Library Services Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Downey, CA

Description

Position: Director of Council Relations

Hours: Full-time, exempt 

Salary: $90,000 - $111,000 annually, DOE 

Location: Hybrid work environment that requires approximately 3 days/week in-person work at the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles, as well as site work at various event venues 

Benefits: Excellent benefits including paid medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, 13 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave policies, and a 20% discount at The Library Store.  

Reports to: Chief Development Officer  

About the Library Foundation of Los Angeles 

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) provides critical support to the Los Angeles Public Library resulting in free programs, resources, and services available to the hundreds of thousands of adults, children, and youth in Los Angeles. We accomplish this mission through fundraising, advocacy, and producing innovative programs that strengthen the Library and promote greater awareness of its valuable resources.  

We recognize that libraries are bigger than buildings and more than books, and we are eager to build on our past success by continuing to identify opportunities to help the LAPL (Los Angeles Public Library) thrive as a responsive, resilient, and dynamic institution that meets the evolving needs and improves the lives of Angelenos all across the city. In our work we reinforce our core values, including empathy, curiosity, accountability, adaptability, high achievement, learning, and collaboration, and we prioritize upholding justice and equity in the workplace. In addition to fostering an active DEIJA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility) committee, we are dedicated to providing professional development, centering team building, and mirroring the welcoming and inclusive environment of public libraries. We love ideas, learning, and making an impact–and are looking to recruit colleagues who share these passions.

Position Description

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Council Relations is responsible for creating the strategy, cultivation, and solicitation of The Council, a key LFLA membership group of 400 individuals who facilitate special programs and fundraising events, serve as Library ambassadors, and increase public awareness of the programs and services available at the Los Angeles Public Library. The Director of Council Relations is responsible for partnering with Council leadership, specifically the Council President, to implement membership and institutional priorities. In addition, the Director of Council Relations works closely with LFLA colleagues on the Development, Library Store, ALOUD, Communications, and Special Projects teams to advance the LFLA mission. 

Responsibilities: 

Membership & Fundraising 

· Develops and implements an annual fundraising plan for The Council membership group.

· Forges relationships with donors and cultivates them for new and renewed membership, as well as major and planned giving (in partnership with the Director of Major and Planned Giving). 

· In partnership with Advancement Services, mines data to better understand target audiences for The Council to increase membership and identify possible major giving prospects. 

· Creates reporting materials for quarterly LFLA board and committee meetings.

· Creates reporting materials for Council Advisory Board meetings and briefs Council committee Chairs.

Council Relations

· Supervises Program Assistant of Council Relations, who provides support for the program and LFLA as a valued team member.

· Drafts speeches, emails, and other communications for The Council President and other key Council leadership, as needed.

· Works collaboratively with The Council leadership, the Program Assistant of Council Relations, and other LFLA administrative staff, providing consistent outreach for new members, continued involvement and engagement for returning members, and timely renewal annually for all members.

· Ensures that all Council members receive appropriate, consistent recognition and an accounting of the impact that their gift has on the needs of the LAPL (Los Angeles Public Library). 

· Develops promotional materials, such as brochures and informational materials, for The Council, in coordination with Communications colleagues and/or consultants.

· Develops strong relationships with LAPL staff.

Events & Programming 

· Oversees and manages event coordination for monthly and annual key gatherings (e.g., monthly Council Literary Series luncheons, Literary Feasts, Literary Awards) and special occasions central to LFLA fundraising, while ensuring expenses are within budget. 

· Builds relationships with publicists/agents to assist in booking authors for the monthly Council Literary Series, as a key contact for the authors and representatives.

· Participates in other LFLA activities to promote the organization and philanthropy. 

· Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Requirements

· Candidate should possess a minimum of 5 years of fundraising and/or donor relations experience; volunteer management is key.

· Demonstrated knowledge related to membership and philanthropy. 

· Able to work effectively with donors and professional advisors. 

· Proven fundraising, leadership, and consensus building skills. 

· Able to lead and motivate groups and individuals. Able to think creatively and strategically to successfully mediate and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. Able to overcome obstacles that lead to cooperation and foster harmonious relations. 

· Ability to balance competing priorities, complex situations, and tight deadlines. 

· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills. 

· Ability to engage prospective donors to share information about themselves and their interests. 

· Must be able to work a variety of hours, including some nights and weekends, to accommodate events. 

· Passion for or knowledge of books, literature, and literary programs a plus.

Physical Requirements

· Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

COVID-19 Workplace Safety Requirements 

· LFLA requires all employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as determined unless reasonable accommodations are approved. This position is currently hybrid with remote and in office activities.

· Occasional requirements include interacting with employees, donors, vendors, and others who may or may not be vaccinated or recently tested. You will be required to wear personal protection equipment (PPE) required by the LA County Department of Public Health protocols and the LFLA. 

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. LFLA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. LFLA conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. LFLA provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact hr@lfla.org.