Harnett County is hiring: Library Program Specialist- Community Engagement - par

The Community Engagement and Programming Assistant plays a pivotal role in fostering community connections, coordinating and assisting with library programs and services, and enhancing an exemplary and cohesive patron experience at all public library locations in Harnett County.

Hiring Range: $38,532.00

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

• Design and implement a wide range of library programs for children and adults, including educational workshops, author visits, literacy initiatives, and cultural events that can be adapted for each of the eight public library locations in Harnett County.
• Coordinates the scheduling and logistics of ancillary programs and services such as digital literacy, local history, cultural programing, adult education, financial literacy, and health and wellness initiatives at each library branch.
• Collaborates with library staff and community organizations to ensure programs meet the needs and interests of the community.
• Meets with and provides support to programming staff, offering resources, ideas, and assistance to enhance programming efforts.
• Initiates, plans, develops, oversees, and implements a variety of programs and activities to encourage the use of the library.
• Works with library administration and programmers to develop strategic programming initiatives that align with the library system’s goals.
• Assists in developing and implementing effective in-house marketing of library services, content, and resources relevant to patrons for the Library website, newsletters, and associated social media sites.
• Collaborates with library staff to create engaging promotional materials, such as flyers, posters, brochures, social media posts, and newsletters, to increase awareness of library services and events.
• Provides assistance and support to community members in navigating library resources and services, including information on programs, collections, and technology.
• Coordinates the planning, development, and execution of the library’s community engagement program, ensuring the active involvement of diverse audiences in library programs and services through collaboration with fellow team members.
• Represents the library at community events, festivals, meetings, and forums to promote the library’s mission and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Provides reference services such as Book-A-Librarian appointments for patrons in-person, by telephone, and email.
• Evaluates and prioritizes the needs of the library services and measures outcomes using a variety of methods to make recommendations and implement solutions.
• Serves as a liaison to community groups, organizations, and agencies.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with community organizations, local businesses, schools, civic groups and other stakeholders to promote the library’s programs, services, and volunteer opportunities.
• Assists with the production of and distribution of promotional materials.
• Stays informed on community needs and trends: Keep abreast of local community issues, demographics, and trends to proactively identify opportunities for library involvement and develop responsive programming.
• Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle as needed.
• Performs all related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• Graduation from an accredited college or university
• Two years of public library experience
• Experience with library programming with youth and/or adults
• Proven experience in digital communications including common social media channels, marketing, web content development, and graphic design software
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong organizational skills and time management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work with diverse age groups of volunteers, including different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and abilities.
• Proficient in using technology and software applications such as databases, Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and graphic design software and tools.
• Knowledge of the operation principles and practices of a public library and practices of library science.
• Knowledge of the use of computer systems including on-line systems, computer software, printers, and other peripheral hardware.
• Skill in providing customer service.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, volunteers, officials, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to perform medium work frequently exerting up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of balancing, crawling, crouching, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, kneeling, lifting, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, and walking. An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, to operate a computer terminal, for extensive reading; for visual inspection of books and materials at distances close to the eyes, and for use of measurement devices.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee works in a library environment.