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Careers at PPL
Portland Public Library is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to providing everyone with safe and free access to educational and cultural resources. PPL is Maine’s most visited cultural institution and is a valued community asset, serving residents and visitors for over 150 years.
PPL offers free shared resources – books, film, history, big ideas – in a welcoming environment to foster meaningful connection and positive change in our dynamic City. PPL believes we are stronger the more fully we align our work and our resources toward equity, accessibility, inclusion, and representation of diverse experiences and perspectives. To succeed as a Library team member requires commitment to curiosity, inclusiveness, collaboration, and creativity. We enthusiastically invite you to apply.
PPL is committed to hiring and maintaining a diverse workforce of highly qualified staff to ensure broad perspectives, promote equity and inclusion, and connect to our wide community. Applicants with racially, ethnically, or culturally diverse identities or backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Current Job Openings
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Portland Public Library (PPL) is currently seeking an Associate Director, as part of the Library’s administration department and member of PPL’s senior leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Associate Director will be a critical leader for Library staff and will help deepen relationships with our non-profit and municipal partners; lead and supervise the Adult Services Director, Youth Services Director, Access Services Director, Annex and Bookmobile Manager, and the Branch Managers; and serve as the de facto manager of the Downtown location.
The Associate Director will be deeply involved in complex decision making, working integrally with PPL’s senior leadership, internal and external library colleagues, and designated Trustee committees. The Associate Director will actively represent PPL in statewide collaborative conversations and pursuits. The position serves as an advocate for services and operations, provides support to the Board of Trustees’ Planning Committee, and is in the first position to lead the Library in the absence of the Executive Director.
Hours & Pay: This is a Full-time, salaried, 40 hours per week onsite position, normally scheduled for Monday through Friday. This position is non-union.Pay commensurate with experience.
Benefits & Other Details: Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance (among other voluntary benefits), retirement options (in lieu of Social Security), and paid leave. This position is non-union.
Application Details
To apply, please send your resume, letter of interest, and three professional references via email at careers@portlib.org or via mail to:
Human Resources
Portland Public Library
5 Monument Square
Portland ME 04101
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT & EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Portland Public Library (PPL) is currently seeking a Director of Advancement & External Relations (AER). Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of AER supports library services by leading advancement strategies, donor cultivation, and stewardship, major and planned giving initiatives, campaign planning, Annual Fund appeals, grants, and sponsorships for programs and special projects. The Director of AER manages the marketing, communications, and development functions of the organization, including three positions and contracted individuals. The Director supports and collaborates with library staff, various external constituencies, partners, and stakeholders. The Director of AER builds relationships with Board members for organizational advancement and advocacy. This is a non-union, administrative position.
Hours & Pay: This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week onsite position, normally scheduled to work Monday through Friday. Pay is commensurate with experience.
Benefits & Other Details: Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement options (in lieu of Social Security), and paid leave.
Application Details
To apply, please send your resume, letter of interest, and three professional references via email at careers@portlib.org or via mail to:
Human Resources
Portland Public Library
5 Monument Square
Portland ME 04101
SENIOR LIBRARY ASSISTANT (CHILDREN'S)
Portland Public Library (PPL) is currently seeking a Senior Library Assistant for the Children’s Library.
Reporting to the Children’s Librarian, the person in this position is accountable for the delivery of reference and readers’ advisory services to children ages 0-12 and their family/caregivers while staffing the Children’s Library. The Senior Library Assistant may aid in the selection, maintenance, and promotion of materials for the Children’s collections. This position works collaboratively with the Children’s Librarian in preparing, promoting and executing a wide range of library offerings for babies, toddlers, school aged children, and their caregivers.
This position works primarily in the Children’s Library at the Downtown Library and is a member of the Youth Services department.
This is a union-represented, part-time, 20 hours per week onsite position, normally scheduled to work Wednesdays 10am-5:30pm, Fridays 10am-5pm & Saturdays 10am-5pm, after training. Pay begins at $19.12/hr.
Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement options (in lieu of Social Security), and paid leave.
Application Details
To apply, please send your resume, letter of interest, and three professional references via email at careers@portlib.org or via mail to:
Human Resources
Portland Public Library
5 Monument Square
Portland ME 04101
LIBRARY SAFETY SPECIALIST (SECURITY)
Portland Public Library is seeking a Library Safety Specialist.
Reporting to the Library Safety Manager, this position works with the Library staff in various departments and patrons to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all. The Library Safety Specialist serves the Library’s patrons and staff by watching over their safety and addressing emergent security situations. The Specialist consults and coordinates with other Library staff as needed and exercises independent judgement to determine the appropriate course of action. The Specialist also works closely with the Community Resource Coordinator(s), the Facilities staff, and lends support when needed. As a member of the Library Safety team, this position reports to the Library Safety Manager.
This is a full-time, 37.5 hour per week onsite position. This position is Tuesday to Saturday. Pay range begins at $21.08/hr. Excellent benefits include health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid leave.
Application Details
To apply, please send your resume, letter of interest, and three professional references via email at careers@portlib.org or via mail to:
Human Resources
Portland Public Library
5 Monument Square
Portland ME 04101
To learn more about Portland
City of Portland, Maine
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