Cultural Activities Coordinator

About the role

The Cultural Activities Coordinator is responsible for conducting outreach to Spanish-speaking residents in the county, planning and executing culturally relevant events, and serving as a trusted link between the library and the community.

Responsibilities

• Conducting regular, in-person outreach in neighborhoods with the highest concentration of Spanish-speaking residents.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with community organizations, churches, schools, local businesses, and social service agencies.
• Planning, coordinating, and executing a diverse calendar of cultural events at the library, including celebrations of holidays and traditions relevant to the community.
• Incorporating culturally relevant food, music, art, and storytelling into library events in an authentic and respectful manner.
• Aiding with the selection of materials in Spanish or in translation to provide improved community representation in the library’s collections.
• Translating key library promotional assets, such as calendars or flyers, into Spanish.
• Promoting library services, resources, and events to Spanish-speaking residents in both English and Spanish, including digital resources.
• Communicating effectively, courteously, and tactfully with the public and co-workers in both English and Spanish.
• Assisting community members with library card registration, digital resource access, and use of library technology.
• Representing the library at community events, health fairs, school meetings, and other public gatherings.
• Participating in professional development to keep abreast of trends and innovations in library outreach, community engagement, and cultural event planning.
• Keeping accurate statistics and records of outreach contacts, event attendance, and event outcomes according to established library procedures.
• Offering and assisting in performing essential duties of other outreach staff when the need arises.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent required; a bachelor’s degree in social work, education, communications, library science, cultural studies, or a related field preferred.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish (spoken and written).
• Demonstrated experience working with Spanish-speaking or other immigrant or refugee communities in an outreach, social services, education, or community organizing capacity.
• Experience working with computers, databases, and search tools.
• Ability to obtain the appropriate level of certification through the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation for community travel within the county.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Requires availability for extended hours as needed.

Skills and characteristics

• Exceptional people skills including the ability to communicate effectively across cultural and linguistic differences, express patience, friendliness, and warmth, and a genuine desire to serve others.
• Ability to build trust with community members who may have limited prior relationship with the library or other public institutions.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within designated areas of responsibility.
• Skills in public speaking, event facilitation, and community engagement.
• Ability to share information effectively with groups of diverse backgrounds and ages.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn library resources and databases available in Spanish, including ESOL and adult literacy materials.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions in English and Spanish.
• Ability to work both independently and with staff in a team environment.
• Ability to use workplace technology including email, internet, databases, social media, and other software.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies and integrate them into event planning, marketing, and outreach.
• Ability to be innovative, flexible, and well organized.
• Possession of excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands

• Standing, sitting, stooping, pulling, pushing, and walking.
• Handling books and other library materials.
• Using computer input devices.
• Visual acuity for near reading.
• Mobility to assist patrons and reach materials.
• Pushing and pulling book trucks up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs., or greater with assistance.

Work Environment

• Will work indoors and outdoors throughout the year, both at the library and in the community.
• A significant portion of work time will be spent outside the library building, conducting outreach in community settings.
• Climate-controlled environment while indoors.
• Exposure to dust, sunshine, and the elements during community and outdoor events.
• Outreach and event services may be performed offsite, as needed.