Community Engagement Manager - Pequot Library, Southport
Report to: Executive Director
Supervises: Part-time Education Coordinator (currently vacant) and high school and college/university interns
Status: Full time; exempt salaried employee, 40 hours/week, with occasional evenings and weekends.
Salary/compensation:
Commensurate with experience and education. Pequot Library provides a
competitive benefit package including health, dental, and vision
insurance as well as employer contributed pension plans and generous
paid time off. Pequot Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Overview:
Pequot Library Association (Pequot Library) is searching for a dynamic
and enthusiastic nonprofit arts and culture professional to provide
leadership, coordination and evaluation of a variety of interpretive
programs for all ages, especially adults, which are inspired by the
rotating schedule of Special Collections and visual art exhibitions,
Children’s Library initiatives, and innovative multi-disciplinary
learning opportunities. The position will ensure that all programs are
designed for a diverse audience.
Major Responsibilities:
Exhibitions and Programs:
Working with the Chief Librarian, Special Collections Librarian, and
Education Coordinator, develop and manage a robust schedule of public
programs involving artists, authors, musicians, performers and other
vendors in the form of gallery talks, panel discussions, music concerts,
dance and theatrical performances, book discussions/signings, and other
related programming. Collaborate with the Library’s longstanding Meet
the Author volunteer committee and community partner Music for Youth as
well as other peer community groups like Fairfield University and
Fairfield Public Library. Work closely with colleagues to curate a
changing schedule of innovative, high-caliber learning experiences for a
diverse audience, including film series, day art /history trips,
scholarly presentations, hands-on art-making and writing workshops,
inter-generational learning opportunities, life-long learning
opportunities for older adults, and other experiential opportunities
inspired by the Library’s circulating collections and exhibitions.
Assist with the development of exhibition related support/interpretive
resources like label writing, gallery guides and educator pre-visit
materials, in close collaboration with the Special Collections Librarian
and Education Coordinator. Develop interactive exhibition components,
as needed. Conduct public tours for all ages of the historic
neighborhood, Library building/history, and Special Collections
exhibitions. Assist with Special Collections exhibition installation,
as needed.
Marketing and Communications: Work closely
with Marketing and Communications Manager on writing related press
releases and program descriptions and the design of invitations and
related collateral. Manage the preparation of all content for the
quarterly program brochure, website and social media outlets, as
applicable to public programs. Working with the Education Coordinator,
cultivate community civic and cultural partners to cross-promote and
leverage resources.
Children/families and preK-12 schools/educators:
Supervise and evaluate all on-site and off-site school programs.
Working with the Children’s Librarian and Education Coordinator, this
position develops and implements a schedule of preK-12 schools
after-school, summer, and break programs throughout the year, including
the Books for Teachers program. Working with the Education Coordinator,
manage the Library’s community outreach with school administrators,
educators, and peer organizations throughout the area, including
developing educator workshops and trainings, serving as an advocate for
the library’s field trip experiences with primary sources. Working
closely with the Education Coordinator and Special Collections
Librarian, train mentor, and evaluate volunteer docents and contracted
educators. Working closely with the Children’s Librarian, support the
Library’s annual family and community events including the Fourth of
July Bike Parade, Holiday Caroling Party, Miss Susan’s Campout, Fall
Festival, and other similar community events. Oversee the high school
and college/university student internship program. With colleagues,
develop a strategic school programs plan which seeks to expand student
visitation.
Development/Advancement: Working closely
with the Advancement and Community Relations Manager, develop and manage
a schedule of complimentary programs in conjunction with annual
fundraisers: Derby Day, Southport Garden Stroll, and other special event
fundraisers. Coordinate all public programs and education/school
programs grant applications, with the contracted grant writer. Assist
with identifying funding sources and oversee grant applications and
reports for all public programs. Assist the advancement team with copy
writing for all corporate sponsorship opportunities for program support
as well as annual reports to donors.
Administration:
Maintain the school programs mailing lists and public program
statistics. Working closely with the Chief Librarian, schedule
after-hours and weekend program support staff. Develop and manage all
speaker/performer contracts. Evaluate public programs and build
awareness and participation, being aware of community needs and
interests. Draft youth and adult program related grant/fundraising
proposals and contribute to the Library’s overall social media presence.
Manage the Library’s high school and college student internship
program. Manage the Library’s public program registration. Prepare,
monitor and evaluate all public programs, including school programs,
annual operating budgets. Prepare a report on public programs and
education for Board meetings.
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in education, a humanities subject, or a related field
with at least five years of professional experience working in a public,
private, or university library, nonprofit arts and/or culture
organization, public or private school, an or art museum/historical
society. Proven track record of developing innovative public programs
for all ages related to a wide variety of humanities fields and current
events. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for a variety
of audiences and ages, including the ability to deliver engaging public
presentations. Able to thrive in a faced-paced environment that supports
teamwork and collaboration among library staff, volunteers, and high
school/college interns. Prior supervision of professional staff and
volunteer management. Actively involved with the museum/historical or
library community of peers. Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven
record of working well with colleagues, non-profit supporters, and
other key stakeholders. Must have a spirit of teamwork and collaboration
with a mindset that is rooted in flexibility. Wide knowledge of arts
and culture organizations, current informal education methodologies, and
trends in nonprofit learning centers. A passion for libraries and/or
Special Collections a strong plus.
About Pequot Library: Bringing literature, music, art, science & the humanities to our community.
Pequot Library’s mission extends far beyond most traditional public
libraries. Housed in a historic building, framed by an expansive front
lawn, and located on over three acres in the historic village of
Southport in Fairfield, CT, Pequot Library is a small gem to be
discovered. For over 130 years, Pequot Library has been a cultural
pillar of Fairfield County, providing professional, encouraging library
services and diverse programming to our local and regional community.
Pequot Library helps children develop a life-long interest in reading
and learning through engaging programs and special activities. The
library presents concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and a wide range of
cultural, educational and community events in both its
auditorium/concert hall and the Perkin Gallery. Inspired by its
collections, the library engages its audiences with the pressing issues
of today. Pequot Library is committed to integrating its unique
important Special Collections into its day-to-day service to a broad and
diverse community through exhibitions, multidisciplinary programs, and
hands-on learning opportunities. The Library was recently awarded the
CT. Treasure award by the CT. Chapter AIA and an Award of Excellence
from the CT. League of History Organizations. In fiscal year 2018-2019,
the Library welcomed more than 63,000 visitors of all ages for over 500
programs.
Interested candidates are encouraged to send a
confidential letter of interest, c.v./résumé, and three references (in
one document) by Monday, November 1, 2021 with the subject heading Community Engagement Manager to jobs@pequotlibrary.org.
Only the most qualified candidates will be contacted. Applications will
be received until the position is filled. The application process
involves agreeing to a criminal background check.
