Job Opportunities
Are you excited about library services, developing teams and helping people? Join our team at Providence Public Library and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including: fifteen paid holidays, twenty-two paid vacation days, sick leave, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefit options and a matching 403(b) plan.
We are seeking a dynamic, empathetic and energetic information professional to lead our Information Services team. This position oversees all aspects of the Information Services department, including hiring, staff development, management of the general collections budget and selection activity. The Head of Information Services will also have a proven record of providing outstanding and innovative programs and services to diverse audiences, and cultivating positive and productive partnerships with community organizations. The ideal person in this position will have experience working with diverse populations in an urban community.
This position reports to the Director of Technology and Information Services and innovatively champions the Information Services team to provide responsive and effective circulation and reference support across all aspects of Information Services operations. This position is accountable for activities related to both Circulation and Reference operations including borrower services, interlibrary loan, delivery, collection development, reference, education, and outreach. The incumbent supervises the delivery of point-of-need assistance to library customers and visitors, including second tier technology troubleshooting and support.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Directs Information Services team in providing reference, readers/audiovisual/technology advisory and borrower services for library customers.
- Lead teams to create, coordinate and present library programs, special events and outreach for the community.
- Maintains weekly schedules for Information Services team in coordination with the Senior team member(s).
- Works collaboratively with other departments to present public programs and develop complementary services.
- Designs and directs Librarian’s programming and workshops, ensuring that they are responsive to community needs. Cultivate and maintain community partnerships.
- Works with the internal Marketing team to create and coordinate publicity and marketing for library educational programs and events.
- Works collaboratively with other departments on library marketing, including book display merchandising, blog posts, digital signage, website, social media contributions, etc.
- Develops relationships with area libraries and organizations through presentations and collaborative projects.
- Directly supervises a team of librarians and specialists as well as the Technology Specialist position.
- Organizes ongoing training for all teams.
- Provides Adult reference and reader’s advisory service to library customers.
- Manages the Library's general collections budget and organizes and oversees selection activity, large scale collection projects and maintenance, weeding efforts and health of the general collections.
- Oversight of general collections, which includes developing and maintaining the library’s Collection Development Policy.
- Analyze usage trends to guide the development of adult general collections, direct information-driven and intensive collection maintenance efforts, including item database cleanups, weeding projects, quality and bibliographic control, and other activities relating to the upkeep of historic and diverse circulating materials.
- Analyze usage trends to guide borrower policies and procedures; prioritize equitable access to collections and information; direct policy- and information-driven maintenance of the Library's patron database.
- Participates in the Library's data collection and analysis efforts.
- Participates fully as a member of Library management and disaster response team; agility and capacity to respond to demands of managing public services in a busy, urban setting.
- Willing to work evenings and weekends
- Stays current with library trends and emerging technologies.
- Participates in professional development activities and represent the library in committee work at local and state level as necessary.
Additional Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
- Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
Education & Experience Required
- MLS from a graduate library school accredited by ALA and 5 years of library experience required.
- Minimum of 3 years of demonstrable supervisory experience.
- A strong background in computers/technology, digital literacy and non-print materials formats.
- Empathy, patience, tact, and excellent communication skills.
- Enjoys learning as well as teaching.
- Ability to train and supervise library staff.
- Evidence of teaching/presentation experience and facility
- Strong organizational talents.
- Demonstrates creativity, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
- Poise in a busy setting serving library customers and staff with high expectations.
- Excellent reference skills and ability to relate to library customers of all ages.
- Ability to exhibit good judgment and establish effective working relationships with staff, colleagues within the library system, and local government personnel.
- Ability to plan and coordinate the work of others.
- Ability to exercise leadership and motivate others.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with community organizations.
- Warm, outgoing personality.
- Spanish speaking is very desirable
- Knowledge of automated library systems, reference and circulation service operations, databases, copyright law, and web development strongly preferred.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.
- Interest in library trends and emerging technologies, intermediate word processing and spreadsheet abilities, and ease with technology and social media are imperative.
- Outstanding work ethic, strong commitment to customer-centered services and flexibility is critical.
- Candidates must possess the ability to work both independently and in a fast-paced team environment with diverse patrons and coworkers.
- Google applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications experience required.
- Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
Additional Requirements:
- Driving/Travel requirements – 0-10%
- Position Location – Providence, RI
- Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
This position is:
Exempt and is not part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours based on Monday - Saturday
Salary Range: $65,000 - $74,000
Please submit cover letter and resume by September 10, 2024.
Posting Date: August 19, 2024 – open until filled
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. 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.
This position, under general direction of the Director of External Relations, facilitates research, development & writing of institutional grant proposals and writing/reviewing/editing of departmental proposals; conducts research for potential funding sources, and maintains databases, spreadsheets, reporting, and various systems of the organization to ensure the success of PPL’s $2-3 million annual grants program, which comprises a spectrum of small, discrete departmental program proposals to national foundations involving multiple partners. Part of the library’s strategy is to focus resources on grants having close connections to our target audiences: art and design community, high school students, very young children/caregivers, DownCity residents, and workforce development for immigrants, English language learners, and other job seekers.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Persuasively communicate PPL’s mission and programs to potential funders orally and in writing.
- Conducts a full range of activities required to prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to foundation, corporate, state, federal, and other identified sources.
- work closely with program staff to help align current and new programming to funder priorities and opportunities as they arise
- develop in-depth narrative content, budgets, evaluation systems, outcomes/metrics, publicity and outreach strategies, and more as required.
- develop/update supplementary information, financial attachments, etc. and coordinate the submission of follow-up materials such as award agreements and contracts, revised budgets, press releases, and more as needed.
- Develops and maintains various processes and procedures to facilitate key grant program functions.
- maintain a database and/or calendar of all proposal and report deadlines, maintaining Grants.gov and SAM.gov accounts and related information,
- create and maintain electronic and hard copy filing/organizational systems to ensure ready access to crucial records.
- Performs prospect research on foundations and corporations to evaluate new potential sources of funding.
- Remains up-to-date and informed about award requirements, processes, and procedures for a wide range of state, federal, private, and corporate funders:
- Works with the Finance Office and program staff to ensure and address questions surrounding grant compliance and procedures.
- Works with the Finance Office and appropriate managers to gather information necessary to report to corporate/foundation funders on current grant programs:
- Comply with all grant reporting as required by grant makers.
- Create impactful reports on program achievements and expenditures.
- Provides stewardship to current grant makers by working with Director of External Relations to provide regular written updates to corporate and foundation funders.
- Understands institutional history and programs.
- Plays a crucial supporting role in the development of new initiatives and their alignment to the strategic plan and current funding trends and requirements.
- Assists Director of External Relations with appointments for foundation officers and other prospects, including arranging onsite tours.
- Tracks statistics relevant to Development Office and provides departments with necessary written materials related to grant programs.
- Works with Director of External Relations to provide input for written institutional development materials.
- Assists with department-wide fundraising efforts - including individual giving and special events - as assigned.
- Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
- Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all inclusive organization, including full participation in the implementation of PPL’s diversity, equity, and inclusion roadmap.
- Cultivate practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization that serves the public and each other.
- Collaborate with External Relations to ignite and activate a community of support for PPL and to amplify the Library’s message and work.
Necessary Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
- Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, funders, and community partners.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
Education & Experience Required:
- BA with 3-5 years of relevant experience, and a PROVEN TRACK RECORD
- Specific knowledge of federal grant guidelines and grants.gov submission process
- Familiarity with Raisers Edge and Foundation Center database(s)
- Experience using online databases and other sources to locate financial and philanthropic information
- A solid understanding of budgets as related to proposals and grants, and/or the ability to deepen knowledge of budgets and broader financial components and processes related to grant seeking and management
- Knowledge of general fundraising techniques and strategies
- Experience working with Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms and other various Google applications.
- Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
Additional Requirements:
- Driving/Travel requirements – 0-10%
- Position Location – Providence, RI
- Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
This position is:
Exempt and is not part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours based on Monday - Friday. Flexibility is expected for special events, etc.
Salary Range: $68,000 - $72,000
Please submit cover letter and resume by September 16, 2024. COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED AND WRITING SAMPLES MAY BE ASKED FOR.
Posting Date: August 21, 2024 – OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. 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.