Community Organizer, Neighborhood Library Services

Posted by Free Library of Philadelphia on May 29, 2017

The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity. Its vision is to build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning. Libraries are no longer buildings only filled with books. They are community centers that aim to meet a wide variety of community needs. We are not waiting for patrons to come into the building. We are taking our work out into the community to meet people where they are and learn more about how we can better serve the neighborhood.

In the fall of 2017, four neighborhood libraries will re-open after extensive renovations. In addition to providing spectacular new spaces, these facilities are committed to meeting the unique needs and interests of each individual community. In Logan (1333 Wagner Ave.) the area of focus will be family literacy; in Tacony (6742 Torresdale Ave.), small business development; Lillian Marrero (601 W. Lehigh Ave), early childhood literacy and new Americans; and Lovett Memorial (6945 Germantown Ave), community partnerships.

The Free Library is seeking both Full-time and Part-time Organizers to lay the foundation for this work, identify and build a following, and prepare library staff to assume this work. These positions are available immediately.  This is a 2 year grant funded position with the possibility to transition into other roles.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The primary responsibilities of Community Organizers will consist of, but are not limited to, the following duties:
• Working with library staff to create and implement a neighborhood specific community engagement plan
• Building long-term relationships between the library and neighborhood organizations, stakeholders, and community members, specifically around the assigned focus of that branch
• Supporting library staff and administrators in their work to create a regional coalition of organizations and individuals working to improve their communities
• Developing and supporting Friends groups within their assigned neighborhood
• Providing targeted outreach to non-library users to understand how the library can better serve the needs of that neighborhood
• Identifying and working with neighborhood community ambassadors
• Training and supporting staff in their community engagement work
• Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications:
• Experience as a community organizer
• Experience facilitating community meetings and some knowledge of creating campaign or outreach plans, including the use of community mapping
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or additional community organizing experience
• Spanish or Chinese language fluency highly preferred
• Ability to work frequent evening and weekend hours
• Ability to travel throughout the City
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience with community empowerment, capacity building, and leadership development
• Some knowledge or experience in one or more of the focus areas: small business development, new Americans, early childhood literacy, family literacy, community partnerships
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and community partners to build upon existing community relationships
• A good faith commitment to working within your assigned neighborhoods for the full 2 years
• Knowledge of one or more of the assigned neighborhoods is a plus

The full time position has a Full Benefit Package including Health, dental, life, and disability insurances; flex benefits and retirement plan; generous leave time allowance.

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis with the position starting as soon as the applicant is available.

Pennsylvania State Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprint Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Criminal Background Clearance are required to be obtained before employment begins.

To apply: Please e-mail cover letter; resume; and your interest in a full-time position, part-time position, or both with “Community Organizer” in the subject line to: kowalskic@freelibrary.org.

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Minorities and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.