The Community Engagement Manager leads the development, implementation, and management of mobile library outreach across the Riverside County Library System service area. The position also supports systemwide programming.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager supervises Library Outreach Services staff (Library Connect). 

This role works actively in the field alongside Library Connect employees, branch teams, and community partners to deliver services, strengthen relationships, and expand meaningful programming opportunities.

The Manager serves as a systemwide resource for branch programming through guidance, coordination, resources, and support. Branch Managers and branch staff retain responsibility for developing and delivering programming that responds to their local communities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Assist Branch Managers in building and maintaining partnerships with schools, community organizations, government agencies, businesses, and other partners to promote library services and programs.
• Conduct and coordinate outreach activities designed to increase library access and engagement, particularly among underserved populations and communities.
• Work in the field with Library Connect staff to deliver programs and services directly to community members.
• Represent RCLS at community events, fairs, meetings, and collaborative initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to connect outreach activities and community partnerships with branch services, collections, programs, and RCLS strategic priorities.

Library Connect Management

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, performance management, scheduling, and professional development for Library Connect staff.
• Manage Library Connect routes, outreach schedules, community events, and service priorities.
• Develop and uphold standards and procedures that enhance the safety, accessibility, consistency, and efficiency of Library Connect services.
• Ensure the Library Connect fleet is well-maintained and coordinate vehicle servicing needs, including collection and van equipment maintenance.

Branch Programming Assistance and Consultation

• Serve as a primary systemwide resource for Branch Managers and staff by providing guidance and best practices related to program planning, implementation, evaluation, community responsiveness, audience development, and continuous improvement.
• Assist branches with new, complex, high-profile, or collaborative programs when additional planning, coordination, or system-level support is needed.
• Develop programming resources, planning tools, templates, and guidance that strengthen staff capacity and support quality programming throughout RCLS.
• Identify successful programs and practices that can be shared, or adapted across multiple locations while supporting branch creativity, local decision-making, and alignment with RCLS goals, resources, and community needs.

Systemwide Programming Coordination

• Maintain a systemwide view of RCLS programming to identify opportunities, service gaps, duplication, emerging needs, and areas for collaboration.
• Coordinate major systemwide programming initiatives, campaigns, themes, and special events involving multiple branches or community partners.
• Facilitate coordination across branches and departments when presenters, performers, partnerships, program concepts, resources, calendars, communications, promotional timelines, or logistics can be shared or coordinated systemwide.
• Develop and uphold programming standards and coordinate system-level review for programs requiring significant resources, cross-departmental involvement, elevated operational attention, or broader RCLS impact.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Promotion

• Collaborate with RCLS leadership, Branch Managers, Marketing, Collection Management, and other operational teams to identify needs and coordinate programming and outreach support.
• Provide training and support to library staff on community engagement, outreach initiatives, program planning, and programming best practices.

Evaluation, Reporting and Budget

• Monitor and evaluate outreach and programming efforts through attendance, participation data, surveys, feedback, and other appropriate measures.
• Analyze programming and outreach trends and prepare recommendations for future priorities, partnerships, resource allocation, and service improvements.
• Prepare reports on program outcomes, outreach activity, and community impact for library leadership.
• Prepare and manage the Program and Outreach budget.
• Other related duties, as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required. 
• • Master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS/MLS), public administration, organizational leadership, education, business administration, or a related field preferred. 
• Significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Understanding of library services including programming, virtual programming, event management, educational partnerships, community engagement, outreach initiatives, and related services, along with high creativity and excellent planning skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide consultation, guidance, and functional leadership across teams without direct supervisory authority.
• Proven ability to evaluate trends and needs, analyze and document data, and prepare recommendations based upon information collected.
• Excellent writing, editing, presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with excellent organizational skills, time management efficiency, and careful attention to detail.
• A positive, optimistic, collaborative, and supportive attitude is essential to the position.
• Requires a valid driver’s license and frequent travel, approximately 80%, between library branches and community locations; evening and weekend work may be required.

Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review

As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate’s qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.