Programming Coordinator
Southern Chaffee County Regional Library District (AKA Salida Regional Library)
Salida, CO
The Programming Coordinator leads the library's public programming by ensuring the delivery of high-quality educational, cultural, and community engagement opportunities that support the library's mission and strategic priorities. The position is responsible for the overall success and consistency of library programming, exercises independent judgment within established library policies and goals, communicates regularly with the Library Director, and builds collaborative partnerships that enhance services and respond to community interests and needs.
Full-time employees receive health and retirement benefits, along with additional employee benefits such as a wellness stipend and accrued paid time off (PTO).
Duties and Responsibilities
Planning/Organization (@50%)
• Primary responsibility: Teen and adult programming.
• Support responsibility: Library-wide programming coordination and collaboration.
• Plan, design, and implement engaging programs for teens & adults, including recurring programs, special events, and the Teen and Adult Summer Reading Challenge.
• Identify and contract with qualified presenters and instructors (As needed).
• Maintain the Library’s room reservation calendar and website programming calendar.
• Regularly conduct program evaluations and gather feedback to guide future programming.
• Communicate weekly or monthly (as needed) updates to frontline staff to share information and promote all programs and services.
• Communicate weekly with the Library Director about programming.
• Track program attendance and other data to guide decision-making, identify service needs, and contribute information to the annual State Library Report.
• Develop and maintain organized program records, tracking spreadsheets, and evaluation surveys that support informed decision-making and effective collaboration among management staff.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with community partners, presenters,
contractors, and consultants.
• Complete special event assignments related to library programming: i.e. Community Read, Lunch and learn, etc.
• Evaluate current processes and recreate as needed, including, but not limited to a calendar system for meeting rooms.
• Incorporate strategic plan intended outcomes and strategies in professional goals.
• Serve on consortium or other committees as assigned by the Director.
• Enforce the library’s policies and procedures, while safeguarding confidential and restricted
information.
• Uphold excellence in customer service standards.
• Keep current in public library trends, services, policies and best practices for library services
Marketing/Advertising (@ 40%)
• Design marketing materials for all library programs (children, teen & adult).
• Promote and market all library events and services in regular and special marketing campaigns.
• Conduct community outreach to broaden awareness and impact of library services.
• Collaborate with Bookmobile and Children's Library staff on programming, marketing, and community engagement efforts.
Budget/Accounting (@ 10%)
• Work with the Director to develop and manage the department budget; ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds and advise the Director on budgetary needs.
• Accurately track expenses of programs.
This employee has the following professional knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Must be an effective and proactive communicator who keeps the supervisor informed of concerns, accomplishments, opportunities, and emerging issues.
• Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate clearly to diverse audiences.
• Skilled at providing outstanding customer service in person, on the telephone, and via e-mail and
other forms of electronic communication.
• Skilled in organization, planning, problem solving and decision-making.
• Experience in planning and delivering programs, classes, or events.
• Proficiency with technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, library software, online platforms such as Eventbrite, and design tools such as Canva.
• Competent in developing and implementing long- and short-range plans.
• Have the ability to effectively multitask while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Competent to deal calmly and effectively with a wide range of individuals, in some instances under
stressful or emergency conditions.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in library science, education, communications, social work, marketing, public administration, or a related field required.
• A minimum of three years of public library experience or public service-related field.
Other Qualifications:
• Schedule includes occasional evening and weekend hours as required to support library programs and events.
Physical Activity & Work Environment:
• Ability to lift up to 40lbs
• Ability to work indoors in an office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement, hot, or cold weather as required by attendance and some outreach events.
• Ability to walk or travel up and down stairs throughout the day.
All interested applicants need to submit a cover letter and resume by August 3, 2026 to [email protected].
The Colorado mountain town of Salida sits in the middle of the state, literally in the "Heart of the Rockies," about 2 hours from Colorado Springs and 3 hours from Denver. Salida, Colorado has an estimated population of approximately 6,000 residents, with Chaffee County having just over 20,000 residents. The median household income is approximately $70,045
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains along the Arkansas River, Salida, Colorado is a vibrant mountain town known for its welcoming community, historic downtown, and thriving arts and outdoor recreation scene. As Colorado's first Certified Creative District, Salida is home to numerous art galleries, studios, public art installations, live music venues, and year-round cultural events.
Surrounded by the Sawatch and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, Salida offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, skiing at nearby Monarch Mountain, and soaking in natural hot springs. The Arkansas River flows through downtown, creating a unique setting where residents and visitors can enjoy river parks, trails, restaurants, boutique shopping, and community festivals such as the nationally recognized FIBArk Whitewater Festival. With its blend of natural beauty, creative spirit, and small-town charm, Salida is a destination that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, artists, and families alike.
Website
www.salidalibrary.org
Susan Matthews, Director