School Library Partnerships Program Coordinator (Hybrid)

Description

The Oakland Literacy Coalition (OLC) is seeking an enthusiastic and highly organized part-time Program Coordinator for the School Library Partnerships (SLP) program. This is a great opportunity for an early to mid-level professional with school library experience to grow with an integral Oakland nonprofit while advocating for and supporting public school libraries across the city. 

The OLC launched the SLP program in January 2022 to carry forward the work founded and formerly led by the nonprofit, Friends of Oakland Public School Libraries. Through the SLP program, the OLC works to raise awareness about the importance of quality school library services and connect public school libraries with resources and community support.

This is a part-time, non-exempt position (10-15 hours per week) with a hybrid schedule based in Oakland, CA, with an anticipated start date in the first quarter of 2025. The SLP Program Coordinator will report directly to Director of Programs Jennifer Bloom and will work closely with the Reading Everywhere Program Manager. 

ABOUT US
Our Mission & Approach

Building a future where all Oakland students are afforded their civil right to literacy will take all of us. That’s why the OLC fosters a diverse coalition of community organizations and agencies with the mission of working together to ensure that every Oakland child learns and loves to read. 

Through our 2023-2026 strategic plan, we are growing our programs and organization to deepen our impact as an effective and sustainable literacy hub for Oakland. 

The Organization & Team 

Founded by the Rogers Family Foundation in 2008 and launched as an independent nonprofit in 2016, the OLC is in an exciting phase of growth and development. Our passionate and talented team of seven takes pride in fostering a positive culture of excellence, collaboration, continuous learning, and accountability in line with our guiding beliefs and values. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: 
This role is centered on fostering collaboration, building awareness, and coordinating efforts to strengthen school library programs. The key responsibilities include:

• Relationship building: Develop strong relationships with library staff, school district administrators, literacy partners, funders, and the general public to understand current needs, identify opportunities and promote the critical role of school libraries in student learning.
• Program Coordination:  Oversee program  to support library collection development, including book procurement through Books Kids Want to Read grant and promoting digital and physical library resources such as the Sora digital library.
  
  
• Volunteer Engagements:  Assist school librarians in recruiting volunteers from the community and organizing opportunities for community and corporate volunteers to contribute to library improvement efforts.
  
  
• Content Creation: Write and assemble newsletter content and blog posts on the program and school library topics.
  Fundraising Support:  Collaborate with the development team on fundraising initiatives specifically related to school libraries.
  
  
• Organizational Collaboration: Work with the broader OLC team to integrate the School Library Partnerships program into the organization’s broader portfolio of programs, communications, and community engagement.
  
  
• General Support: Assist and engage with organization-wide projects, planning, and events as needed. 

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE
This position requires a mix of relationship management, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate the impact and importance of school libraries effectively including:

• A background in school library functions in a public school setting, preferably 1+ years of school library experience or other related experience. Working knowledge of Follett Destiny, Sora, and familiarity with library resources, including ebooks and audiobooks helpful. 
  
  
• A strong understanding of how school libraries support literacy as well as the ability to convey this message to different audiences. 
  
  
• Superb project management, organization, and planning skills with ability to execute simultaneous and collaborative projects from concept to implementation on tight deadlines.
  
  
• High degree of emotional intelligence and cultural competence. Able to build and manage effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders. Committed to collaborating, communicating, and engaging effectively with people and communities of diverse backgrounds.
  
  
• Experience with program data collection, assembly, and analysis to track outcomes metrics and report on program impact. 
  
  
• A high standard of excellence, accuracy and consistency, personal integrity, and accountability.
  
  
• Can-do attitude and the initiative, enthusiasm, and confidence to navigate through ambiguity to produce high-quality results. 
  
  
• Willingness to jump in where needed as a team player  and work independently as part of a small, fast-paced, and growing organization. 
  
  
• Passionate about the OLC’s mission and committed to educational equity and justice.
  
  
• Experience with recruiting and managing volunteers and/or nonprofit fundraising preferred.