Job Description
Summary/objective The Manager of Community Engagement and Programs will be a community-connected, creative and self-directed member of the Community and Public Programs team with program design and event production experience. He/she will take a leading role in community outreach and engagement and lead the annual One Book, One Philadelphia series. Specifically, this position will provide outreach to and build ongoing relationships with community organizations with the goal of developing partnerships that align with and support the Foundation’s mission and programming. This includes, but is not limited to, partnerships related to One Book, One Philadelphia. Additionally, each year, this person will lead the design and implementation of a portfolio of programming that makes up the annual One Book, One Philadelphia series. The Manager will have exceptional partnership and community engagement skills, a track record of designing and producing public events, proficiency with all basic computer programs and an understanding of how to leverage existing technology, and be detail-oriented with logistics and planning. This position reports to the Managing Director, Public Programs. The Manager will be the primary person responsible for the planning and execution of One Book, One Philadelphia annually which includes (but is not necessarily limited to) assembling and regularly convening a selection committee, leading the book selection process, identifying vendors and partners to lead associated programming, designing and implementing a media strategy in consultation with Foundation colleagues, building relationships with community partners, designing 3-4 major citywide events, coordinating and facilitating programming with branch libraries across the Free Library system, facilitating additional citywide programming such as engagement of book clubs, and liaising with the Library system to support the rollout of the One Book season each year. Throughout the year, the Manager will also take the lead on project managing 6-10 community conversations or other public programming initiatives that develop as a result of the community outreach and engagement work. These are events that bring partners to the library for 1-2 hour special programs designed to engage the public around timely topics. Responsibilities will include working with partner organizations to finalize the program agenda, manage all event logistics, and lead the effort to publicize the event and fill the room. The Manager will work closely with the Chief of Community Engagement and Public Programs to identify, approach, engage with, and grow sustained relationships with community groups that align with and support the mission of the Foundation. The goal of this work is multifaceted, including building relationships that thematically align with programming and therefore help fill the room for events; developing partnerships that can help inform and shape programming; and positioning the Foundation as a critical and engaged partner in various communities across Philadelphia. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented team player with strong organizational, interpersonal, and event planning skills and have an interest in community conversations and engagement. This position requires the ability to carry projects forward independently, creatively solve problems, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This position requires being on site for a significant number of evening programs over the course of the year (anywhere from 30 – 60). Work hours will be flexed accordingly. All pre-screening questions must be completed for the application to be considered complete. Travel required ● As-need to event locations and around Philadelphia for community meetings Essential functions ● Manage all aspects of the One Book, One Philadelphia Program including but not limited to: o Coordinating the book selection process by compiling and researching book suggestions, reading suggested books as needed, and facilitating selection committee meetings o Working 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 o Facilitating a Working Group process to design collectively-informed approaches to programming inspired by the featured book and youth companion titles o Design and execute 3-4 major city-wide events to take place in April and May, as well as a major press event announcing the book selection in February o Oversee the engagement of Book Clubs around the city in the One Book, One Philadelphia programming o Goal of 1-2 of these events to include the selected author o Work with author and/or agents to issue invitations for author’s participation and, once accepted, secure author contracts and travel