Adult School Programming Associate

Librarylinknj; Montclair (NJ); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

paid time off

pension

professional development support

Job summary

Montclair Public Library seeks an Adult School Programming Associate to lead diverse adult learning experiences, recruit instructors, and manage registrations. You will coordinate classroom logistics, plan trips, and deliver engaging programs for the community.

The role emphasizes strong communication, tech fluency, and a proactive, collaborative approach within a busy library environment. Evening/weekend availability is expected.

Qualifications

• Five+ years in programming or event coordination for adults.
• Strong public service instincts with diverse adult populations.
• Proficiency with common office tech and project management tools.
• Tech-forward mindset with eagerness to learn current tools.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness to participate in library outreach and events.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and support instructors; build a seasonal calendar of adult classes and events.
• Schedule classes across calendars to ensure broad coverage in multiple subject areas.
• Identify materials and supplies to support offerings and enter class data in the registration system.
• Assist with brochures, photo selection, blog and newsletters to promote programs.
• Support instructors with instructional tech, A/V setup, and classroom accommodations.
• Set up classrooms and event spaces; ensure welcoming, ready environments for each session.
• Plan and coordinate Adult School trips; manage transportation, itineraries, and logistics.
• Work on public service desks; collaborate with departments, support fundraising as needed.

Skills

Public service

Project management

Interpersonal communication

Multitasking

Technical literacy

Evenings & weekends

Tools

Google Workspace

Canva

Registration systems

Job description

The Adult School Programming Associate is at the center of one of Montclair Public Library’s most active and community-loved programs. This role combines programming expertise, event logistics, instructor relations, and direct public service in a position that is never the same day twice.

You will manage the full lifecycle of Adult School programming: recruiting and supporting instructors, handling student registrations, setting up classrooms, planning trips, and delivering standout learning experiences for adult community members.

About You

• You are creative and easily generate ideas for a wide range of programs, including lectures, crafts, fitness, culinary arts and day trips.
• You have a strong desire to understand the many communities that make up Montclair and how to serve them through programming.
• You enjoy working directly with adults and feel energized by a busy, people-centered environment
• You are a strong organizer and multi-tasker who can manage many moving parts across programs, schedules, and logistics without losing track of details
• You communicate professionally and warmly with students, instructors, authors, community partners, and colleagues
• You are comfortable with technology and willing to learn new systems quickly, from registration platforms to A/V equipment
• You take initiative, anticipate needs, and solve problems before they escalation
• You are a collaborative team member who understands the library as one interconnected system
• You follow through on commitments and take ownership of your work from start to finish

Key Responsibilities

Program & Class Development

• Contact and recruit prospective instructors, and maintain ongoing relationships with existing instructors, to build a rich seasonal calendar of classes and events for adults
• Schedule classes across seasonal calendars, ensuring strong coverage across subject areas including lectures, history, personal growth, fitness, health and wellness, technology and hands-on learning
• Identify and recommend materials and supplies to support class offerings
• Enter class information into the registration system and proofread listings across all calendars, systems, and marketing materials for accuracy
• Proofread seasonal brochure drafts and assist with photo selection
• Contribute to the library blog, newsletter, and other communications to promote Adult School programs and initiatives

Student & Instructor Support

• Respond to student inquiries and manage registration requests of all kinds, including refunds and scheduling changes
• Troubleshoot issues involving students and instructors, including registration problems, complaints, accessibility needs, and any situation where a patron has been inconvenienced
• Maintain accurate student profiles in the registration system
• Support instructors with instructional technology, A/V setup, and classroom accommodations for students
• Help instructors navigate library computers, display monitors, presentation systems, and their own equipment as needed

Classroom & Event Logistics

• Set up classrooms and event spaces for each session, including tables, chairs, display monitors, and program materials
• Ensure spaces are welcoming and fully prepared before every class or event

Adult School Trips

• Plan and coordinate Adult School bus trips, including reserving transportation and scheduling tours at museums, cultural institutions, theaters, and restaurants
• Build itineraries and manage all student meeting logistics and communications for each trip
• Chaperone students on bus tours to various locations throughout the region
• Purchase and manage snacks and supplies for trips

Public Service Desks

• Work occasional shifts on library service desks as needed, including Reference, Borrower Services, Youth Services and/or the Bellevue Avenue Branch
• Support and coordinate closely with colleagues in the broader library on shared programs, cross-departmental coverage, and patron needs
• Provide support to the Montclair Public Library Foundation’s fundraising initiatives when asked and appropriate
• Participate in professional development to stay current in adult learning and community programming trends
• Represent MPL at community partnerships and events as opportunities arise
• Take on other duties as assigned to support the Adult School and the library's broader goals

How You Work

This role involves daily interaction with a wide range of people: students, instructors, authors, donors, community partners, and colleagues across the library. The following standards reflect how we expect this work to be done.

• Communicate with colleagues clearly, professionally, and constructively, including when requesting assistance from coworkers or your manager
• Bring patience, clarity, and an even temperament to every interaction with patrons and the general public
• Treat all colleagues, patrons, and partners with courtesy and respect as a baseline, not an extra
• Maintain a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach when navigating difficult situations, complaints, or competing demands

This Job is Not For Someone Who

• Avoids direct public interaction or prefers primarily behind-the-scenes work
• Is uncomfortable coordinating with authors, instructors, or high-profile community partners
• Resists learning new technology or working across multiple platforms and systems
• Struggles to manage many projects, deadlines, and competing priorities at once
• Has difficulty staying composed and professional when patrons or situations are challenging

Qualifications

Required

• At least five years of related work experience, with demonstrated programming or event coordination responsibility
• Strong public service instincts and comfort working directly with diverse adult populations
• Proficiency with office technology and common project management tools
• A tech-forward approach and a genuine eagerness to learn and use the most current tools available to work more efficiently
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• Willingness to participate in library outreach, including events and initiatives led by other departments
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required

Preferred

• Experience with continuing education, adult learning, or community programming
• Familiarity with BCCLS systems including Polaris and Leap
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Canva, or registration and project management tools
• Experience working with instructors, literary programming, or cultural event coordination
• Conversational Spanish or other languages a plus

Details

Schedule

Full-time, 35 hours/week. Evenings and weekend rotations required.

Compensation

$45,000 / year

Reports To

Head of Adult School

• Health insurance
• paid time off
• pension
• professional development support

“Good Faith” Salary, Range, or Rate of Pay