Book Access Coordinator @ Open Books

Chicagolx; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunities for professional development

Family-friendly and flexible atmosphere

Job summary

A community engagement organization in Chicago is seeking a Book Access Coordinator to facilitate access to books for under-resourced communities. Responsibilities include sorting book donations, coordinating grants, and collaborating with community partners. The ideal candidate is organized, proficient in Google Suite, has strong communication skills, and a passion for literacy. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and a flexible work atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Valid IL driver’s license and comfort driving a large van.
• Enthusiasm for community partnership work.
• Strong belief in the importance of literacy education.

Responsibilities

• Sort and evaluate book donations for granting.
• Assemble book grants for diverse audiences.
• Assist in outreach and partnerships with community organizations.
• Coordinate book grants for events and large-scale giveaways.

Skills

Organized and detail-oriented

Proficient with Google Suite

Valid IL driver’s license

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Experience in public speaking

Outgoing and enthusiastic about relationship building

Job description

• Job Category: Education, Community Engagement

Open Books seeks an enthusiastic team player passionate about literacy in the City of Chicago to serve as our Book Access Coordinator. The Book Access Coordinator contributes to the Open Books mission and vision through providing access to books for under-resourced communities, families, and schools. In collaboration with programs, book operations, and community engagement, they provide schools, community spaces, and more with customized book grants in response to community book needs and interests. Additionally, they assist with logistics and granting to community book nooks and help stock and occasionally drive Open Books Mobile, our bookmobile. They will join a team of 30 staff members who seek to transform lives through reading, writing, and the unlimited power of books. The Book Access Coordinator reports to the Book Access Manager.

Core Responsibilities

• Sort, evaluate, and assess book donations, predominantly children’s books, for granting across all of our book access avenues.
• Assemble book grants for diverse Open Books audiences (schools, community organizations, event giveaways, etc.) based on leveling, interest, and quality
• considerations.
• Assist in outreach and sustaining partnerships with community organizations around book nooks and little free libraries in our priority communities.
• Dedicate occasional weekend and evening hours to special programs and other opportunities happening in North Lawndale, Little Village, Englewood, and other Open Books priority communities.
• Work with the Community Engagement team on developing new outreach initiatives or sourcing new opportunities for book access for Open Books’ target communities.
• Coordinate book grants for events, large-scale giveaways, and assisting the Book Access manager with new and existing Book Nooks.
• Assist in accurate record keeping maintenance as to books granted and demographic and geographical information.
• Routinely transport boxes, up to 40 lbs., and carts of books within Open Books spaces and at events.
• Support the Book Access Manager with compiling data and reports to assess Book Access metrics, goals, and impact.
• Help to ensure the overall health, vitality, and positive morale of Open Books.
• Uphold and regularly demonstrate the core values of Open Books: Accountability, Collaboration, Empowerment, Ingenuity, and Respect.

Position Requirements & Qualifications

• Organized and detail-oriented
• Proficient with Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Forms, Docs, Sheets, etc.)
• Valid IL driver’s license and ability and comfortability driving a large van.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Enthusiasm for community partnership work.
• Experienced and engaging public speaker
• Outgoing and enthusiastic about relationship building
• Strong belief in the importance of literacy and literacy education
• Motivated, innovative, and enthusiastic about Open Books’ mission and programs
• This position works from the Pilsen warehouse with off site work at our other locations for meetings, events, or book nook upkeep.
• Work from home opportunities are available on an as-needed basis.
• 40-hour work week with weekend availability required
• Occasional off-site work at programmatic events with mandatory attendance at Open Books Slide Into Summer (A Sunday in June), Open Books Back to School Lit Fest (August: Sunday before CPS begins), Printer’s Row Lit Fest (First weekend in September), and the North Lawndale Christmas Party (early December)
• Family-friendly and flexible atmosphere
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.