You are a dynamic individual who is passionate about community outreach. You will lead the coordination of and participate in events and activities in the community, as well as overseeing staff engaging in outreach through various means including our on-the-road mobile library and pop-up community events. 

You embrace and maintain an environment of inclusion, diversity, and respect for your coworkers and customers. Whether working directly with customers or behind the scenes, our remarkable team is committed to creating a more equitable and just society for all people. As such, we work to ensure that this mission achieves our racial and social equity goals in all that we do.  

We are seeking a highly motivated Community Outreach Coordinator to join our team. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. We offer a highly collaborative work environment and a generous benefits package, including 14 paid holidays and your birthday off. Interested in joining our team?   

Who You Are:

• You engage well with others and love working in the community

• You embrace our strategic plan and are passionate about delivering its components 

• You are a problem solver and take the initiative to make things happen

• You are a team player and relationship builder

• You are creative and outgoing 

• You are comfortable engaging people from all backgrounds and cultures

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

The items listed in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent the exhaustive list  Our organization is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity; however, any new duties will remain within the scope of the job. 

A dynamic job you will love: 

• You manage and coordinate the community outreach staff, activities and initiatives to promote the organization's goals
• You represent the organization in the community
• You oversee the scheduling and coordination of community outreach activities 
• You ensure that all community outreach programs align with the Library's strategic plan
• You establish and nurture relationships with staff, community organizations, leaders and residents
• You recruit and dedicate resources for outreach activities
• You oversee the operations of the mobile library unit, stocking with materials, managing staffing and driving the van to community outreach events
• You create and manage a database of outreach activities and use the Library's strategic plan to prioritize programming and activities with an equity lens
• You track outreach program metrics, gather community input, and prepare reports on outreach activities
• You engage outreach staff in team building activities 
• You work collaboratively and cross-functionally with other internal stakeholder
• You build relationships and create partnerships with external stakeholders 
• You serve as a member of the HCLS Leadership Team
• You perform administrative duties and special projects as assigned

We are guided by these shared responsibilities:

• Supports Howard County Library System (HCLS) mission to help facilitate our community to grow, learn and connect
• Contribute to achieving HCLS' racial and social equity goals. Please view the Brave Voices, Brave Choices initiative
• Advance HCLS’ educational mission, effectively communicating our curriculum, which comprises Three Pillars (Self-Directed Education, Research Assistance & Instruction, Instructive & Enlightening Experiences)

Do you have what it takes?

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university 
• Three years of experience in community outreach, public relations or similar role
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills 
• Two to four years of previous successful supervisory experience 
• Familiarity with the community and an understanding local resources and networks
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage several tasks simultaneously
• Proven ability to interact and collaborate with colleagues from all levels of the organization.

Successful candidate will also possess the following:

• Ability to build relationships and a rapport with others
• Ability to use sound judgment and diplomacy
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to adapt to changes and to be flexible
• Ability to work independently

Your job at the library will be active:

• Job requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, pulling, pushing and driving. In addition, strenuous activity may be required for such activities as setting up equipment or meeting rooms for events
• Some driving may be required

Additional Details

• Position currently located at HCLS Administrative Branch
• Works under the supervision of the Chief Operating Officer of Public Services
• Full-time: 37.5 hours per week; typically Monday – Friday between 8 am & 5 pm; evenings and weekends required for community outreach activities and HCLS signature events
• Grade 14: Salary range: $70,722 - $124,011
• Position open until filled

EEOC Statement

Howard County’s diversity is its greatest asset. Howard County Library System embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. All communities, including communities of color and immigrant communities, are fundamental to our spirit of service, workforce and long-term success. Equity and empowerment are top priorities. We believe all Howard County residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. Among our goals is for our workforce to reflect the community it serves. We are actively working to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Howard County Library System takes pride in providing equal employment opportunities.