Media Center Specialist

Portland Public School District; Portland (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland Public Schools seeks a Media Center Specialist for Portland High School, focusing on literacy, research, and technology support. You will guide students, collaborate with staff, and maintain an organized media center and device inventory.

The role emphasizes student engagement, classroom collaboration, and proactive identification of resources to support diverse learners and school goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with and/or instructing high school-aged students.
• Experience supporting curriculum and student learning.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an organized library/media center system including circulation, shelving, inventory and materials.
• Supervise students in the Media Center and maintain a safe, productive learning environment.
• Assist students with locating and using books, online resources, and educational materials.
• Support information literacy and responsible technology use skills.
• Develop activities for college and career exploration.
• Promote student literacy through book clubs and reading initiatives.
• Assist teachers in selecting instructional materials for diverse learners.
• Manage district-issued devices, inventory and records.
• Provide basic technology help and coordinate with District Technology staff.
• Maintain records and perform clerical duties related to Media Center operations.
• Support a small group of students facing academic or engagement challenges.
• Coordinate Portrait of a Learner Capstone schedules and documentation.

Skills

Technology literacy

Organization skills

Research assistance

Communication skills

Student support

Collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Portland Public Schools: Media Center Specialist

Portland Public Schools is seeking an organized, student-focused, and technology-minded Media Center Specialist to join the Portland High School team. This position plays an important role in creating a welcoming and engaging Media Center while supporting student literacy, research, and technology. The ideal candidate will enjoy working with high school students, collaborating with staff, and maintaining organized library and student technology resources.

The desired candidate would possess the following attributes

• Ability to effectively use technology to promote efficiency, organization, and student learning.
• Experience assisting students with internet research, digital resources, library materials, and other educational technology.
• Exemplary organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with students, staff, families, and building administration.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and maintain accurate records.
• Knowledge of library/media center operations and educational technology preferred.

Eligible candidates must meet the following qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with and/or instructing high school-aged students.
• Experience supporting curriculum and student learning.

Performance Responsibilities

• Maintaining an efficient and organized library/media center system, including circulation, shelving, inventory, and organization of materials.
• Supervising students in the Media Center and maintaining a safe, positive, and productive learning environment.
• Assisting students in locating and utilizing books, research materials, online resources, and other educational resources.
• Supporting students in developing research, information literacy, and responsible technology-use skills.
• Gathering resources and developing activities to engage students in college and career exploration.
• Facilitating and promoting student literacy activities, including a student book club and other reading initiatives.
• Assisting teachers in identifying and obtaining instructional materials appropriate for varying student ability levels and learning needs.
• Supporting the integration and effective use of technology to enhance student learning.
• Managing student technology inventory, including maintaining accurate records of district-issued devices, chargers, accessories, and other technology equipment.
• Assisting with the distribution, collection, check-in/check-out, and organization of student technology devices and equipment.
• Tracking lost, damaged, or missing student technology and communicating concerns to appropriate building and district staff.
• Coordinating with District Technology staff regarding device inventory, repairs, replacements, and other student technology needs.
• Assisting students and staff with basic technology questions and troubleshooting and referring more complex issues to District Technology staff as appropriate.
• Maintaining accurate records and completing other clerical or organizational duties associated with Media Center and student technology operations.
• Performing other duties related to the Media Center, student supervision, and student support as assigned by the High School Principal or District administration.
• Provide ongoing student support for a small assigned group of approximately 5–10 students who may be experiencing academic, attendance, organizational, or engagement challenges.
• Conduct regular student check-ins and monitor academic progress, attendance, missing work, organization, and overall engagement, while helping connect students with appropriate school supports.
• Support students with goal setting and organization, and communicate relevant concerns or patterns to teachers, counselors, the Dean of Students, and/or building administration.
• Coordinate the scheduling and organization of Portrait of a Learner Capstone presentations, including student presentation schedules, locations, and communication with students, staff, and other participants.
• Maintain accurate records related to student advocacy efforts and Portrait of a Learner Capstone completion, including assisting with follow-up for students who have not yet completed presentation requirements.

The Media Center Specialist reports directly to the High School Principal and works collaboratively with District Technology staff regarding student technology inventory and support.

Position Details

• Title: Media Center Specialist
• Reports to: Portland High School Principal
• Calendar: As per District Calendar, with additional workdays as determined by the building principal.
• Compensation: In accordance with PESPA master agreement

No person applying for employment at Portland Public Schools shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. We are an equal opportunity employer.