Position Title:

Director of Strategic Initiatives-Urban Libraries Council

Position Description:

The ULC Director of Strategic Initiatives has the opportunity to catalyze action for real impact by

developing and leading targeted programs to strengthen libraries. This full-time position is located in Washington, D.C. and reports to the President and CEO.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will have the opportunity to:

• Advance systemic change for major North American cities and counties.
• Build programs that strengthen communities and improve the lives of individuals and families.
• Connect library executives to leaders, innovations and cutting-edge research on anti-racism, social justice, education, business and government.

• Create alliances and partnerships to reduce barriers and increase the effectiveness of libraries.
• Establish tools and frameworks to measure the community impact of public libraries.

Position Responsibilities:

ULC seeks a Director of Strategic Initiatives with a proven program track record and commitment to innovation and equity. In addition, this leader will be intellectually curious, collaborative, a critical thinker and a strong writer.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will:

• Lead ULC’s programs, research and peer learning networks across our initiatives on race and social equity, economic/workforce development, education, digital equity and strong families.

• Understand emerging trends for large cities/counties, race and social equity collective impact efforts and local government priorities and metrics, and the relevance of these trends to the work and mission of the public library.

• Manage and implement complex multi-year programs and demonstration projects including mentoring and managing staff and senior consultants and building strategic partnerships.

• Cultivate funder relationships, conversations and connections and obtain foundation/corporate support for ULC’s initiatives and programs.

Experience and Qualifications

• 10+ years of related experience, including demonstrated ability in leadership roles.
• Comprehensive understanding of program design and development, measuring community impact and policy and system level change.

• Experience working with local government, schools and public sector agencies. Preference for professionals with strong existing networks and contacts.

• Experience and dedication to working on race equity, policy and systems change.
• Experience with learning strategies, evaluation, data and metrics relevant to community impact.
• Ability to travel in accordance with various work assignments.

Application Process:

Application Cover letter and resume should be sent to resumes@urbanlibraries.org to the attention of Angela Goodrich, Finance and Administration Executive.