Manager, Community Engagement and Programs

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

o 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 program

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

o Maintain partnership with the School District of Philadelphia Curriculum Office to coordinate classroom participation/teacher use of One Book resources and trainings

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

o Work with the Free Library’s communications office to create the programming guide and content for the One Book pages

o Work with the Free Library’s communications office to create content to promote programming as appropriate

o Work with publishers to order books and manage all aspects of distribution to Neighborhood Libraries, schools, and community partners.

● Research, identify, and support the development of partnerships aligned to the Foundation’s mission and vision

● Develop and maintain a partnerships / community organizations database

● Specifically work with the Managing Director of Public Programs to develop a “fill the room” strategy for public programs (e.g. Author Events) through the community partnerships being developed and stewarded

● Ensure the annual One Book, One Philadelphia series engages community partners in the 3-4 anchor events and encourages partners to hold their own One Book, One Philadelphia aligned events.

● In collaboration with external strategic partners, coordinate the design, planning and management of 6-10 special events annually

● Partner with the Public Programs Team to add additional support for the overall logistics for 50+ programs, before and during events, including the Author Events, Teen Author Events, One Book events and occasional community conversations/special events. Responsibilities at these events may include, depending on staffing needs for a given event:

o Set-up and breakdown of the Montgomery Auditorium and other Library spaces before and during events

o Coordinate planning and logistical needs with various departments of the Free Library in support of event logistics and planning

o As necessary, introduce events and moderate Q&A’s

● Night-of event activities may include:

o Assist in patron management during all stages of event production

o Manage and assist authors during events

o Introduce and/or moderate events as assigned

o Set-up and cleanup of library spaces before and after events

o Ensure positive audience experiences for all patrons, attendees and signing line participants

o Work with FLP staff to ensure the smooth running of all speaker events and community programming that takes place onsite

● Foster a culture of philanthropy mindset, actively engaging in fundraising efforts organized or attended by staff, and promoting the organization's mission and values in and outside the organization including but not limited to supporting the mission of the Foundation by promoting membership and promoting and attending events when appropriate.

● Engage with members, donors and supports in attendance at events

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required education and experience

● 3-5 years of professional experience designing and implementing public and/or cultural programming

● 3-5 years of professional experience in community outreach and partnership development

● Proven track record of successfully executing programs/projects

● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and office database systems

● Successful history of audience development strategies.

● Flexibility for evening commitments and occasional weekends

Competencies

· Program & Event Management

· Community Engagement & Partnership Development

· Project Management & Execution

· Communication & Public Facilitation

· Collaboration & Cross-Functional Teamwork

· Cultural Competence & Inclusion

· Problem Solving & Adaptability

· Organizational & Detail Orientation

· Initiative & Accountability

Supervisory responsibilities

Yes

Physical demands

● Periods of sitting

● Periods of walking

● Lifting (up to 50lbs)

● Time in front of artificial light, i.e. computer screens and other digital displays

● Repetitive Movements for extended periods of time

Work authorization/security clearance requirements

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US. Proof of authorization will be required during the onboarding process.

EEO statements

It is the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation’s (FLPF) commitment to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of race, ethnicity, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, ancestry, military service, physical or mental or sensory disability, medical condition including medical characteristics, marital / domestic partnership status or any other classification protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. FLPF is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Our policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on any protected characteristics. All employment decisions at FLPF are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, working conditions, compensation, promotion, benefits, scheduling, training, discipline, and termination. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request to the fullest extent required by law.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least 3 years of professional experience designing and executing public-facing programs or events (including envisioning the program, managing logistics, partners, and promotion)?
• Which best describes your experience building and managing partnerships with community-based organizations (e.g., nonprofits, schools, cultural institutions)?

I have led outreach and maintained ongoing partnerships as a core part of my role
I have supported partnership efforts but was not the lead
I have limited or no experience

• n a typical year, how many events have you directly managed from planning through execution?

10 or more events annually (including logistics, coordination, and on-site execution)
5–9 events annually
Fewer than 5 events

• This role requires frequent evening programming (approximately 30–60 events per year). Are you able and willing to work evenings regularly as part of your schedule?

Yes
No

• What is your salary expectation?

Work Location: On the road