Programming and Events Manager

Apply for this position at: mymcpl.org/about/work-with-us

At Mid-Continent Public Library, we:

  Imagine. We inspire innovation through curiosity and exploration.

Try new things. We empower what works and learn from the rest.

Lead the way. We connect people to information, ideas, and inspiration.

Welcome all. We embrace new perspectives and listen with humility.

Position Overview 

The Programming and Events Manager will spearhead the entire lifecycle of library programs and events. In partnership with branches and the Mission Enhancements, they will design programs and events that showcase the library’s resources to our community. From generating innovative ideas to careful planning, seamless execution, and comprehensive post-event evaluation, the role encompasses every stage of the programming and event process. With a dedicated commitment to enhancing our community's engagement, the Programming and Signature Events Manager will curate a dynamic and inclusive program calendar that promotes lifelong learning. Their imagination and organizational skills will be instrumental in designing captivating events that deeply connect with our audience, ensuring that our library continues to thrive as a vibrant center of activity and enrichment for everyone. 

Essential Functions:

• Develop and execute a diverse calendar of programs and events for 34 branch locations across all age groups and interests, in alignment with the library's mission and strategic objectives.
• Develop and execute MCPL’s signature events such as GenreCon, LitUP, Veteran’s Salute, and more. 
• Identify emerging trends and community needs to ensure the relevance and engagement of programs to include diverse interests across our service area.
• Procure engaging presenters and performers for various events, including authors, artists, educators, and community experts.
• Coordinate with relevant departments to manage all logistical aspects of programs, including budgeting, marketing, scheduling, and vendor relations.
• Maintain the library's Event System in collaboration with the Library Systems Department.
• Foster collaboration among library staff from different departments and branches to ensure successful program implementation.
• Assess program effectiveness using surveys, attendance data, and feedback to drive improvements.
• Supervise day-to-day operations of the programming and signature events team.
• Administers the program and signature events budget efficiently.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff dedicated to programming and signature events.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Represents MCPL and presents content at local, state, and national committees and conferences.
• Develops professional and community relationships.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• 3 years public library programming and event experience required.
• 3 years management experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

All successful leaders at MCPL should demonstrate: 

• Advanced verbal, written, and discreet communication skills with management, coworkers, and the public in a clear, timely, and proactive manner. 
• Ability to collaborate with Library leadership to effectively develop, adhere to, and work within the constructs of the library’s budget. 
• Advanced ability to maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with multiple stakeholders. 
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible with scheduling.
• Sufficient understanding of the MCPL value of intellectual freedom in order to uphold those values while performing their job duties.
• Advanced knowledge of a public library's mission and purpose, ability to provide clear expectations and direction, to manage competing priorities, to evaluate quality of work, and provide feedback and accountability. 
• Advanced knowledge of department processes and procedures, expert knowledge of Library Professional Ethics, advanced knowledge of the impact of decision-making on MCPL, and demonstrated mature judgment to make department-level/system level decisions. 
• Advanced proficiency in customer service skills through polite, professional, and collaborative interactions with internal and external customers. 
• An advanced understanding of the role of MCPL leaders at all levels in creating a welcoming and respectful workplace and library for all.

Additionally, this position requires:

Expertise in Librarianship:

1. • Demonstrates expertise in various aspects of librarianship, including library services, intellectual freedom, and familiarity with available materials and resources.
   • Proficient in interpreting statistical data, seeking feedback, and maintaining a holistic perspective to provide optimal resources for the system and community.

Content Creation and Strategy:

1. • Ability to lead content creation efforts to develop a cohesive programming and services strategy that aligns seamlessly with MCPL’s strategic plan.
   • Proficient in interpreting, making decisions, and justifying content choices based on principles such as Freedom to Read/Library Bill of Rights.

Technology Proficiency:

1. • Skilled in utilizing various applications, hardware, and coding languages.
   • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Microsoft Teams, and social media platforms for supervising the creation of engaging online content.
   • Intermediate ability in utilizing Zoom for meeting scheduling, participant management, and troubleshooting.
   • Intermediate proficiency in Adobe software for tasks such as photo editing, vector graphics creation, and basic video editing.

Budgeting Skills:

1. • Advanced knowledge of budgeting practices and processes necessary for creating and maintaining an annual budget at a satisfactory level.

Communication Skills:

1. • Demonstrates advanced verbal, written, and discreet communication skills with management, coworkers, and the public, ensuring clarity, timeliness, and proactive engagement.
   • Ability to collaborate effectively with Library leadership to develop, adhere to, and operate within the constructs of the Library's annual budget.

Stakeholder Management:

1. • Maintains effective and collaborative working relationships with multiple stakeholders.

Library Mission and Purpose:

1. • Exhibits advanced knowledge of a public library's mission and purpose, providing clear expectations, managing competing priorities, evaluating work quality, and offering feedback and accountability.

Age Requirement:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

MVR Requirement: 

• Possession of a valid driver license and a reliable personal vehicle for use in carrying out the duties of this position including transportation of materials and equipment (mileage reimbursed) 
• Possesses the ability to drive MCPL vehicle according to company policy. 

Work Environment 

• Works primarily indoors with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and must have a reasonable tolerance for dust, mold, scents, allergens, and communicable diseases which enables the employee to handle library materials, work in older buildings and interact with coworkers and the public.

Physical abilities: 

Daily(greater than 50% of the time)

• Receiving communication and instructions (vision, reading, hearing)
• Conveying communication and instructions (speaking, writing)
• Using computer data entry tools - keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner

Frequently (up to 50% of the time)

• Sitting
• Walking (even ground) Occasionally (approximately 1-2 times a month)

• Standing up 1 hour at a time
• Lifting 1-10 pounds Rarely
• Pushing/Pulling 1-10 pounds
• Standing more than 1 hour at a time

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

This is not a Bargaining Unit Position

All applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected class in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Any applicant requiring accommodation should contact the Mid-Continent Public Library Human Resources Department at View phone number on us.fitly.work.

Applicants will be considered for employment opportunities on the merits of their skills and experience related to the position sought. Employment offers are conditional upon submitting a criminal records check, identity verification, and national sex offender registry check. Applicants will not be denied employment solely or in part because of a prior conviction, unless MCPL determines the conviction is job-related. If a background check yields information that is of concern to MCPL, the applicant will be given an opportunity to review the background check findings and present information regarding inaccuracy, mitigating circumstances, and rehabilitation.  

Job Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $50,000 - 74,999