Are you an experienced programmer ready to level up? As Lead Programming Coordinator for the Fiction/AV/Teen Department, you’ll be a supervisor who oversees assistants working a popular materials service point – and you’ll also help adult programming from different departments run together smoothly. You’ll be organizing and speaking on behalf of all programmers throughout the Library, and you’ll manage the homebound service. Do you have extraordinary communication and negotiation skills? Is your organizational ability off the charts? If you’re great at working with people and making complex systems work effectively, this could be the next step in your library career! We’re looking for a minimum of three years’ adult programming experience in a public library. Popular materials and supervisory experience are not required, but can make a successful candidate stand out.

SCHEDULE: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 9am to 5pm & Tuesday – 1pm to 9pm. Participation in weekend and Friday evening rotations. Flexibility for evening programs desired.

SALARY: $55,200 to $57,000 based on qualifications and experience

BENEFITS:

Medical, dental and vision benefits are offered. Part of the total compensation package also includes paid time off benefits (i.e., paid holidays, vacation time, personal days, and sick leave). Retirement savings options include participation in the IMRF pension plan.

PURPOSE:

Under the direct supervision of the Department Head, the Lead Programming Coordinator leads the programming plan that meet the objectives of the library’s strategic plan and/or assessment of community needs. This position also plans and executes programs and various events. This position chairs the Programming Workgroup and collaborates with other programming staff to meet strategic goals and objectives.

This position manages the Library’s Homebound program for patrons and serves as the in-charge librarian as needed. The Lead Programming Coordinator will also be responsible for the supervision of department staff which may include support positions. This position also includes staffing the Fiction/AV/Teen public service desk and providing services to patrons.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This position comprises of the following essential duties:

• Coordination of programming (approx. 35%)
• Public Service (approx. 25%)
• Oversight of Homebound patron services (approx. 20%)
• Supervision (approx. 20%)

Other non-essential job duties include providing other support to the department and completing special projects as needed or required.

JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Coordination:

• Collaborates with department managers and other programming staff to develop programming framework which meet strategic goals.
• Plans and executes public programs for adults
• Researches the programming needs of various audiences within the community as well as programming standards of local libraries; applies this research to program selection and implementation.
• Analyzes attendance statistics to ensure programming is meeting stated goals and objectives.
• Works collaboratively with programmers in the F/AV/T and Research departments to coordinate general adult programming and ensure overall goals are met.
• Ensures that adult programs are scheduled in an effective and efficient manner (related to time and the availability of resources).
• Chairs the Programming Representatives workgroup in an effective and efficient manner
• Works with other internal departments on marketing, budgeting, and logistics of programing events.

Public Service:

• Applies values-based customer service
• Assists in the use of the equipment items in the public service area
• Compiles bibliographic aids, booklists, path finders, and prepares displays
• Provides information and readers’ advisory service at the public service desk, on the telephone, and online

Homebound Patron Services:

• Facilitates the onboarding process for new homebound patrons
• Oversees and trains homebound selection staff
• Directs volunteers for the delivery of homebound services
• Ensures overall effectiveness of the homebound service for our patrons

Supervision:

• Supervises, trains, and evaluates staff as well as conducting regular meetings with direct reports
• Monitors and approves the time and attendance records for direct reports and/or department staff
• Participates in the recruitment process and evaluates candidates for employment
• Ensures training plans or programs are established and followed
• Establishes standards of work performance and manages individual performance accordingly
• Recommends any employment action for department staff
• Encourages and solicits staff feedback and responds appropriately

Other duties:

• Conducts tours and provides bibliographic instruction as requested
• Participates in special projects when assigned
• Performs collection development as assigned
• Prepares reports and compiles statistics as assigned
• Represents the Department and Library at community events where appropriate
• Serves as building in-charge person when assigned
• Serves as liaison with community groups as assigned
• Serves on committees as assigned
• Serves on the Community Engagement Group
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates volunteers when assigned
• Attends appropriate meetings, workshops, and seminars
• Other duties as assigned

ABILITY, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: (In alphabetical order)

• Ability to access, input and retrieve information from the computer
• Ability to conduct a reference interview in-person, on the telephone, and online and to provide accurate information in a timely manner
• Ability to correctly interpret and implement policies and procedures with staff
• Ability to delegate
• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks assigned in a timely manner
• Ability to handle multiple tasks
• Ability to handle several tasks simultaneously
• Ability to lead a group
• Ability to lift, push, pull, stoop, bend, grasp, kneel, crouch, carry, and reach
• Ability to listen effectively
• Ability to moderate a discussion
• Ability to perform light to medium work
• Ability to plan
• Ability to retrieve information from print and non-print collections
• Ability to speak publicly
• Ability to supervise
• Ability to train
• Ability to work as a member of the team
• Ability to work efficiently, effectively, and courteously with patrons and staff
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent skills in written and oral communication
• Familiarity with teen services
• Knowledge of community needs and interests
• Knowledge of group dynamics
• Knowledge of library materials in several broad areas
• Knowledge of library policies and procedures
• Knowledge of popular materials
• Knowledge of programming and event techniques and methods
• Knowledge of standard reference sources
• Knowledge of the professional practices, procedures, and techniques of Library Science
• Knowledge/skill in general reference
• Knowledge/skill in readers’ advisory reference
• Knowledge/skill in ready reference
• Knowledge/skill in the Integrated Library System
• Knowledge/skill in the use of electronic reference tools
• Knowledge/skill of in-depth electronic bibliographic and informational searches using online databases, Internet sites, and the ILS/Horizon database
• Knowledge/skill of the use of computers, Windows, e-mail, and social media
• Knowledge/skill with collaborative and/or interactive web applications
• Knowledge/skill with electronic messaging e.g. IM
• Knowledge/skill with Microsoft Office applications

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school (or the equivalent education and/or work experience). Three to five years of adult programming experience within a public library environment required. Supervisory experience and experience working with popular materials desired. Bilingual skills a plus.