Head of Programming

The Huntley Area Public Library District, a busy, mid-sized suburban library serving a population of approximately 44,000 citizens in and around the Village of Huntley, Illinois (a far northwest suburb of Chicago), is seeking a Head of Programming to help us fulfill our mission to the community we serve.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary (Range: $53,000-$62,000 to start, depending on qualifications)
• Excellent working environment
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan (IMRF)

What we need:

Responsible for overseeing, creating, coordinating, conducting, and managing all programming functions for the library. Responsible for carrying out programming that is staff-related. Will provide some outreach programming and engagement in the community. Acts as library liaison to the Friends Foundation and supervises the library's volunteer program.

The successful candidate must have knowledge of library technology, strong organizational skills, and must be able to work collaboratively with staff and other managers. This position reports to the Library Director and has a leadership role in the library.

Essential Job Functions:

• Creates and delivers age-appropriate library programs that are beneficial to the district

• Works with library staff who have programming duties, guides those staff members when needed, and ensures that the library provides timely, relevant, and valued programming for library users of any age

• Works in conjunction with relevant parties, develops budgets for programs and/or programmers

• Coordinates with programming staff in all library departments and supervises part-time office assistants who are directly engaged in programming functions

• Provides review input together with other relevant Department Heads for staff engaged in programming

• Develops outreach programs and participates in outreach visits, where needed

• Assists the Director with the creation, organization, and carrying out of events including, but not limited to, speaking engagements, referendum campaign meetings, promotional activities for the library, staff training days, staff events, and so on

• Works closely and in a timely fashion with the library’s Marketing Department (and other relevant departments) in the promotion of programs

• Responsible for all programming space scheduling and monitors set up functions (may occasionally require some moving of tables, chairs, and other meeting room equipment, as needed)

• Informs other library staff about ongoing or upcoming programs

• Provides training to staff members on new programs and technologies, as needed

• Represents the library at community meetings, giving presentations on library programs for community groups in coordination with other department heads

• Seeks outreach programming opportunities and works with other departments to implement plans

• Assists with special events in cooperation with other departments (i.e., Expo, Open Houses)

• Participates in professional activities and attends workshops and conferences

• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

General

• Must have a general knowledge of public libraries and their mission, and be able to learn quickly about the Huntley Area Public Library, its policies, procedures, services, needs, staff, board, Friends, volunteers, and community

• Must be able to work well with, inspire, and motivate a diverse group of people

• Ability to interview, select, and train staff and volunteers

• Ability to exercise initiative, make independent decisions, and handle multiple priorities

• Ability to organize information, schedule personnel, plan, and promote programs

• Ability to interpret library policies in a diplomatic and sensitive manner

• Ability to remain calm in difficult situations

• Ability to work and effectively communicate verbally and in writing with the public, media outlets, and staff

• Capacity to communicate effectively on the telephone

• Ability to speak effectively in front of groups

• Ability to type, to read written materials, to maintain files, to operate computers and other library machines and equipment

• Experienced with the production and distribution of flyers, newsletters, posters, etc.

• Ability to transport library and display materials to other sites

• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represent the physical and environmental demands of this position: this position requires approximately equal amounts of time spent standing, walking, and sitting. Lifting, pushing/pulling, and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds is sometimes required, with a maximum of 40 pounds infrequently required. Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and bending are sometimes required. Repetitive movements of the hands and arms are sometimes required.

Friends Foundation Liaison

• Knowledge of 501(c)(3) organizations desired

• Setting the mission and strategic direction: working with the Board of Directors to define and revise the organization’s vision, mission, and long-term strategies

• Governance and oversight: guide the establishment of policies and procedures to govern the organization, including legal compliance and ethical standards

• Responsible for maintaining and updating the Friends membership and donor databases

• Knowledge of fundraising fundamentals for a non-profit organization

• Requires a basic knowledge of QuickBooks

• Prepares and submits routine tax documents on behalf of the foundation

• Requires a basic knowledge of Microsoft Access for Friends Foundation membership and donor management

• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represent the physical and environmental demands of this position: this position requires approximately equal amounts of time spent standing, walking, and sitting. Lifting, pushing/pulling, and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds is sometimes required. Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and bending are sometimes required. Repetitive movements of the hands and arms are sometimes required. Audio, visual, and verbal functions are essential to performing this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree required. Must be able to work some evenings and weekends. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume with relevant references to [email protected]. The library will conduct a background check for the successful candidate.

The Huntley Area Public Library District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.