Job Opportunities
Chief Advancement Officer
(FT - 35 hr/wk)
We are seeking a visionary, relationship-driven executive to serve as Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) and lead Providence Public Library's fundraising, communications, and advancement strategy. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CAO will champion a culture of philanthropy while driving the growth and diversification of philanthropic revenue to support PPL's long-term sustainability and community impact. The ideal candidate is an accomplished fundraising leader with a proven track record of securing transformational gifts, developing high-performing teams, and building meaningful relationships with donors, Trustees, foundations, corporations, and community partners. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of one of Rhode Island's leading cultural and educational institutions by advancing innovative fundraising strategies, strengthening organizational visibility, and ensuring Providence Public Library continues to inspire lifelong learning for generations to come.Â
Key Purpose/Summary:
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) serves as Providence Public Library's senior fundraising and advancement executive, providing strategic leadership for all philanthropic revenue generation, donor engagement, institutional giving, advancement operations, and communications.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Trustees, Foundation Board, and Senior Leadership Team, the CAO develops and implements comprehensive strategies that grow annual, major, planned, corporate, foundation, and campaign giving while strengthening the Library's visibility, reputation, and long-term financial sustainability.
The CAO builds and leads a high-performing advancement team that cultivates a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and positions Providence Public Library for transformational growth. The CAO will maintain an active portfolio of major gift prospects and donors and is expected to personally cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership-level philanthropic investments while building a sustainable pipeline for future giving.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CAO participates in organizational planning, budgeting, strategic initiatives, and institutional decision-making, ensuring advancement strategies align with the Library's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term financial goals. Success in this position will be measured by the growth and diversification of philanthropic revenue, the strength of donor relationships, the effectiveness of advancement operations, and the development of a high-performing advancement team that advances Providence Public Library's mission and long-term sustainability.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Advancement Strategy & Major Gifts (40%)
Serve as the Library's chief fundraising strategist, leading all efforts to increase philanthropic support and advance the organization's long-term financial sustainability.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy supporting annual operations, endowment growth, strategic initiatives, and future capital projects.
- Maintain and actively manage a portfolio of approximately 25-50 major gift prospects and donors through all stages of the fundraising cycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal.
- Personally solicit leadership, major, and planned gifts in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, and Trustees as appropriate.
- Develop individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for major donors and prospects.
- Identify opportunities to expand the Library's donor base and strengthen donor retention and engagement.
- Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization by engaging staff, leadership, volunteers, and community partners in fundraising efforts.
Campaigns & Revenue Growth (20%)
Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of fundraising initiatives designed to increase contributed revenue and strengthen the Library's financial future.
- Provide strategic leadership for annual giving, leadership giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and future comprehensive or capital campaigns.
- Establish annual fundraising goals, key performance indicators, and performance metrics.
- Evaluate fundraising effectiveness using data and analytics and adjust strategies to maximize philanthropic revenue.
- Identify innovative fundraising opportunities and strategic partnerships that support organizational priorities.
- Work collaboratively across departments to ensure fundraising initiatives support institutional goals.
- Develop long-term fundraising strategies that diversify revenue sources and reduce reliance on endowment distributions.
Executive Leadership & Board Engagement (15%)
Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and partner with the Chief Executive Officer, and Trustees to advance organizational priorities.
- Participate in organizational planning, budgeting, and strategic decision-making.
- Advise the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, and Development Committee on fundraising strategy, campaign planning, and philanthropic trends.
- Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Development Committee and Foundation Board on matters related to philanthropy, fundraising performance, campaign strategy, and donor engagement.
- Build the fundraising capacity of Trustees and volunteer leadership through education, coaching, and engagement.
- Represent Providence Public Library within the philanthropic, nonprofit, civic, and business communities.
- Support the Chief Executive Officer in cultivating strategic relationships with community leaders, donors, and institutional partners.
Foundation, Corporate & Grant Strategy (10%)
Provide strategic oversight for institutional giving programs.
- Collaborate with grants staff and program leadership to identify funding opportunities aligned with strategic priorities.
- Support the development of competitive grant proposals and institutional partnerships.
- Develop strategies to expand foundation, government, and corporate support.
- Ensure institutional funding efforts are coordinated with overall advancement goals.
Advancement Operations & Analytics (10%)
Ensure the advancement operation is data-driven, efficient, accountable, and positioned for long-term success.
- Serve as the executive owner of Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT and all advancement data systems, ensuring the integrity, security, accuracy, and strategic use of all constituent, prospect, gift, and stewardship information.
- Establish and enforce policies and procedures for data entry, gift processing, prospect management, reporting, and database governance.
- Ensure Raiser's Edge NXT is fully utilized to support donor cultivation, moves management, pipeline development, campaign tracking, forecasting, stewardship, and strategic decision-making.
- Oversee advancement systems, prospect research, donor database integrity, gift processing, stewardship tracking, and reporting.
- Develop dashboards and key performance indicators to monitor fundraising performance and donor pipeline activity.
- Partner with advancement staff to develop meaningful reports, dashboards, and analytics that inform fundraising strategy and organizational decision-making.
- Prepare fundraising reports and analyses for the Chief Executive Officer, Development Committee, Foundation Board, and Board of Trustees.
- Partner with the Finance Department to ensure accurate gift recording, fund reconciliation, financial reporting, and compliance.
- Develop and administer the departmental budget.
Communications Strategy (5%)
Provide executive oversight of the Library's marketing and communications efforts to ensure alignment with advancement and organizational objectives.
- Collaborate with communications staff to strengthen the Library's brand, visibility, and public awareness.
- Ensure communications effectively support fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, community engagement, and strategic organizational priorities.
- Provide strategic direction for donor communications, publications, public relations, digital communications, website content, and marketing initiatives.
- Ensure consistent messaging and brand standards across all external communications.
Staff Leadership & Administration
Provide leadership, supervision, and accountability for the Advancement Department.
- Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing advancement team.
- Recruit, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and retain advancement staff.
- Establish departmental priorities, goals, and performance expectations.
- Foster a collaborative, mission-driven, and results-oriented culture focused on continuous improvement and accountability.
- Promote professional development and succession planning.
- Allocate staff resources to ensure organizational priorities are achieved.
- Encourage collaboration across Library departments in support of fundraising, communications, and strategic initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
Organizational Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate and promote Providence Public Library's mission, vision, and values.
- Support and practice PPL's commitment to being an inclusive organization that welcomes and serves all members of the community.
- Maintain timely communication and responsiveness.
- Represent Providence Public Library with professionalism, integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
- Check email regularly and respond in a timely manner.
Education & Experience Required:
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Seven to ten years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising experience.
- Demonstrated success securing leadership and major gifts, including gifts at the five-, six-, and preferably seven-figure level.
- Proven record of leading comprehensive fundraising programs generating at least $1 million annually.
- Demonstrated experience managing a personal portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
- Demonstrated success developing and implementing fundraising strategies that increase philanthropic revenue.
- Experience working closely with executive leadership, Trustees, and volunteer leadership.
- Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, and developing professional staff.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT, including donor management, prospect tracking, reporting, pipeline management, moves management, and fundraising analytics. Experience serving as the organizational owner or administrator of a fundraising CRM strongly preferred.
- Strong financial acumen and ability to interpret fundraising metrics, budgets, and financial reports.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
Education & Experience Preferred:
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
- Experience leading a comprehensive or capital campaign.
- Familiarity with Rhode Island and New England philanthropic communities.
- Experience overseeing marketing and communications functions within a nonprofit organization.
Additional Requirements:
- Travel throughout Rhode Island and New England as required.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends for donor meetings, Board meetings, Library programs, and fundraising events.
- Valid driver's license preferred.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, provided such changes are consistent with applicable law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Job Posting Requirements
This position is: Exempt and is not part of the UnionÂ
Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours based on Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm. Flexibility is expected for special events, etc. Work from home opportunities to be evaluated after 6 months of employment.
Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000/year with up to 5% negotiation flexibility.Â
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
The Library offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a group health, dental, and vision plans with an HRA that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible. If you don’t need insurance, you can opt for a monthly stipend instead. The package also includes fully paid life insurance (up to $50,000) and long-term disability coverage, as well as a generous amount of paid time off, starting with 22 days (4 weeks and 2 days) annually. Additionally, the Library provides a retirement plan with both Traditional and Roth options, offering a 5.5% company match and 100% vesting from the moment you're hired.
COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED
Please submit a cover letter and resume by August 16, 2026 via this link.
About the hiring process: Application will be open until the position is filled. The interview process includes: application submission review, recruiter phone screen (only if qualified after application review), 1-2 panel interviews (that may include a presentation or preparation) and reference checks (approximately a 2-5 week process).Â
Posting Date: July 17, 2026 – open until filled with preference to those who submit before the August 16 application deadline.
Why Work at Providence Public Library?
At Providence Public Library (PPL), we believe libraries are more than buildings—they are welcoming community spaces that inspire learning, creativity, and connection. Every member of our team plays an important role in helping Rhode Islanders engage, learn, and thrive.
When you join PPL, you'll become part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization that values innovation, equity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. We encourage new ideas, support professional growth, and strive to create an inclusive workplace where employees feel empowered to make a meaningful impact.
What We Offer
- Flexible scheduling for many positions to support work-life balance, based on operational needs.
- A unique workplace in our beautifully restored historic library located in the heart of downtown Providence.
- Comprehensive benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible
- A 403(b) retirement plan with a 5.5% employer match and immediate vesting
- Paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
Our Mission
Providence Public Library inspires Rhode Islanders to be lifelong learners by engaging their curiosity and offering access to extraordinary experiences, resources, and ideas.
Engage. Learn. Thrive.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Providence Public Library is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. We embrace diversity in all its forms and believe that varied experiences and perspectives strengthen our organization and the communities we serve. We strive to create an accessible, equitable, and inclusive environment where employees can grow, contribute, and thrive.
Providence Public Library is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.
Youth Services Specialist: Children’s & Teens
(PT - 19 hr/wk)
We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and community-minded Youth Services Specialist to help inspire curiosity and foster a love of learning for children, teens, and their families. As a member of Providence Public Library's Youth Services team, you will help create welcoming spaces where young people can explore, learn, and connect through innovative programs, meaningful relationships, and exceptional library services. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth development, enjoys working directly with children and teens, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This role offers the opportunity to support engaging educational programming, staff the Children's Room and Teen Loft, build relationships with families and community partners, and contribute to PPL's mission of creating extraordinary learning experiences that empower the next generation.Â
Key Purpose/Summary:
This position is part of PPL’s Youth Services Department that delivers programming and library services to children, teens, and their families. They also contribute to the design, planning, and implementation of the vision for a full range of high impact programs for youth in alignment with the overall strategic plan of PPL.Â
In addition to supporting Youth Services programming, they will help staff the Children’s Room, Teen Loft, and deliver library services.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Library/Patron Services - 70% of time
- Provide direct assistance to patrons regarding use of library materials, resources, and services, including but not limited to:Â
- Answer reference questions (in person, on the phone, and via email) using accurate and up to date resources,
- Assist with material circulation as needed,
- Assist library patrons with accessing and using statewide online and digital resources,
- Catalog, cover, and shelve library materials, and
- Register patrons with library cards (including school/organization groups).
- Support in weeding collection materials.
- Shelve books.
- Actively staff the Children’s Room and the Teen Loft and enforce Library and specific policies within the space as needed.
- Communicate and collaborate with library staff on areas related to service to youth and families and contribute to overall Youth Services Department goals.
- Participate in all staff and department meetings and committees as required.
Program Development, Management, and Delivery - 20% of time
- Support in the creation, design, and implementation of programs for children and teens based on connected learning principles with special emphasis on 21st Century and social emotional skill development.
- Support in the development and implementation of programs and services to meet the needs of patrons and the community.
- Create an inviting, fun, and safe environment for youth that inspires learning and creativity.
- Help facilitate workflow and successful delivery of ongoing, drop-in, and one-time-only programs. Â
- Assist with Youth Services data and outcomes collection and contribute to reports and analysis as needed.
- Mentor and coach youth and provide direct student support.
Community Outreach, Communications, and Marketing - 10% of time
- Visit schools, organizations, and agencies outside of the library as needed.
- Actively recruit Youth and Families to participate in programs and assist them with registration as needed.
Additional Skills:
- Consummate team-player who will help identify, nurture, and achieve shared goals with PPL staff, partners, and Youth.
- 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. Actively seeks out and participates in yearly professional development opportunities.
- Ability to adapt to change and able to handle multiple competing projects, priorities, and tasks. The duties of this position may evolve over time based on varying funding sources, community needs, and other factors. Â
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications, including the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy and comfort working in a multicultural environment.Â
- Working knowledge of the educational/cognitive, and social/emotional needs of youth; ability to translate those needs and interests into effective library programs and services. Â
- Knowledge of current trends in youth development.
- 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 and strong computer and technology skills.
- Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.
- 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.Â
- Other duties as agreed upon between the employee and their manager.
Education & Experience Required:Â
- Relevant experience in education, youth development or a library related field
- 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:
- Willing to work a varied schedule that includes evening and weekend hours.
- Position Location – Office in Providence, RI with in-state off-site programming/meetingsÂ
- Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
Job Posting Requirements
This position is: Part-time, non-exempt and is not part of the United Service & Allied Workers-Rhode Island UnionÂ
Hours:Â 19 scheduled hours per week.Â
Mondays and Wednesdays: 2:00-7:00pm
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 2:00-5:00pm
Hourly Rate: $20.00/hour
Reporting to: Director of Youth Services
Benefits: Part time employees will accrue 1 hour of sick time for every 35 hours worked. Parking spot provided.
COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED
Please submit a cover letter and resume by August 7, 2026 via this link.
About the hiring process: Application will be open until the position is filled. The interview process includes: application submission review, in-person interview with the team and reference checks (approximately a 2 week process once after the application deadline).Â
Posting Date: July 21, 2026 – open until filled.
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.Â
Makerspace Specialist
(PT - 16 hr/wk)
We are seeking an innovative, hands-on, and community-focused Makerspace Specialist to help inspire creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning through Providence Public Library's makerspace. As a member of the Youth Services team, you will support engaging maker education programs for children, teens, and adults while providing exceptional service in the Workshop. The ideal candidate enjoys teaching others, is comfortable using makerspace technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, and other creative tools, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This role offers the opportunity to mentor youth, facilitate equipment trainings and Open Studios, encourage creative exploration, and help cultivate an inclusive makerspace where community members of all ages can discover new skills, solve problems, and bring their ideas to life.Â
Key Purpose/Summary:
This position is part of PPL’s Youth Services Department that delivers programming and library services to children, teens, and their families. They also contribute to the design, planning, and implementation of the vision for a full range of high impact programs for youth in alignment with the overall strategic plan of PPL.Â
In addition to supporting Youth Services programming, this position will help staff the Workshop.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Program Development, Management, and Delivery - 80% of time
- Support in the creation, design, and implementation of programs for children and teens based on connected learning principles with special emphasis on 21st Century and social emotional skill development.
- Support in the development and implementation of programs and services to meet the needs of patrons and the community.
- Actively staff Equipment Trainings and Open Studios.
- Provide regular updates to the Maker Education Manager on makerspace usage, needs, and challenges.
- Provide direct assistance to patrons including the use of makerspace tools, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and other technology.
- Create an inviting, fun, and safe environment for youth and adults that inspires learning and creativity.
- Help facilitate workflow and successful delivery of ongoing, drop-in, and one-time-only programs. Â
- Assist with Youth Services data and outcomes collection and contribute to reports and analysis as needed.
- Mentor and coach youth and provide direct student support.
Community Outreach, Communications, and Marketing - 10% of time
- Visit schools, organizations, and agencies outside of the library as needed.
- Actively recruit Youth and Families to participate in programs and assist them with registration as needed.
Library/Patron Services - 10% of time
- Actively staff the Workshop and enforce Library and specific policies within the space as needed.
- Communicate and collaborate with library staff on areas related to service to youth and families and contribute to overall Youth Services Department goals.
- Participate in all staff and department meetings and committees as required.
Additional Skills:
- Consummate team-player who will help identify, nurture, and achieve shared goals with PPL staff, partners, and Youth.
- 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. Actively seeks out and participates in yearly professional development opportunities.
- Ability to adapt to change and able to handle multiple competing projects, priorities, and tasks. The duties of this position may evolve over time based on varying funding sources, community needs, and other factors. Â
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications, including the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy and comfort working in a multicultural environment.Â
- Working knowledge of the educational/cognitive, and social/emotional needs of youth; ability to translate those needs and interests into effective library programs and services. Â
- Knowledge of current trends in youth development.
- 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 and strong computer and technology skills.
- Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.
- 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.Â
- Other duties as agreed upon between the employee and their manager.
Education & Experience Required:Â
- Experience using makerspace tools, including 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, and other technology. Sound studio equipment knowledge is a plus.Â
- 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:
- Willing to work a varied schedule that includes evening and weekend hours.
- Position Location – Office in Providence, RI with in-state off-site programming/meetingsÂ
- Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
Job Posting Requirements
This position is: Part-time, non-exempt and is not part of the United Service & Allied Workers-Rhode Island UnionÂ
Hours:Â 16 scheduled hours per week.Â
Mondays and Wednesdays: 2:00-7:00pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 2:00-5:00pm
Hourly Rate: $20.00/hour
Reporting to: Director of Youth Services
Benefits: Part time employees will accrue 1 hour of sick time for every 35 hours worked. Parking spot provided.
COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED
Please submit a cover letter and resume by August 7, 2026 via this link.
About the hiring process: Application will be open until the position is filled. The interview process includes: application submission review, in-person interview with the team and reference checks (approximately a 2 week process once after the application deadline).Â
Posting Date: July 21, 2026 – open until filled.
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.Â
Head of Special Collections
(FT - 35 hr/wk)
We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Head of Special Collections to lead the stewardship, preservation, and public engagement of Providence Public Library's exceptional Special Collections. Reporting to the Deputy Library Director, this leadership role is responsible for shaping the vision and strategic direction of the department while ensuring the Library's rare books, archives, manuscripts, and other unique materials are thoughtfully preserved, responsibly curated, and made broadly accessible through an open-access public library philosophy. The ideal candidate is an accomplished library professional with expertise in special collections, archives, or rare books who is equally passionate about preservation, research services, exhibitions, digitization, community engagement, and organizational leadership. This is an exciting opportunity to build upon one of Rhode Island's premier special collections, lead a dedicated team, cultivate meaningful partnerships with researchers, donors, and cultural organizations, and help ensure these remarkable collections continue to inspire curiosity, scholarship, and lifelong learning for generations to come.Â
Key Purpose/Summary:Â
This position leads the Special Collections Department in its efforts to increase access to, preserve, and expand the visibility of the Library's unique collections through collection stewardship, preservation, curation, reference services, programming, exhibitions, digitization, and community outreach.
The Special Collections Department plays an important role in supporting the Library's mission to encourage lifelong learning, advancing and supporting research, and inspire curiosity. The strength of the Library's special collections makes it a unique resource within Rhode Island's public library landscape, and the Head of Special Collections ensures these collections are thoughtfully preserved, responsibly stewarded, and made broadly accessible through a proactive open-access public library philosophy.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:Â
Performs all types of professional and managerial work which are required to maintain and operate the Special Collections Department. Â
Department Leadership
- Performs all types of professional and managerial work required to maintain and operate the Special Collections Department.
- Provides direct Special Collections reference service.
- Provides curatorial oversight of Special Collections.
- Oversees collection development.
- Oversees public relations and outreach activities related to Special Collections.
- Leads long-range planning for the department and develops and promotes new and existing services.
- Develops departmental goals and objectives in collaboration with Library administration.
- Reviews departmental effectiveness and recommends operational improvements.
- Analyzes operational strengths, weaknesses, and emerging challenges and develops both immediate and long-term solutions.
- Assists Administration in preparing departmental budgets.
- Maintains records and prepares reports.
- Coordinates the Board's Special Collections Committee.
Collection Stewardship & Curatorial Leadership
Building and sustaining these unique collections as a cornerstone of the Library's role as a regional and national leader in library services by:
- Oversees acquisitions, de-accessions, and collection development.
- Reviews and revises Special Collections acquisition and deaccession policies.
- Evaluates materials for acquisition.
- Sets acquisition priorities.
- Strengthens core collecting areas.
- Identifies emerging collecting opportunities.
- Builds relationships with booksellers, collectors, donors, and partner organizations.
- Conducts complex bibliographical research.
- Reviews Library collections to identify rare or significant materials appropriate for Special Collections.
- Performs original and copy cataloging as needed.
Preservation, Conservation & Collections Care
- Leads the preservation, stewardship, and long-term care of the Library's Special Collections.
- Develops and implements preservation priorities, standards, and best practices for collection storage, handling, environmental monitoring, and access.
- Provides expert guidance to Library staff regarding the preservation and conservation of library materials.
- Collaborates with Facilities to monitor environmental conditions, security, storage, and preservation concerns within Special Collections spaces.
Serves as a member of the Library's Disaster Core Team and leads disaster preparedness planning, collections emergency response, and recovery training for Library staff
- Maintains and updates Library’s Disaster and Preservation plans.
- Promotes preventive conservation practices that ensure the long-term preservation of the Library's unique collections.
Organizational Archives
- Oversees the Library's organizational archives, ensuring their long-term preservation, organization, and accessibility.
- Provides expert guidance to Library staff regarding the conservation and preservation of library materials.
Digital Collections & Special Projects
- Serve as co-director and project manager for Rhode Island's participation in the National Digital Newspaper Program.
- Serve as a key member of the Digital Collections Committee.
- Work closely with the digital collections team to support digitization initiatives and digital access.
Outreach & Advancement
- Plans and implements exhibitions and programs.
- Develops relationships with donors.
- Collaborates with Advancement.
- Attends professional meetings.
- Makes connections that further Library goals.
- Demonstrates an entrepreneurial approach to opportunities facing public libraries.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of preservation, preventive conservation, environmental monitoring, and stewardship of rare and archival materials.
- Knowledge of disaster preparedness and emergency response planning for cultural heritage collections.
- Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of rare books and the antiquarian book trade.
- Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of Library Science.
- Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and networking with colleagues, potential and active donors, the general public, vendors, and the media.
- Good understanding of the demands and requirements of public services in public libraries.
- Ability to use basic office software, databases, spreadsheets, digitization equipment; and an understanding of social media.
- Ability to plan and organize, and to analyze complex problems and develop alternative solutions
- Project management skills and experience.
Experience & Training
- MLS from an ALA-accredited Library School with coursework or demonstrated experience in rare books, archives, or Special Collections required.
- Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in Special Collections required.
- Minimum of three years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
- Previous experience serving on an organization's leadership team strongly preferred.
- Experience managing grants, collaborative projects, and strategic initiatives preferred.
- Google Workspace experience required.
- Experience with Zoom, Google Meet, or similar web conferencing platforms required.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, provided such changes are consistent with applicable law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Job Posting Requirements
This position is: Exempt and is not part of the UnionÂ
Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours based on Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm. Flexibility is expected for special events, etc. Work from home opportunities to be evaluated after 6 months of employment.
Salary Range: $70,00-$90,000/year with up to 5% negotiation flexibility.Â
Reporting to: Deputy Library Director
The Library offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a group health, dental, and vision plans with an HRA that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible. If you don’t need insurance, you can opt for a monthly stipend instead. The package also includes fully paid life insurance (up to $50,000) and long-term disability coverage, as well as a generous amount of paid time off, starting with 22 days (4 weeks and 2 days) annually. Additionally, the Library provides a retirement plan with both Traditional and Roth options, offering a 5.5% company match and 100% vesting from the moment you're hired.
COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED
Please submit a cover letter and resume by August 23, 2026 via this link.
Job Link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d9c524df-ce0d-44eb-b267-6f5b032ead29&ccId=19000101_000001&source=CC2&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CurrentOpenings&jobId=568692
About the hiring process: Application will be open until the position is filled. The interview process includes: application submission review, recruiter phone screen (only if qualified after application review), 1-2 panel interviews (that may include a presentation or preparation) and reference checks (approximately a 2-5 week process).Â
Posting Date: July 24, 2026 – open until filled with preference to those who submit before the August 23 application deadline.
Why Work at Providence Public Library?
At Providence Public Library (PPL), we believe libraries are more than buildings—they are welcoming community spaces that inspire learning, creativity, and connection. Every member of our team plays an important role in helping Rhode Islanders engage, learn, and thrive.
When you join PPL, you'll become part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization that values innovation, equity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. We encourage new ideas, support professional growth, and strive to create an inclusive workplace where employees feel empowered to make a meaningful impact.
What We Offer
- Flexible scheduling for many positions to support work-life balance, based on operational needs.
- A unique workplace in our beautifully restored historic library located in the heart of downtown Providence.
- Comprehensive benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible
- A 403(b) retirement plan with a 5.5% employer match and immediate vesting
- Paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
Our Mission
Providence Public Library inspires Rhode Islanders to be lifelong learners by engaging their curiosity and offering access to extraordinary experiences, resources, and ideas.
Engage. Learn. Thrive.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Providence Public Library is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. We embrace diversity in all its forms and believe that varied experiences and perspectives strengthen our organization and the communities we serve. We strive to create an accessible, equitable, and inclusive environment where employees can grow, contribute, and thrive.
Providence Public Library is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.