Manager Of Civic Engagement And Programs

Position Overview:

A member of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation’s staff, this position manages Foundation-funded programs that are offered across the Free Library system. One Book One Philadelphia, a two-month-long series of programs developed in collaboration with community partners, panel discussions, community conversations, performances, and other civic and cultural experiences are developed, implemented, and reported on by this position.

Why Work for Us?

We offer the following benefits: flexible work environment, medical, dental, flex and HSA plans, disability & life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement 403b, PTO, paid holidays (including floating).

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage Black, Indigenous, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. The organization is committed to building a community that is inclusive and equitable.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• With supervisory support, coordinate the book selection process by compiling and researching book suggestions, reading suggested books as needed, and facilitating selection committee meetings

• Work with staff across the Free Library system to coordinate and secure the smooth delivery of One Book programs for all ages at 54 Library locations

• Facilitate a Free Library Staff Working Group process to design collectively informed approaches to programming inspired by the featured book and youth companion titles

• Conduct outreach to and develop activities in collaboration with relevant community partners (nonprofits, arts and cultural organizations, universities, museums, social justice organizations, etc.) who co-sponsor events and promote the project

• With the Communications team, oversee the production/distribution of printed materials; a multi-channel citywide marketing campaign; and digital and social media promotions

• Work with the Free Library’s web office to create content for the One Book pages

• Plan and execute large-scale public author events and work with literary agents to secure author contracts and travel

• Work with Free Library Development staff to plan and implement special donor events related to One Book such as receptions, author dinners, and book discussions

• Support the efforts of the Development team to achieve One Book fundraising objectives, including supplying information for use in applications for grants and sponsorships and preparing an annual final report with statistics

• Manage a part-time One Book Program Assistant in their support of event development, marketing, and delivery; and share “hosting” responsibilities with Program Assistant to ensure that One Book staff are present at all key events

• Lead book discussions and participate in panel discussions and workshops as needed

• Work with supervisor to develop and manage an annual budget for One Bookand serve as a liaison between outside contractors and the Finance department

• Work with publishers to order books and oversee distribution to Neighborhood Libraries, schools, and community partners. Maintain partnership with the School District of Philadelphia Curriculum Office to coordinate classroom participation/teacher use of One Book resources and trainings

Foundation Funded Civic and Cultural Programming

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Management of Foundation-funded public programming that furthers the Library’s commitment to civic and cultural programming, including performances, lectures, panel discussions and other events held at Parkway Central and in the neighborhood libraries.

• Work with supervisor to establish and communicate priorities for programming to the Foundation’s development team/provide program descriptions and budgets as requested.

• Work with staff across the organization, with support from the Foundation’s events team to schedule programs and coordinate implementation.

• With the Communications team, work to develop a communications/marketing strategy and materials to build audience for programs.

• Work with the Free Library’s web office to utilize online platforms to market programs.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years’ non-profit experience in community outreach and/or building relationships with partners

• Experience in working with participants or audiences with diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; ability to support the creation of safe and inclusive dialogue spaces

• Strong writing and communication skills

• A passion for the power of storytelling and a demonstrated knowledge of current literature

• Familiarity with Philadelphia nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and individual writers and artists a plus

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suites. Familiarity with online eMarketing platforms a plus

• Experience managing content creation and public engagement with an organizational social media account

• Travel within the Greater Philadelphia area and ability to work some weekend and evening hours during the One Book program period required

• This job requires occasional physical labor; applicants should be able to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 20 pounds

About * One Book, One Philadelphia*

A signature project of the Free Library of Philadelphia that runs annually, with the book selection taking place in the summer and early fall, a public announcement of the selection in January, and an eight-week program period from April to June. Through public events, community and school partnerships, and the distribution of books and discussion materials, One Book, One Philadelphia promotes literacy, library usage, and civic dialogue by encouraging the entire greater Philadelphia area to come together through reading and discussing a single book (alongside youth and children’s companion titles).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Philadelphia, PA 19130: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location: One location