The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking the lead staffer for state and local advocacy in its Public Policy and Advocacy (PPA) Office.
The deputy director leads or co-leads nationwide initiatives and campaigns to advance the interests of the U.S. library community and defend against attacks on libraries and library workers. Currently, the most significant issue for this portfolio is book banning and censorship at the state and local levels, addressed through the Unite Against Book Bans campaign, though historically the most significant issue is library funding.
Advocacy work with state library associations, other state-level library organizations, and individual libraries is also an integral part of this position. The deputy director works directly with state and local groups to partner on library advocacy and to provide advice, resources, and services, in collaboration with other colleagues in PPA (especially the Chapter Relations Office) as well as with ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom; Communications, Marketing, and Media Office; divisions; and other ALA units.
ALA is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all.
Key Responsibilities
As a senior staff member, activities include providing project leadership and management, engaging in meetings with the senior staff of stakeholders, writing and editing texts, giving oral presentations, and partnering with volunteers from around the country.
This is a regular full-time position.
ALA staff are currently working on a hybrid schedule. Please note that although we have a generous telecommuting policy for our employees, we do not have any truly remote positions in states outside of our workplace sites.
ALA currently requires that employees be fully vaccinated as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Proof of vaccination will be required on or before start date.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.
SALARY: Negotiable from $90,000, based on relevant experience. ALA has an excellent benefit package that includes flexible work schedules, medical, dental, generous paid vacation and a retirement annuity and a 35-hour work week. You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
FOR CONSIDERATION:
Apply online including a cover letter and resume.
Or
Send resume and cover letter to:
American Library Association
Human Resources Department
Ref: depdirAdvocacyPPA
Email:mpullen@ala.org
The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer: Disability/Veteran.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of relevant experience
- Knowledge of political process and how state governments work
- Ability to work with a wide range of personalities and individuals at varying levels of professional hierarchy
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment under stress and time constraints
- Moderate domestic travel is required
- Prefer individual with prior experience with the library community or analogous public-service national community with state and local chapters
- Prefer experience with membership organizations
- Prefer incumbent based in the Chicago area, but will consider a Washington, D.C. area-based individual
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)