Closing Date:
9/17/23, 11:59 p.m. Do you want to work where you can enrich the lives of the people in your community? The Urbana Free Library seeks a forward-thinking, self-motivated, bilingual individual to join the Library’s youth programming team. Youth programmers create diverse and inclusive programs for Urbana youth ages 0-18 that entertain and educate while expanding horizons. The Urbana Free Library has been serving the community nearly 150 years – providing access to diverse resources and programs to encourage learning and enrich lives. If you are a friendly, energetic, and creative person who would enjoy working in a community-centered environment, the Library invites you to apply. Full job description
Position Type:
Civil Service/Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Location:
The Urbana Free Library

Pay Grade:
27 ($43,306-$56,296/year) plus excellent benefits

Job Summary:
The Programming Specialist functions as a member of a team that participates in youth outreach and programming; provides excellent service to patrons; and carries out other duties as assigned. The Programming Specialist focuses on developing and executing excellent youth programs that can be taken into the community and fostering strong relationships with the community and partner organizations. The Programming Specialist reports to the Programming & Outreach Manager.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrates substantial knowledge of outreach to specialized groups, such as teens, children, ESL students, parents, recreational readers, and non-library users.
• Develops and implements new and existing programs, outreach events, and partnerships for a diverse community using an awareness of popular culture and personal knowledge of current affairs and local events.
• Demonstrates bilingual skills (English and Spanish, French, or Chinese).
• Has excellent organizational, interpersonal, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and public speaking).

Required Qualifications:
Minimum requirements include:

• Associate’s degree or higher in a youth- or education-related field or two years’ professional experience working with youth required.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish, French, or Chinese) required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in planning and running events for youth as part of an organization preferred.
• Experience working in libraries desired.
• Prior experience with the Polaris ILS desired.

Applications will not be considered without ALL of the following credentials:The position will remain open until filled, but for fullest consideration applications must be received by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, September 17, 2023.
Selection Process:
Scoring of Applicants. Each application that meets the minimum requirements will be scored, but first priority will be given to those applications submitted by the fullest consideration date. The application will be regarded as the Civil Service examination to establish a register for this position. Your responses will be used to determine whether you possess the minimum qualifications required, and therefore whether you will be included on the register. Only information on the application will be considered and additional information listed on a resume, cover letter, or other supplemental materials will not be used when deciding if a candidate meets the qualifications. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to include all information and details in their application.
Panel Interviews and Language Fluency Assessment. At least two people will be present on the panels. Applicants will be asked a list of standard questions, but these questions don’t require prior preparation. In the interviews, we will want to learn about you, your experiences, and how you would function in a library setting. We expect to schedule these interviews in September and/or October 2023. Once interviews have been completed, a language fluency assessment will be conducted.
Contacting References. We will contact former employers of candidate finalists before making a decision.
Selection/Appointment. Although selection is based on the successful completion of all of the above components, the nature of the selection process allows any single component to eliminate a candidate from further consideration. As a final step, the Library appoints a candidate from those who are available to accept the position. Per Civil Service rules, the appointed candidate shall be on probation for a period of six months.
Register. This process will establish an open, competitive register to fill current and/or future vacancies that may occur within approximately the next two years. This register may be extended or voided as needed by the Civil Service Commission.
Accommodations:
The Urbana Free Library provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you need information, please contact The Urbana Free Library at 217-367-4057.