Community Partnerships and Government Relations Program Manager

Invitation to Compete #22-17

Community Partnerships and Government Relations Program Manager

Institutional and Strategic Advancement Division – Central Library

Full-time, 80 hours per pay period

*This position is open to employees of The Seattle Public Library and to the public.*

This application period is open until filled. First consideration for interviews will be given to those who apply by 8 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2017.

This is a regular, full-time and benefited position that is exempt from the overtime rules of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

OVERVIEW

The Community Partnerships and Governmental Relations Program Manager works with Library leadership to identify, build and maintain effective and strong community partnerships and governmental relationships that support the Library’s programmatic work.

The Seattle Public Library is Seattle’s center of information and knowledge and one of the most popular and valued services in the city. Library staff is highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. Staff members are committed to the Library’s organizational values of respect, partnership, engagement, diversity and inclusion, transparency and recognition. In particular, they demonstrate respect, engage in partnerships, and are transparent in their communications and intentions. A strategic priority of the Library is to foster an internal culture of innovation which focuses on creativity, engagement, learning and staff development.

The Library supports the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative to end institutionalized racism by eliminating barriers to access, providing the staff and public with opportunities for growth, and developing equitable access to the programs and services we offer. If you share those values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for this position.

The Community Partnerships and Government Relations Program Manager reports to the Director of Institutional and Strategic Advancement and is responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting effective alliances with community partners to leverage the Library’s use of their resources to achieve Library goals and objectives. This individual will also serve as a key point of contact with community leaders, and public and private organizations on behalf of the Library to foster connections that promote and expand its services to the community.

The Community Partnerships and Government Relations Program Manager will advocate for the Library’s interests and convey the interests of other organizations as they have been expressed to the Library. This individual will represent the Library in conducting business with the Mayor’s Office, other City departments, other local governmental agencies, elected and appointed officials, Seattle Public Schools, institutions of higher education, and business and community groups. The Community Partnerships and Government Relations Program Manager will demonstrate knowledge of the challenges urban libraries face in responding to emerging changes in service delivery to library patrons, and the ability to explore, anticipate and promote opportunities for future funding in collaboration with The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Library’s Leadership Team.

The Community Partnerships and Government Relations Program Manager will also partner with Library management and staff to foster a public service environment that supports intellectual freedom; promotes literacy and a love of reading; protects confidentiality of patron records; respects and embraces the community; fosters a healthy democracy; supports children and youth; forms strong partnerships and adapts and innovates to stay relevant.

The Community Partnerships and Government Relations Program Manager will serve on the Leadership Team, and build interest in and support for The Seattle Public Library as part of the Institutional and Strategic Advancement Division.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develops and recommends effective community partnership and government relations strategies to Library leadership.Advocates for the adoption and integration of such strategies into Library planning and operations.Conducts an ongoing evaluation of the impacts/results of such strategies and recommends new approaches as needed.
• Anticipates, solicits, develops, nurtures and maintains relationships with Library partners to build coalitions, include public input and outreach, and ensure the Library’s presence as a community partner.Functions as liaison between Library partners and Library staff in the full utilization of these partnerships to achieve Library priorities.Documents partnership commitments and ensures that the Library delivers on its promises to Library partners.Develops partnerships with external libraries (state, public, and international) to achieve objectives.
• Proactively identifies and assesses potential obstacles to the achievement of Library and community partnerships and strategic initiatives, including but not limited to policy and funding needs and restrictions.Promotes and facilitates within the Library a strategic and operational focus on such partnerships.Recommends strategies and potential outcomes to the Library leadership.
• Explores and assesses the opportunities of potential grant proposals and return on investment outcomes from funded grants.Responsible for capitalizing on the Library’s ability to maximize grant opportunities and ensure that they are fully utilized.Plays a key role in the packaging of grant proposals.Mentors Library staff in the preparation of proposals and funding requests.Monitors and reports on grant funding and expenditures.Works in collaboration with the Director of Library Programs and Services to ensure that grant projects are appropriately planned for, completed and evaluated consistent with accountability protocols.
• Advocates for the Library with elected and appointed officials, and represents the City Librarian in public forums, civic functions with elected officials, external agencies, and community, neighborhood and business organizations.
• Convenes and participates in meetings, forums and similar gatherings to keep informed of changing trends or emerging initiatives.Monitors library professional and local governmental publications and networks for relevant information pertaining to the Library.
• Convenes and participates in meetings and monitors the initiatives and actions of various community organizations or agencies; with other staff, develops positions and white papers on issues that affect the Library; represents the Library in professional or governmental forums, groups or organizations; prepares presentations and talking points for the City Librarian on substantive issues of interest to the Library.
• Researches, compiles and reports data regarding issues pertaining to the Library and the library profession overall to build common understanding of current challenges and opportunities and to ensure that the Library’s interests are represented.
• Coordinates activities on behalf of the City Librarian’s Office with representatives of other City departments, outside agencies and organizations.Educates others, including Library staff, Library Board, Friends and Foundation Boards on the Library’s position on current issues.
• Works in collaboration with the Communications Director to develop materials to educate partners on the issues and opportunities facing the Library.
• Builds and utilizes networks to stay abreast of Library issues and to actively seek service and funding opportunities to leverage the Library with potential community partners and to enhance the Library’s programs and services.Works in collaboration with the City Librarian, The Seattle Public Library Foundation, and the Director of Library Programs and Services to actively promote, anticipate, engage and fund projects consistent with our strategic/service objectives.
• Works in collaboration with the Communications Director and the Head of Marketing and Online Services to actively respond to public concerns.

The individual occupying this position will:

• Have seasoned political acumen and make sound recommendations on complex legislative, regulatory, community and governmental issues affecting the Library.
• Be an enthusiastic, engaging and persuasive speaker to represent the City Librarian effectively with local community groups, government representatives, committees and with library professional groups.
• Utilize a developed network of professional community and organizational contacts to achieve the Library’s strategic/service objectives.Particular emphasis on understanding and translating the Library’s current and potential programs and services to various community leaders, organizations and groups.
• Serve as an active thought leader and advocate for potential opportunities to further leverage the Library as a community partner with other organizations.
• Be organized and thrive in a fast-paced environment. He or she will be enthusiastic, diplomatic, determined and quick witted.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications or the humanities required; MBA or MPA preferred.
• At least five (5) years of experience in intergovernmental relations, community relations or communications for a large, organization (500+ employees) at a senior level; experience should include:
  • developing working agreements and relationships with at least 3 or more high profile (state or national) partners,
  • developing nonprofit or for-profit partnership agreements at the citywide or statewide level,
  • delivering measurable and meaningful outcomes for organizations with state, county or city-wide reach,
  • developing legislative proposals and relationships with elected and appointed officials at the state, county or city level, and
  • engaging with elected and appointed officials at the state, county or city level;
  • previous experience in public libraries is desired.
• Demonstrated experience representing the interests of a large organization and speaking on behalf of an executive director is required. Ability to engage an audience, create interest and excitement while taking the complex and making it simple for effective understanding. Previous experience articulating a vision and strategic direction to a wide variety of audiences.
• Working knowledge of public libraries and their role within the community, with particular emphasis on fostering partnerships that support patron and community success; and of the city of Seattle’s political and social environment and ways in which the Library can ensure its place in local political and community engagement.
• Demonstrated ability in cultivating new professional connections and having existing extensive professional network of experts in the field of community relations and government relations.
• Excellent verbal presentation and written communication skills as well as the ability to be persuasive working with executives, community leaders, elected officials and governmental representatives.
• Must be a strategic thinker, collaborate effectively with internal and external partners and have inclusive leadership skills; flexibility and adaptability; and a willingness to embrace and drive change initiatives.Ability to recognize and set priorities, and to use initiative and independent management decision-making.
• Ability to analyze complex and sensitive organizational and governmental issues, develop and make recommendations to senior level staff and implement decisions in compliance with Library policies.Ability to carefully but quickly think through and evaluate alternatives, innovative problem resolution, proactive approaches and demonstrate initiative to resolve issues.
• Ability to be intellectually engaging with strong interpersonal, communication and advocacy skills. An ability to influence others, negotiate to a successful resolution, and engage in effective problem solving.Excellent communication, public speaking and presentation skills are essential.
• A sense of humor, a positive and enthusiastic approach to public service and library staff; and a passion for learning and a love of reading.

Additional Information:
HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this vacancy candidates must submit an application via this bulletin and include:

• A Cover Letter describing how your qualifications and experience meet those required for the position.
• Resume

First consideration for interviews will be given to those who apply by 8 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2017.

If you have questions about this bulletin or general questions regarding employment at the Library, please email jobapplications@spl.org .

THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROMOTES DIVERSITY AND PRACTICES INCLUSION.

People of color are strongly urged to apply. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please let us know.