Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships, the Community Engagement Manager supervises and schedules engagement department staff, manages the departmental budget, monitors and measures program evaluation, and collaborates with community partners and stakeholders. The Community Engagement Manager works closely with Regional and branch staff, as well as external organizations to build relationships that support and expand library outreach service opportunities and programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Outreach and Community Resources

• Develop, implement, and manage robust outreach and community engagement programs throughout the Live Oak Public Libraries system.

• Serves as a point of contact for LOPL’s Outreach opportunities for all three counties in the LOPL service area. Coordinates efforts with outside agencies and community partners; serves as a liaison between the Library and community organizations

• Attends outreach events as a representative of LOPL; provides administrative oversight and coordination of outreach events which they and other LOPL staff may attend as needed or desired. 

• Assists in other LOPL events organized to publicize the library in the community.

• Develops and manages a cache of available resources and programs to front-line staff and managers to disseminate to the public.

• Participates in meetings with community groups as needed to help drive understanding and build trust and support for LOPL’s goals; presents opportunities for engagement and partnerships.

• Provides ongoing communications and training of existing community partners and their initiatives to library staff, keeping front-line staff informed of resources within the library’s service area.

• Plans and coordinates community events within the LOPL system and off-site. Arranges onsite vendors and ensures customer satisfaction for scheduled events.

• Contributes expert knowledge of LOPL’s communities related to trends, issues, and interest to develop creative and innovative engagement strategies, addressing LOPL goals and community needs & opportunities.

• Directs and supervises the work of departmental staff; also creates a regional schedule and provides oversight of LOPL attendance at community events.

• Provides information and referrals, as needed, using local social service agencies to meet determined needs; connects LOPL to opportunities and partnerships.

• Create and maintain relationships with area non-profit organizations, utilizing these contacts to create a connection between library patrons and existing community services as appropriate. 

• Networks with community partners to elevate and promote program awareness and available resources between LOPL and its partners.

• Works collaboratively with library staff identifying ways to better understand the needs of and create programs and services designed for diverse and marginalized populations.

• Assists library staff with learning effective ways of interacting with customers and addressing specific issues, including identifying training opportunities for library staff.

• Work with library staff to assess the physical environment, culture and policies to promote a safe and welcoming space for all customers.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Communication

• Ensure effective communication and collaboration between patrons, library staff, and other agencies and groups.

• Meet regularly with library managers to ensure open communication and provide departmental updates with ongoing initiatives.

• Provide monthly reports to Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships 

Management and Reporting

• Regularly report program updates to the Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships.

• Provides administrative oversight to LOPL Volunteer Process; manages an ongoing database of LOPL volunteers across the system.

• Manages departmental budget 

• Monitors and measures performance and attendance for engagement department programs and events.

• Manage departmental staff and interns (as needed)

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in human services field.

• Five years work experience in human services, social service, non-profit or similar social service- based environment or any equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• At least (1) year experience directly managing people.

• Work experience including crisis intervention, community health and outreach programs, documentation evaluation, measurement and accountability practices is preferred.

• Knowledge of community resources available in the greater Savannah area and outreach best practices for connecting to diverse audiences.

• Advanced knowledge of computer usage, internet, and electronic databases.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to be able to travel between library locations. 

• Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• Must possess interpersonal skills to work effectively with multi-level staff, (library leadership and front line) patrons, and community group members from all socioeconomic, educational, literacy, and cultural backgrounds.

• Desire to improve the community and develop relationships that are helpful and supportive to LOPL and patrons of the library.

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing.

• Maintaining, encouraging, and supporting a positive work environment in which all staff members are treated with dignity and respect.

• Ability to express oneself effectively and concisely both orally and in writing.

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with proven ability to foster relationships between staff, patrons, and the community. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to exercise reasonable and professional judgment.

• Intercultural awareness and the ability to contribute to an inclusive and diverse workplace.

• Ability to work well with a team and collaborate with colleague subject matter experts.

• Expertise in reducing barriers to services and working with vulnerable populations.

• Skill in addressing the needs of the unhoused and other targeted populations is preferred. 

• Ability to creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual skills, Spanish and/or Korean

• Familiarity with community development and public library engagement is preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Physical Demands: Job involves considerable amount of movement and activity, as well as time spent driving between locations. 

• Physical Environment: Typical office and library environments.

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and at various locations.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid driver’s license and insurability required. Must have reliable transportation to be able to travel between library locations.