Programming Specialist

The Oak Park Public Library seeks a full-time Programming Specialist to join its Middle & High School Services team.

About the Oak Park Public Library

The Oak Park Public Library strategically prioritizes equity, anti-racism, engagement, learning, and stewardship. We proudly serve a diverse population at our three locations and out in the Oak Park community. Our vision is to empower every voice in our community, and our mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Manager of Middle and High School Services, the person selected for this Programming Specialist position will advance the library’s vision, mission, and strategic direction by:

• Playing a vital role in providing literary, educational, and cultural programs for middle and high school students
• Collaborating with library departments, community organizations, and external partners
• Delivering engaging and relevant programming for youth

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The nature and allocation of work for a Programming Specialist may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Programming:

• Develop and coordinate programs at all library branches (Main, Maze, and Dole) in alignment with the library’s strategic plan
• Actively recruit presenters and students for participation
• Engage with students to build relationships and stay informed on programming trends
• Use evidence-based decision-making to develop programs and services
• Adheres to library policies and proactively enforces the A Library for Everyone policy
• Enforce rules of behavior in middle and high school spaces
• Foster positive engagement with patrons and staff

Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with peers, educators, youth advocates, and community partners to achieve program goals

Social Media Engagement:

• Create and share engaging posts on social media platforms to promote library programs and services for students
• Collaborate with the library’s Communications team to ensure consistent messaging
• Use social media to engage with youth, promote events, and highlight student achievements and program reflections
• Stay current with social media trends to reach and connect with students effectively

Professional Development/Agency Engagement:

• Stay up-to-date on developments in middle and high school services
• Participate in training and share new skills with colleagues
• Practice efficient time management and appropriate use of resources
• Contribute to goal setting at individual and team level
• Collaborate with other departments to support team organizational strategies
• Compile and submit reports as needed

Education and Experience

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred

• Experience planning, creating content, and presenting programs designed for middle and high schoolers
• Completion of some college courses or a Bachelor’s Degree

Required Qualifications

• Understands, supports, and advances the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the library
• Broad cultural competency knowledge and ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse community
• Verbal and written communication and active listening skills, including presentation skills
• Enthusiasm and ability to engage with middle and high school students
• Willingness to use restorative practices to handle conflicts
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent thinking
• Competence with technology and a desire to continue learning
• Availability to work evenings and weekends

Details

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, including up to 8 hours per week of remote work.

As part of the greater compensation package, library staff members receive generous benefits, including:

• 90% premium coverage for medical insurance for all tiers
• Enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a premier defined benefit (pension) plan for Illinois municipal government employees
• 12 paid days of vacation annually
• 12 paid days of health leave annually
• 5 paid personal days annually
• 13 paid holidays each year
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave
• Remote work stipend (if applicable)
• $150 Lifestyle Spending Account to use to improve your physical, financial, and emotional well-being

**The starting hourly rate range is $22.00 to $24.00. **Offers are made within this range based on competencies, experience, and internal equity.

Please apply by Sunday, October 6, to be considered for this position.

**The Oak Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. **We are committed to creating and supporting an environment of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our staff, collections, programs and services, patrons, and community. Members of traditionally marginalized groups and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.