This position is supported by funding provided through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Program. The position is established for the period of grant funding and is subject to funding availability, grant requirements, and project needs. Employment beyond the grant-funded period is not guaranteed.

Job Summary:

The Youth Services Consultant plays a critical role in the Library Development branch of the Arizona State Library. The Youth Services Consultant serves as the statewide subject matter expert for library services that support the learning, literacy, and developmental needs of Arizona's children, teens, and families. This position provides leadership, consultation, and training to libraries throughout Arizona on best practices in youth services, early literacy, STEM learning, summer and out-of-school programming, emerging technologies, and community engagement. The Youth Services Consultant directs the activities of the Arizona Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Library of Congress; coordinates Arizona's statewide Summer Reading Program; develops strategic partnerships that advance literacy and lifelong learning; and plans and delivers professional development opportunities for library staff. The position represents the Arizona State Library at local, state, and national levels and actively monitors emerging trends and research to support innovation and excellence in library services to young people and their families.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties:

Statewide Youth Services Leadership and Consultation: Serve as the State Library's lead consultant for youth services, providing guidance, technical assistance, and subject matter expertise to libraries serving children, teens, caregivers, and educators throughout Arizona. Monitor and evaluate emerging trends, research, and best practices in youth librarianship, early literacy, STEM education, digital learning, and family engagement, and translate findings into practical resources and recommendations for Arizona libraries. Develop tools, resources, and initiatives that strengthen library services to children and young adults and promote equitable access to learning opportunities across the state. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with library organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and community partners to advance statewide literacy and learning goals.

Arizona Center for the Book Administration: Direct the activities of the Arizona Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Library of Congress, including statewide programs, partnerships, outreach activities, and promotional efforts. Coordinate Arizona participation in national Center for the Book initiatives and develop programs that promote literacy, reading, writing, storytelling, and Arizona's literary heritage. Cultivate partnerships with authors, educators, cultural organizations, libraries, and other stakeholders to expand public engagement with books, literacy, and lifelong learning. Manage program planning, communications, budgets, records, and reporting associated with Center for the Book activities.

Statewide Summer Reading Program Coordination: Lead the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Arizona's statewide Summer Reading Program. Coordinate with vendors, libraries, and State Library staff to ensure effective program administration, resource development, training, communication, and assessment. Analyze participation and outcomes data to identify trends, measure impact, and make recommendations for future program development. Promote innovative approaches that support literacy, learning, and engagement for children, teens, and families during out-of-school time.

Professional Development and Outreach: Plan, develop, and deliver in-person and virtual training, workshops, conferences, and learning opportunities for Arizona library staff. Collaborate with Library Development colleagues to identify workforce development needs and create professional learning programs that support statewide priorities. Represent the State Library through participation in professional organizations, committees, conferences, and collaborative initiatives at local, state, and national levels.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge:
- Knowledge of current issues, trends, and best practices in library services for children, teens, and their families, including early literacy, STEM learning, and emerging technologies.
-Knowledge of public library operations, youth programming, community engagement strategies, and statewide library development services.
-Knowledge of principles and practices related to training, project management, partnership development, and program evaluation.

Skills:
- Skilled in planning, coordinating, and managing complex projects, programs, and statewide initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
- Skilled in developing and delivering professional development, presentations, and training for diverse audiences in both in-person and virtual environments.
- Skilled in using technology, online platforms, databases, and data management tools to support communication, program administration, and reporting.

Abilities:
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with library staff, educators, community partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and successfully complete projects in a collaborative team environment.

Selective Preference(s):

Teaching certification or experience working with schools.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

MA in Library Science or related degree
Valid Arizona Driver's License