Community Engagement Officer

School Library Association

About the Organisation

School Library Association (SLA) is an independent charity and membership organisation that believes every pupil is entitled to effective school library provision. The SLA supports all those working in school libraries. We have been representing the school library sector for more than eighty-five years, with membership in the Association thought of as essential to all those who work in and around school libraries. Membership in the SLA provides training, support in advocating with senior leadership teams, incredible discounts and collegiate networking opportunities for everybody working in and with school libraries.

About the role

The Community Engagement Officer plays an essential role in fostering strong relationships with current and prospective members of the School Library Association community. The postholder will provide frontline support, drive online and in-person engagement through outreach initiatives, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the membership base. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about school libraries, education, and community-building. With a particular focus on coordinating and supporting our Branch network, you will collaborate on initiatives for development, delivery, and new projects as they come online.

You will be the first port of call for advice and expertise relating to school libraries and enabling our members to more effectively support their school communities. Supporting the delivery of online and in-person networking events and workshops for members, you will work with your SLA colleagues, in particular the Training and Events Officer, to deliver a high-quality member offer and to ensure member needs are reflected in all offerings. The ability to travel to training and events across the UK is essential.

Responsibilities

Branch Network and Member Support:

• Work with the CEO to develop the SLA Branch Network and accompanying strategies
• Identify opportunities for developing initiatives to grow and develop the Branch network community that will deliver on the SLA mission
• Develop strong relationships with local, regional, and national stakeholders to support network growth and enable members to take full advantage of all relevant opportunities available to them
• Provide advice for SLA members on all aspects of school libraries, ensuring they are supported and can be as effective as possible in their school communities
• Drive engagement and development of online communities as part of the branch network

Training and Events:

• Work with the Training and Events Coordinator to support and deliver a calendar of exciting, engaging, and informative events
• Support the delivery of online and in-person networking events and workshops with a focus on the Branch network community
• Represent the association at relevant events and for programmes (e.g., conferences, webinars, book awards) to promote membership and services
• Support training and event delivery (online and in-person), engaging and inspiring audiences as needed
• Support the development of training programmes, toolkits, and resources using member insight to inform

Outreach and Communications:

• Coordinate the mentoring scheme and ensure it is promoted effectively, with necessary support and development available to mentees and training for mentors
• Use your sector insight to identify opportunities for the development of research and other initiatives, maintaining links, and horizon scanning
• Provide SLA consultancy aligned with strategic approaches, supporting schools with the development of their libraries, reading, and information literacy provision to help
• Children and young people reach their full potential
• Contribute to SLA communications such as TSL, newsletters, updates, and promotional materials
• Oversee the book review process in support of TSL, our quarterly journal
• Supporting management of the SLA resource library, working with colleagues to ensure alignment
• Support outreach to new audiences

Skills, Competencies & Experience

• Experience of working in school libraries, the education sector, and a strong understanding of the education landscape
• Clear understanding of the curriculum and teaching and learning outcomes
• Knowledge of children and young people’s literature
• Experience developing and delivering inspirational training to small and large groups, both online and in person
• Experience creating training resources, toolkits, and teaching and learning resources
• Ability to galvanise and inspire others with flair and creativity
• Ability to manage own workload, prioritise, and meet competing deadlines
• Ability to work hours flexibly around event and training delivery

Compensation & Benefits

• 25 days Annual Leave plus bank holidays.
• 6% employer pension contribution.
• Free mental health support and counselling sessions 
• Brilliant discounts with a variety of retailers, including up to 40% off
• Vue cinema tickets through our HR partner

Working locations

• Home-Based
• Monthly, all team meetings are required to attend, in addition to training and events across the UK.

How to apply

• To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter (no more than one page) detailing the experience you have in relation to the job description, that you can bring to this role, and how your skills align with what we are looking for. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Email to: [email protected]

Interviews

• Please note we will be actively interviewing for this role.

Policies

• We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new role provides us with an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective and we are always eager to diversify our team. The SLA is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place, where you can do brilliant and rewarding work.

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