Program Officer, Public Programs Office

American Library Association - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking a full-time Program Officer to join its team in our Public Programs Office (PPO). The American Library Association (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. The ALA Public Programs Office (PPO) works to empower libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning, conversation and connection in communities of all types through public programs. The Program Officer serves as project manager for grantmaking efforts, traveling exhibition tours, professional development offerings, and special events. They collaborate with colleagues, partners, funders, and vendors to ensure that projects stay on track, and they serve as the primary contact for the thousands of library professionals that engage with our office annually.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with PPO staff, partner organizations, vendors and grant recipients to execute national, grant-funded programming initiatives.
• Overseeing project timelines to ensure grant activities remain on track.
• Managing the online grant application process, including request-for-proposal development, peer review, award notifications, and reports.
• Providing grant management platform (Foundant) support for project team and applicants.
• Completing web updates using Drupal or the current ALA content management system.
• Researching, identifying, and organizing grant materials (e.g. guidelines, FAQs).
• Providing technical and logistical support for PPO online learning.
• Co-presenting with project leaders at online or in-person events.
• Planning and coordinating arrangements for workshops and ALA Annual Conference events.
• Providing customer service through email, phone and in-person interactions.
• Liaising with accounts payable staff to ensure proper payment processing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 3-5 years previous program management experience.
• Project management skills to prioritize and meet project deadlines.
• Fluency with Word, Outlook, and Excel programs.
• Exemplary problem-solving, customer service, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Some travel required.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Generous paid vacation
• Retirement annuity
• 35-hour work week
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)