Position Overview:

A member of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation’s staff, this position manages Foundation-funded programs that are offered across the Free Library system. Currently, the signature program is One Book One Philadelphia, a multi-month series of programs and events developed in collaboration with community partners. The Director of Community and Public Programs is also charged with building strong and broad relationships across the community in order to inform the development of additional Community and Public programming through the Free Library system. Such programs might include: community book clubs; panel discussions; community conversations; performances; and community impact awards. The Director will be responsible for envisioning, developing, implementing, and reporting on these programs.

One Book, One Philadelphia

A signature project of the Free Library of Philadelphia that runs annually, with the book selection taking place in the summer and early fall, a public announcement of the selection in January, and an eight-week program period from April to June. Through public events, community and school partnerships, and the distribution of books and discussion materials, One Book, One Philadelphia promotes literacy, library usage, and civic dialogue by encouraging the entire greater Philadelphia area to come together through reading and discussing a single book (alongside youth and children’s companion titles).

Responsibilities:

Programming and Partnerships:

• Manage all aspects of the One Book One Philadelphia Program including but not limited to: Coordinating the book selection process by compiling and researching book suggestions, reading suggested books as needed, and facilitating selection committee meetings; Working with staff across the Free Library system to coordinate and secure the smooth delivery of One Book programs for all ages at 54 Library locations; Facilitating a Free Library Staff Working Group process to design collectively-informed approaches to programming inspired by the featured book and youth companion titles; Conducting outreach to and develop activities in collaboration with relevant community partners (nonprofits, arts and cultural organizations, universities, museums, social justice organizations, etc.) who co-sponsor events and promote the project; Lead book discussions and participate in panel discussions and workshops as needed
• Development and implementation of additional Community and Public Programming: In consultation with community partners, librarians and other stakeholders, identify, design and implement programming that responds to community priorities and interest (e.g. book clubs)
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders in multiple neighborhoods and representing diverse communities of Philadelphia
• Identify and take part in community round tables, town halls, and other opportunities to understand the priorities and interests of the community
• In collaboration with the development department, envision and support the implementation of an annual community impact awards program to lift up and celebrate community partners
• Maintain partnership with the School District of Philadelphia Curriculum Office to coordinate classroom participation/teacher use of One Book resources and trainings
• Liaise and collaborate with Community Initiative Specialists at the Free Library of Philadelphia

Event and Logistics Management:

• Plan and execute an array of public events and work with literary agents to secure author contracts and travel
• Oversee the production/distribution of printed materials; a multi-channel citywide marketing campaign; and digital and social media promotions
• Work with the Free Library’s web office to create content to promote programming as appropriate
• Work with publishers to order books and oversee distribution to Neighborhood Libraries, schools, and community partners.

Fundraising and Resource Management:

• Work with Free Library Development staff to plan and implement special donor events related to One Book such as receptions, author dinners, and book discussions
• Support the efforts of the Development team to achieve public programming fundraising objectives, including supplying information for use in applications for grants and sponsorships and preparing an annual final report with statistics
• Additional responsibilities include fostering a culture of philanthropy mindset, actively engaging in fundraising efforts organized or attended by staff, and promoting the organization's mission and values in and outside the organization including but not limited to supporting the mission of the Foundation by promoting membership and promoting and attending events when appropriate.

All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

3-5 years’ non-profit experience in community programming and engagement. Track record of designing and implementing inclusive and engaging programming. Demonstrated ability to build strong stakeholder relationships with diverse partners. Ability to support the creation of safe and inclusive dialogue spaces. The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; major in the arts, literature or related field. Master’s Degree in Cultural Management or related field preferred.
• Experience in project management
• Self-starter with excellent judgment and time management
• Proven track record of great customer service with a diverse public
• A passion for the power of storytelling and a demonstrated knowledge of current literature
• Familiarity with Philadelphia nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and individual writers and artists a plus
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, coupled with the ability to engage an audience
• Evidence of ability to multi-task with attention to details and logistics, including volunteer management
• Aptitude for collaborative work within a dedicated team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and google suites
• Experience using social media and other platforms to promote events and programs
• Flexibility for evening commitments and occasional weekends
• Travel within the Greater Philadelphia area and ability to work some weekend and evening hours during the program period required
• This job requires occasional physical labor; applicants should be able to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 20 pounds

.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage Black, Indigenous, BIPOC, LGBTQ , veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. The organization is committed to building a community that is inclusive and equitable.

About Us:

The Free Library of Philadelphia is a 501 (c)(3) organization established in 1891, which employees roughly 130 full time, part time and seasonal staff. The current annual operating budget is approximately $10 million. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors. The President and Director of the Foundation is an officer for both the Foundation and the Free Library of Philadelphia, a City of Philadelphia governed agency.

The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity. While the city of Philadelphia provides public funds for the operations of the Free Library, The Foundation has been instrumental in assisting the Library in becoming an even more dynamic and exciting institution by raising funds for the Library’s services and programs, (including literacy programs, cultural programs, after school enrichment programming for children, culinary literacy programs, workforce development and digital literacy programs, One Book One Philadelphia, Read by 4th, and the Authors Series, among others). The Foundation is instrumental in raising capital funds through private sources for the renovation and improvement of Parkway Central Library and several of the neighborhood libraries.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19103