Library Specialist

Description

SUMMARY

This position gathers and synthesizes member feedback, and assesses member needs, to create and administer new member benefit programs focused on collaborative library services. The person in this role is familiar with library resources and systems and helping libraries to implement and maintain these types of solutions. They are responsible for developing and managing program and service offerings for members. The person in this role is highly collaborative, coordinating with members, vendors, and other staff to design and support solutions that are scalable and sustainable.

This position also is a primary contact for members and prospective members, providing information and supporting participation in Atla and its member benefit programs. This is an outward-facing position, engaging at all points of the membership journey to promote member programs and services. The person in this role interacts daily with members answering questions and providing information about membership and member benefit programs, assisting with member retention and recruitment activities, and working to grow participation in member benefit programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and administers new and existing benefits, especially large-scale collaborative programs and services for libraries with a focus on systems and electronic resources. Supports members in implementing and maintaining integrated library systems (ILS) and library service platforms (LSP) and authentication solutions, provides guidance and support in electronic resource acquisition and management, and has knowledge of and experience working with other commonly used library systems (e.g. LibGuides, chat reference).
• Designs and manages processes to administer member programs and services, and in collaboration with other staff creates communications to promote, manage, and support the programs. Ensures clear and accurate program information is available and communicated appropriately via multiple channels (web, email, print, etc.)
• Develops strong relationships with vendor and library industry partners. Coordinates communication between members and vendors.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with members. Facilitates the creation of member network to provide expertise and assistance with programs and projects across members.
• Provides respectful, knowledgeable, and high-quality service to members and potential members by email, phone, and online or in-person meetings. Responds to inquiries and provides information about membership and member benefit programs on a timely basis.
• Utilizes the association management system (AMS) to document member interactions, participation in programs, invoices, campaigns, etc. Adds, updates, and regularly maintains member and prospect data. Routinely analyzes AMS data to use in campaign development, membership analysis, program development and support, etc.
• Supports and engages with members on the online community platform by updating AMS with current, accurate data; monitors conversations for relevant information and communicates directly with members on topics of interest within the platform.
• Serves as a liaison to assigned member groups (e.g. committees, interest and denominational group leaders) and supports them in their volunteer work, assisting with administrative functions and communications tasks. 
• Represents the Association at member visits, conferences, workshops, symposia, regional meetings, etc.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Experience

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited graduate school or 4-6 years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-4 years working in the library at a higher education institution in systems, technical services, and/or electronic resources acquisition and management.
• Computer skills required:
  • Microsoft Office software suite or equivalent
  • Online meeting systems
  • File sharing software (Microsoft and Google Drive preferred)
• Library skills required:
  • At least three years’ experience working in a library or cultural heritage organization
  • Integrated Library System (ILS) and Library Services Platform (LSP) implementation and management, including discovery systems
  • Electronic resources acquisitions and management
  • Knowledge of other library systems and applications (e.g. course management, LibGuides, authentication)
  • Familiarity with trends, current technologies, and best practices in libraries and archives
• Other skills required:
  • Excellent oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to prioritize and execute accurate and complete work products with limited supervision.
  • Strong organizational skills, with strong attention to detail and timelines.
  • Proven proficiency in executing outreach activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
  • Evidence of the potential to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.

Desirable Experience

• Association Management (AMS) or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system (SalesForce preferred)
• Survey software (SurveyMonkey preferred)
• Exposure to religious or theological higher education environment such as a theological or religious studies library, or coursework in religious studies or theology.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Full time remote, work from home position – 37.5 hour work week
• US time zones and locations only
• Typical working hours are 9am-5pm Central Monday through Friday

POSITION TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

This position will require some travel (<25%) to visit members, attend conferences, and participate in one or two team meetings and one organization-wide staff gathering each year.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Occasionally required to sit, walk, or stand

Atla Organization Overview

Established in 1946 as the American Theological Library Association, Atla is a membership association of librarians and information professionals, and a producer of research tools, committed to advancing the study of religion and theology. Atla’s membership includes more than 800 individuals and libraries at academic institutions from diverse religious traditions and backgrounds. As a community of collectors and connectors, Atla works to promote worldwide scholarly communication in religion and theology by advancing the work of libraries and related information providers.

COMPANY BENEFITS

• Competitive Pay
• Health, Vision, and Dental Coverage
• Company Paid Long-Term, Short-Term, and Life Insurance
• Ability to craft your calendar with flexible schedules
• Generous Vacation Paid Time Off 
• Professional Development Paid Time Off 
• Personal Paid Time Off
• Sick Paid Time Off 
• Volunteer Paid Time Off 
• Monthly Stipend for Office Supplies
• Company provided laptop and other needed office equipment

EEO STATEMENT

Atla is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, age, disability, veteran, or military status, pregnancy, order of protection status, genetic information or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Atla is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Atla’s HR Department via email at hrdept@atla.com or call +1.872.310.4249.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Interested in Applying?

We'd love to hear from you! Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@atla.com. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.