What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Assistant - Community Learning & Engagement - 40 Hours position at King County Library System?
General Position Summary
Job Number 2026-00159
King County Library System (KCLS) is seeking an approachable, proactive and self-directed Program Assistant who can provide services in the Community Learning & Engagement Department.
About The Opportunity
As a Program Assistant, you will provide administrative support to the Community Learning & Engagement Department, including coordinating contracts and facilitating communication with regional library staff, vendors, contractors, and patrons. You will also manage long-term program logistics, track external vendor and performer contracts, support budget tracking and statistical reporting, and monitor office inventory, ordering materials and supplies as needed.
In this role, you will be a collaborative partner on the team, offering insights into the workflows you manage and sharing feedback to support continuous improvement. You will demonstrate strong customer service by taking initiative, asking questions, and exploring creative solutions to meet the department’s strategic and administrative needs.
The ideal candidate is digitally fluent, able to learn new software quickly, and demonstrates strong communication and organizational skills. Accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are essential.
This position will work Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. A hybrid schedule may be considered after successful completion of the initial probationary period.
Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses why they are interested in the position and how they meet the qualifications listed.
About King County Library System (KCLS)
KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs.
Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle.
From a 2021-2022 comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.
The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc.
KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire.
Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call (425) 369-3224 or email employment@kcls.org .
KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties/Major Responsibilities
Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents, however, and do not include all specific tasks an incumbent may be expected to perform.
Secondary duties may include any or all of the following:
Customer Focus
Primarily focused on customer needs, able to deliver high quality, value added services. Constantly strives to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and understanding, foster equitable services, and forge meaningful connections.
Valuing Diversity
Manages relationships with all kinds and classes of people inclusively and equitably; respects, values, and encourages the unique dimension each employee adds to the organization and each member of the community brings to the whole. Seeks opportunities to learn from differences.
Ethics, Values, and Judgment
Exercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct; consistently demonstrates organizational values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character and action. Defends intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality.
Professional & Technical Knowledge
Demonstrates proficiency in professional and technical skills/ and or knowledge in position-related areas; purposely keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise, in order to foster personal success and connections for others.
Communicates Effectively
Conveys ideas/information in a way that is clear, engaging, and suitable to the audience. Main point of their message is apparent. Listens more than they speak, responds appropriately. Seeks influence.
Teamwork/Collaborating
Works cooperatively and productively with others to achieve goals and deliverables. Is aware of, utilizes and celebrate their own and team member’s strengths and differences.
Interpersonal Savvy
Relates well to all kinds of people at all levels, both internally and externally; builds appropriate relationships; interactions are often purposeful and constructive.
Desired Minimum Qualification
Education And Experience
A typical way of obtaining the ability to perform the job duties and responsibilities listed above and the knowledge, abilities and skills of this position is through:
May require a valid Washington driver’s license.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Positions typically require frequent verbal communication, hearing, sitting, reaching, keyboarding, and repetitive motion of hands/wrists, handling, grasping, and use of visual senses. Requirements vary by position but may require pushing and pulling of up to 150 pounds and lifting and carrying from 5 – 50 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work may be performed in a variety of environments such as office, library or shipping area. Work typically involves extensive close work (eyestrain), PC monitoring, and may require constant or frequent sitting, standing or heavy lifting.
Job Number 2026-00159
King County Library System (KCLS) is seeking an approachable, proactive and self-directed Program Assistant who can provide services in the Community Learning & Engagement Department.
About The Opportunity
As a Program Assistant, you will provide administrative support to the Community Learning & Engagement Department, including coordinating contracts and facilitating communication with regional library staff, vendors, contractors, and patrons. You will also manage long-term program logistics, track external vendor and performer contracts, support budget tracking and statistical reporting, and monitor office inventory, ordering materials and supplies as needed.
In this role, you will be a collaborative partner on the team, offering insights into the workflows you manage and sharing feedback to support continuous improvement. You will demonstrate strong customer service by taking initiative, asking questions, and exploring creative solutions to meet the department’s strategic and administrative needs.
The ideal candidate is digitally fluent, able to learn new software quickly, and demonstrates strong communication and organizational skills. Accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are essential.
This position will work Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. A hybrid schedule may be considered after successful completion of the initial probationary period.
Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses why they are interested in the position and how they meet the qualifications listed.
About King County Library System (KCLS)
KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs.
Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle.
From a 2021-2022 comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.
The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc.
KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire.
Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call (425) 369-3224 or email employment@kcls.org .
KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties/Major Responsibilities
Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents, however, and do not include all specific tasks an incumbent may be expected to perform.
- Serve as primary contact for library staff concerning department's services and programs. Resolve basic service issues with staff and/or service facilities and outside agencies.
- Provide general assistance with all department program and services.
- Order and distribute materials necessary to support department's programs and services. Ensure timely preparation of collection and/or material shipments to libraries. Performs database searches to locate distributing materials.
- Prepare contracts for public programs and story times.
- Manage records and information necessary for department's services and programs, such as patron and facilities information, vendors, program attendance and scheduling.
- Prepare accurate, timely and detailed reports in budgeting, material ordering, distribution and program and services related statistics. May update and maintain assigned manuals and documentation used within the department.
- Monitor and maintain office inventory and order materials and/or supplies.
- Correspond via e-mail, fax, letter, and phone with KCLS staff and/or outside vendors, contractors or patrons. Perform various clerical duties such as, filing, faxing, answering phones, photocopying, and meeting arrangements.
- Respond to internal and external inquiries. Research requests for information or materials as needed. Assist new and lower level staff. May oversee or assist in overseeing workflow or assigning work.
- Coordinate intradepartmental functions and services.
Secondary duties may include any or all of the following:
- May assist in processing patron requests including placing holds on KCLS owned materials.
- Assist others with office equipment.
- May provide clerical assistance at meetings.
- Provide back up to others within department.
- Participate in meetings, conferences, and seminars.
- Perform other related duties as necessary or assigned.
Customer Focus
Primarily focused on customer needs, able to deliver high quality, value added services. Constantly strives to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and understanding, foster equitable services, and forge meaningful connections.
Valuing Diversity
Manages relationships with all kinds and classes of people inclusively and equitably; respects, values, and encourages the unique dimension each employee adds to the organization and each member of the community brings to the whole. Seeks opportunities to learn from differences.
Ethics, Values, and Judgment
Exercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct; consistently demonstrates organizational values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character and action. Defends intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality.
Professional & Technical Knowledge
Demonstrates proficiency in professional and technical skills/ and or knowledge in position-related areas; purposely keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise, in order to foster personal success and connections for others.
Communicates Effectively
Conveys ideas/information in a way that is clear, engaging, and suitable to the audience. Main point of their message is apparent. Listens more than they speak, responds appropriately. Seeks influence.
Teamwork/Collaborating
Works cooperatively and productively with others to achieve goals and deliverables. Is aware of, utilizes and celebrate their own and team member’s strengths and differences.
Interpersonal Savvy
Relates well to all kinds of people at all levels, both internally and externally; builds appropriate relationships; interactions are often purposeful and constructive.
Desired Minimum Qualification
Education And Experience
A typical way of obtaining the ability to perform the job duties and responsibilities listed above and the knowledge, abilities and skills of this position is through:
- A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- At least two years of related experience.
- Or, an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Experience with and knowledge of office software programs, an integrated library system and applicable modules, or database software systems such as Access, used by the department.
May require a valid Washington driver’s license.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Positions typically require frequent verbal communication, hearing, sitting, reaching, keyboarding, and repetitive motion of hands/wrists, handling, grasping, and use of visual senses. Requirements vary by position but may require pushing and pulling of up to 150 pounds and lifting and carrying from 5 – 50 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work may be performed in a variety of environments such as office, library or shipping area. Work typically involves extensive close work (eyestrain), PC monitoring, and may require constant or frequent sitting, standing or heavy lifting.