Assistant Director, Literacy & Continuing Education, ODLOS

The American Library Association seeks an Assistant Director, Literacy & Continuing Education for its Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS).  The ideal candidate will have a passion for social justice as it juxtaposes literacy and continuing education while shepherding those initiatives for the association.

ODLOS uses a social justice model to address and develop library services in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion; literacy; and outreach services. The Assistant Director, Literacy and Continuing Education has five primary goals:

• Synthesize and articulate the literacy contributions of ALA Units, Divisions, and Members. maintenance, evaluation and marketing of the ALA Literacy Clearinghouse to support the field in accessing the most recent information related to literacy development, promotion of AEFL Week, curating literacy resources, developing Press Releases, and fostering education pathways for member growth.

• Work with the ALA Washington Office to disseminate knowledge of literacy-related issues and topics and synthesize literacy data for use on the Hill, review and synthesize information and statistics on literacy and libraries in conjunction with developing issue briefs and talking points for broad dissemination with legislators and staffers and provide literacy expertise to the Washington office in various capacities.

• Develop and maintain working partnerships with national literacy organizations and agencies such as ProLiteracy, Inc., the Barabara Bush Foundation, the National Coalition for Literacy and stakeholders within IMLS.

• Work with ALA Offices, Divisions, and Members to create innovative literacy and continuing education initiatives to generate funds for implementing and sustaining these projects, co-creating and facilitating EDI workshops, webinars, and other resources, and internal support for the Committee on Literacy/Assembly to provide a broad spectrum of literacy resources and programming.

• Collaborate with ODLOS Director to design strategic plans around annual literacy and continuing education goals for the Officer for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services, annual planning for the ODLOS strategic direction, while leveraging the ALA CE Office to enhance EDI perspectives regarding literacy as part of social justice.

Other Responsibilities include:

• Tracking project performance periodically to ensure both short-term and long-term goals are met while performing regular assessment of project execution to identify areas for improvement.
• Providing project updates to stakeholders as per demand and requirement.
• Creating and managing contracts with suppliers and vendors, ensuring timely deliveries.
• Creating and maintaining detailed documentation of all literacy and CE projects

This is a regular full-time position based in our Chicago office.

ALA staff are currently working on a hybrid schedule.  Please note that although we have a generous telecommuting policy for our employees, we do not have any truly remote positions in states outside of our workplace sites. 

ALA currently requires that employees be fully vaccinated as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proof of vaccination will be required on or before start date. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.   

Starting salary range negotiable from the mid-60s, based on relevant experience. ALA has an excellent benefit package that includes flexible work schedules, medical, dental, generous paid vacation and a retirement annuity  and a 35-hour work week. You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

FOR CONSIDERATION:

Apply online including a cover letter and resume.

Or

Send resume and cover letter to:

American Library Association

Human Resources Department

Ref:  assistdirODLOS

Email:  mpullen@ala.org

The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer:  Disability/Veteran.

Training, Experience, and Education Requirements:

• Advanced degree in Education, Literacy, Non-profit Management, or related subject required and/or equivalent experience necessary
• Relevant background and experience in literacy organizations as a leading talent
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability in program management
• Excellent written (e.g., grant applications and reports) and verbal communication skills as well as computer skills
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with technology, particularly Drupal, WordPress (or similar platform), social media tools, and online communication platforms (Informz or Mailchimp). 
• Ability to travel in-state and to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Experience leading Literacy programs (existing and new) that reach diverse communities
• Strong interest in and commitment to promoting literacy, EDI, the work of the committee and the ALA and the ability to communicate with diverse communities.
• Experience and/or interest in social justice and working with diverse communities. 
• Minimum of 5 years of administrative/project management experience, along with team building, and program evaluation skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information professionally and appropriately.