The East Side Freedom Library was founded in 2014 in an historic Carnegie Library in St. Paul. “Inspiring solidarity, advocating for justice, and working toward equity for all” is ESFL’s mission, pursued through educational, cultural and community programs. ESFL is a new kind of non-lending library, housing 20,000 catalogued books, artworks and artifacts representing the “work of freedom,” with particular depth in labor history, African American history, refugee and immigrant histories, critical race theory and other histories that intersect in themes of change, justice and social transformation. ESFL also houses the Hmong Archives, a remarkable collection of textiles, crafts, books and ephemera related to the Hmong experience in Asia and the U.S. In addition to supporting researchers who want to visit the collections, ESFL conducts or sponsors several long-term programs: History Day project support; a Karen Women’s Weaving Circle; East Side Open Mic Night; Freedom Meditation Group; Kids’ Rising Story Hour; Teachers’ Reading Group; Labor Movie Night, among others. On most nights of the week, ESFL’s doors are open in the evenings for free forums, screenings, meetings and performances on a wide range of topics neighbors and collaborators propose: disability rights, author readings, voting; restorative justice, and many more topics with saliency and urgency in our society.
Closing Date: Feb 5, 2018
Job Type: Full Time Salary: $38,000 – $46,000
Hours: 40 hours, some nights and weekends
Primary Duties:
As the first paid staff member of ESFL, the Associate Director will work closely with the Co Executive Directors in the three areas of responsibility described below. ESFL’s Board and Director(s) have deepened ESFL’s organizational structure and fundraising capacity, and several of the responsibilities listed will shift to an Assistant as hiring becomes possible. The Associate Director’s experience and initiative will be crucial in shaping ESFL in its next phase.
Programming:
Develop and implement mission-aligned public programs, in cooperation with the Co- Executive Directors and Board, and in ways that utilize Associate Director’s experience and creativity.
– Create promotional materials for programs: flyers, social media and website calendar.
– Maintain regular hours at Library, in consultation with Co-Executive Director.
Attend programs, including some evening programs, and represent ESFL at some community events.
– Develop and maintain working relationships with ESFL’s labor, academic, arts and social justice community partners.
Development:
– Assist in ESFL’s grants calendar, anticipate grant report schedules and complete reports as required.
– Participate in grantwriting, either as primary author or editor.
– Maintain donor database in coordination with volunteers and consultants.
Organizational Development:
– Attend Board Meetings, and work cooperatively with Program Committees of the Board.
– Maintain Event Participant master list, coordinate with Development Consultant on all communication lists such as Mailchimp, Little Green Light donor database, Facebook and more.
– Convene ESFL collaborators, and develop their community, program participation and initiatives. See more about the roles of collaborators.
– Develop and implement Internship guidelines and job descriptions.
– Help develop a Membership program, proceeding from Collaborator program development.
Experience:
ESFL is interested in applicants for the Associate Director position who possess many of the following qualifications:
– Program development and/or management experience.
– Community organizing experience.
– Experience with non-profit organizations.
– Commitment to libraries, arts and education, and to programming that supports those endeavors.
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills, in English and other languages.
– Experience interacting and collaborating with people from racial, socioeconomic, cultural, ability or gender identity backgrounds different from applicant’s own.
– B.A. in Humanities or Arts field desired; advanced degree helpful.
– Initiative, good judgment and follow-through.
– Ability and willingness to staff evening events, in rotation with Executive Director and collaborators.
– Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, database programs, or fearless capacity to learn quickly.
– Commitment to cultural competency, learning from others and adding to a diverse pool of ideas.
– Knowledge of, and/or commitment to, the diversity of the East Side of Saint Paul and the changing demographics of all our surrounding communities.
Additional Info:
Position Location is on the East Side of St. Paul, with work from home hours available and to be determined each week. Some remote work is possible, but onsite hours are required, including some evenings and weekends.
How To Apply:
Email cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample to [email protected] by February 5, 2018.
East Side Freedom Library is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action employer. All persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law are encouraged to apply.
Original posting / application information