LibraryJobline

Job Description

Job Summary

Are you a dynamic and impactful government and public affairs professional who can get communities loud for libraries, as well as develop and pursue Sno-Isle Libraries intergovernmental relations agenda? Here’s an incredible opportunity to apply your policy, public affairs and community engagement expertise to advance engagement, advocacy and thought leadership aligned to our strategic objectives. 

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a passion for our brand. Provide leadership and direction of external relationships for the library district by establishing and maintaining strategic networks and partnerships. Develop effective working relationships between the organization and communities, interested parties, public agencies, policymakers, non-governmental organizations and groups at the local, regional, state and national level to meet the library district's mission and strategic objectives.

Along with the online application, please submit an outline of a library government and community relations campaign (no longer than two pages) that would be implemented in the next 100 days in order to connect the Snohomish and Island County communities to their local library. 

We Value Lived Experience 

Sno-Isle Libraries is committed to embedding equity into our organization. As we engage in equity work, it's important to have a good foundation to frame the work and then provide training opportunities to build skills and knowledge. 

We value and embrace the unique experiences our staff members bring to the organization and recognize how their experiences improve the service we provide.

Essential Functions

Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

1. Serve as the primary liaison and provides leadership and support to local, regional, state and federal government officials, including elected officials, staff and relevant public agencies; build effective relationships in support of the Library District's strategic objectives and initiatives.
2. Maintain ongoing awareness of national, state and community-level issues affecting public libraries and the library district, including potential, pending or current legislation, regulatory action, decisions or issues.
3. Provide strategic management, coordination, or support for local and strategic library events, ballot measures, and meetings, as needed.
4. Provide management, planning, engagement support to state, regional and local political, economic and community development initiatives in alignment with library district's strategic focus, objectives and initiatives.
5. Maximize library participation in key local, regional and national based organizations.
6. Research, evaluate, and execute effective strategic partnerships within government, education, non-profit, and business sectors.
7. Manage the development and implementation of effective partner and civic engagement strategies, including proactive engagement plans with external partners who might influence and impact the library district or community libraries; ensure timely response to needs, concerns, inquiries, and keep them informed of critical library issues.
8. Develop effective internal relationships by collaborating and consulting with all departments, internal peers in implementing strategic partnerships and public affairs strategies; create value for the efforts of internal peers and leaders by participating and providing management support to cross-functional library teams.
9. Provide effective direction to any assigned staff to assure the quality of personnel support services. This includes such actions as: interviewing, selecting and training staff; scheduling and assigning tasks and services; coaching staff and arranging for or giving continuing training to enhance their capabilities and quality of service; applying Library District personnel policies and procedures to such matters as granting and scheduling leave, resolving grievances and discipline matters; evaluating staff performance and providing useful and helpful communication to staff on their performance; and promoting and terminating assigned staff members.
10. Develop and manage program budget and work plan strategy, as well as multiple projects, including budget development, monitoring and reports.
11. Develop scopes of work and participate in selection of consultants/contracted services; monitor project budget, timeline and performance of contractor when assigned as project manager.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

1. Continually acquire new knowledge and update skills to enhance professional performance in all areas of responsibility.
2. Collaborates with Marketing and Communications Manager and Assistant Director of Strategic Relations to plan, organize and implement community or strategic events.
3. Monitor and report work metrics for dashboard evaluation and effectiveness analysis.
4. Prepares reports, news releases and other public communications materials.
5. Attends meetings, trainings and workshops as assigned.
6. Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Supervision

This position reports to the Assistant Director of Strategic Relations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Thorough knowledge of established trends and practices in public affairs, partnership or business development, government relations and public administration, civic engagement.
2. Knowledge of strategic planning and program development including needs assessment and program evaluation.
3. Knowledge of public library mission, structure, administration, policies and procedures.
4. Ability to uphold the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and the community.
5. Ability to demonstrate excellent professional judgment in a variety of settings and with individuals at all levels of the social strata.
6. Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with diverse audiences.
7. Ability to engage partners and members of the community confidently and respond to stressful and complex situations with presence and poise.
8. Ability to be proactive, adaptable, and innovative within a dynamic environment.
9. Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English clearly and concisely.
10. Ability to deliver presentations to a variety of public groups.
11. Ability to develop and administer budgets and fiscal assets.
12. Ability to work independently and to set priorities.
13. Ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective interpersonal skills with the public and co-workers.
14. Ability to translate organizational initiatives, objectives and business needs into effective strategies and execute and evaluate those strategies to ensure continued effectiveness.
15. Ability to operate relevant computer systems including hardware and software, such as Microsoft, Word, electronic databases, e-mail, and internet navigation in addition to other office equipment and security systems.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in a related field such as business, communications, community relations, civic engagement, public affairs, or political science OR
2. At least three years of experience of in one or more of the following: business, business development, communications, community relations, civic engagement, public and government affairs, public administration, library administration or stakeholder engagement.
3. Two years of supervisory experience, or any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skills.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Most of the work is carried out within a generally accessible, safe, indoor environment. While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is required to operate computers for extended periods of time.

The incumbent must regularly communicate with coworkers and members of the public. These contacts and situations are deemed to be generally safe and free of undue stress, but require incumbents to be cordial, helpful, and skilled in interpersonal relations with others both in the public and within the Library District.

Incumbents may travel to various sites in all kinds of weather and traffic conditions. To accomplish this travel, the incumbent must be able to drive and hold a valid Washington State driver's license or to make independent arrangements for such transportation.

Sno-Isle Libraries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. This and all Sno-Isle Libraries' positions are subject to transfer.

Benefits & Additional Compensation Info

All Sno-Isle Libraries employees are eligible for sick leave, vacation leave, paid holidays, and dental coverage. Employees working 20 or more hours per week also receive additional benefits such as medical and vision coverage, retirement savings, life insurance, and flexible healthcare and daycare spending accounts.

Additional Info & Requirements

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities, and value the variety of ideas, worldviews, and personal experience that our staff bring to their work. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are foundational values of our work here at Sno-Isle Libraries. Learn more about how we serve and celebrate inclusive needs and perspectives on our equity page.

The Community

Sno-Isle Libraries is a large, two-county library district in the beautiful north Puget Sound region of Washington State. District boundaries stretch from rugged timberlands to suburban centers, from rolling farmlands to the ocean vistas. Set in the fastest-growing corner of the state, Sno-Isle Libraries serves more than 800,000 residents through 23 community libraries, online services, Library on Wheels, and our website at www.sno-isle.org.

Website
https://www.sno-isle.org/

Human Resources / Job Listings
https://www.sno-isle.org/employment/