We also support a whole-community approach with partnerships, building trust and “being” the library both inside our downtown location and throughout the community.
Program Development and Support:
- Create an inviting, fun environment for youth that inspires learning and creativity.
- Assist in identifying and developing funding proposals.
- Initiate, develop and grow partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, libraries, employers, families, etc.
- Mentor and coach youth and provide direct student support including assessing student work to award academic credit and digital badges and recruiting and enrolling students.
- Co-lead in the development and implementation of programs for youth based on connected learning principles with special focus on the use of technology, standards and competencies.
Program Management:
- Manage Teen Program data and outcomes collection and produce reports and analysis as needed.
- Serve as lead on managing budget for collection development and assist with budget for teen programs in coordination with the Finance Office, including preparing reports as requested, handling invoices, and ensuring that funds are used appropriately and in a timely manner.
- Help facilitate workflow and successful delivery of ongoing, drop-in, and one-time-only programs including the summer teen employment program. This includes daily oversight, supervision of temporary staff, on-site and off-site logistics, ordering supplies and keeping inventory.
Communications and Marketing:
- Serve as lead on developing and sharing attractive and compelling internal and external information about the Teen Program. This includes updating PPL’s website/social media, collecting participant stories, creating marketing materials for community engagement and participant recruitment, managing the Teen Loft, helping to document best practices, identifying dissemination outlets and presenting at conferences/various venues.
Library Services:
- Serve as co-lead on managing the Teen Loft including staffing the Teen Reference Desk, assigning use of the Teen Meeting Room, and working with staff and youth towards best use of the space.
- Serve as lead on collection development and maintenance for young adult collections located in the Teen Loft, and the graphic novel collection located in the adult collection.
- Instructs teens in information gathering, research skills and digital literacy skills.
- Provide direct assistance to Youth regarding use of library materials and services including outreach to area schools.
- Communicate and collaborate with library staff on areas related to service to youth and families and contribute to overall Education Department goals.
Additional Skills:
- Other duties as assigned.
- Bilingual Spanish/English a plus
- Experience in data collection and reporting, program and budget management, and strong computer and technology skills.
- Detail-oriented organizer with experience tracking progression of programs and activities that require collaboration and cooperation of others from planning to implementation.
- Comfort with training others.
- Knowledge of current trends in programming for youth and outcome-based assessment, including digital badging and the concept of connected learning is a plus.
- Working knowledge of the educational/cognitive, and social/emotional needs of youth; ability to translate those needs and interests into effective library programs and services.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications, including the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy and comfort working in a multicultural environment. Strong public speaking skills.
- Ability to adapt to change and able to handle multiple competing projects, priorities and tasks. The duties of this position may change over time based on varying funding sources, community needs and other factors.
- Lifelong learner with a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and supporting an institutional culture of learning.
- Forward-thinker with a record of developing imaginative solutions to complex problems and creating support for solutions. Comfort with agile program development -- be willing to take risks and pilot projects, evaluate success and failures, and revise.
- Consummate team-player who will help identify, nurture, and achieve shared goals with PPL staff, partners, and Youth including proven success in working with community partners, specifically in workforce development, youth education and/or diverse community outreach efforts.
Education & Experience Required:
- Minimum Years of Experience: 3 or more in one or more of the following:
- MLIS or MEd or equivalent required, plus relevant experience in education, youth development or a library related field
- Program development/management in education/community initiatives with multiple partners
- Out-of-school time learning environments with a variety of skills and comfort levels integrating technology into teaching and learning.
- Developing programs/curriculum that supports learning and understanding of youth learning in formal and informal environments.
Additional Requirements:
- Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
- Position Location – Office in Providence, RI with in-state off-site programming/meetings
- Willing to work a varied schedule that includes evening and weekend hours.
- Driving/Travel requirements – 10-20% (includes in-state and out-of-state). Ability to travel across the state to varied locations and sites other than libraries. Ability to attend out-of-state, overnight conferences and meetings.
This position is:
Exempt and is part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week and evenings and weekends are required
Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000
Please submit cover letter and resume by August 2, 2021.
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
The Community
Providence Public Library (PPL) is a 144-year-old nonprofit corporation providing free public library services through its rich and historic physical and digital collections, extensive information resources, thought-provoking exhibitions, impactful educational programs, and expert staff.
PPL is continually transforming and focused on providing equally transformative experiences for all Rhode Islanders. The Library is actively expanding our reach through critical statewide collaborations and serving as an open and supportive teaching and learning place where communities can connect, experience, create and achieve, whether in our physical or virtual realms.
To achieve our mission, the Library is strategically focused on serving Rhode Island families and early care providers, teens, downcity residents, learners seeking workforce development, and those pursuing creative and scholarly endeavors.
Website
Www.provlib.org
Human Resources / Job Listings
https://www.provlib.org/about-us/job-opportunities/
HR Info
Email cover letter and resume to: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
ATTN: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
OR Fax to: 401-455-8002