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Youth Educator/Librarian, Providence Public Library, Providence, RI

Posted May 22, 2018

Providence Public Library (PPL) is a private, nonprofit public library serving the city and state of Rhode Island. PPL engages learners, inspires thinkers and connects diverse communities. 

Guided by PPL’s Think Again! Strategic Plan, we are transforming PPL into a major educational, cultural and community resource. PPL is a learning place where users of all ages can come for lasting experiences; where learners will have opportunities to connect and work with like-minded people, as well as access information and technology that enable them to achieve their goals in a supportive, creative environment. We are a learning place that continually adapts and innovates to meet our community’s changing needs.

 

The Youth Educator/Librarian is a member of the Library’s Education Team and will have the opportunity to build upon our growing two-person Teen/Youth Program and contribute to its future vision 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. 
  • A planned renovation with a new Teen space, new Makerspace equipment and a current, large federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services are some of the exciting opportunities that await the Youth Educator/Librarian. 
  • A whole-community approach where partnerships, building trust and “being” the library both inside our downtown location and throughout the community.
  • We’re looking for a detail-oriented and thoughtful doer and a strategic and innovative thinker.

 

Current responsibilities include: 

Program Development and Support (35%):  

  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • Initiate, develop and grow partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, libraries, employers, families, etc. 
  • Assist in in identifying and developing funding proposals.  
  • Create an inviting, fun environment for youth that inspires learning and creativity.

 

Program Management (35%):  

  • 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. 
  • Serve as lead on managing 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. 
  • Manage Teen Program data and outcomes collection and produce reports and analysis as needed.

 

Communications and Marketing (15%):  

  • 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, helping to document best practices, identifying dissemination outlets and presenting at conferences/various venues.

 

Library Services (15%): 

  • Communicate and collaborate with library staff on areas related to service to youth and families and contribute to overall Education Department goals including Youth collection development and maintenance. 
  • Provide direct assistance to Youth regarding use of library materials and services including outreach to area schools. 
  • The percentage of time for this role is expected to increase in the coming years.

 

The successful candidate will be a:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Lifelong learner with a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and supporting an institutional culture of learning.
  • Flexible professional with the 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. 
  • 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.
  • Educator with knowledge of the educational/cognitive, and social/emotional needs of youth; ability to translate those needs and interests into effective library programs and services. 
  • Knowledge of current trends in programming for youth and outcome-based assessment, including digital badging and the concept of connected learning is a plus.
  • Comfort with training others.
  • Detail-oriented organizer with experience tracking progression of programs and activities that require collaboration and cooperation of others from planning to implementation.
  • Experience in data collection and reporting, program and budget management, and strong computer and technology skills.
  • Bilingual Spanish/English a plus

 

Experience, Education, and Minimum Requirements:

  • MLIS or MEd or equivalent required, plus relevant experience in education, youth development or a library related field
  • Minimum Years of Experience: 5 or more in one or more of the following:
    • Developing programs/curriculum that supports learning and understanding of youth learning in formal and informal environments.
    • Out-of-school time learning environments with a variety of skills and comfort levels integrating technology into teaching and learning.
    • Program development/management in education/community initiatives with multiple partners

 

Additional Requirements & Info:

  • 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.
  • Willing to work a varied schedule that includes evening and weekend hours.
  • Position Location – Office in Providence, RI with in-state off-site programming/meetings
  • Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
  • This position is a full-time, exempt position and is part of the union.
  • Salary range:  $50,000 – $55,000
  • The weekly hours are 37.5 hours and the actual working hours may vary.

 

 

To apply, submit cover letter and resume by May 31, 2018 to:

The Providence Public Library

Attn: HR

150 Empire Street

Providence, RI 02903

Fax: 401-455-8004

E-mail: [email protected]

 

Equal Opportunity

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.

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