Current Job Openings

2020 Dillon Fellowships

Pequot Library in Southport, CT is pleased to announce the first year of the Dillon Fellowship program, which will provide support to researchers working on the library’s collections for projects lasting between one week and one month. The Dillon Fellowship, supported by a generous donation from the Dillon Fund, will provide a stipend and living expenses for fellows, not including housing, for two fellows a year. Dillon Fellows will conduct research that draws on any aspect of our holdings. We are particularly interested in proposals focused on the history of libraries, but any projects that incorporate Pequot’s rare books and archival materials will be considered. Among the library’s noted strengths are its collections of Americana, local history, fine arts press, and historic children’s books, as well as its well-preserved pamphlets and printed ephemeral materials from the late eighteenth through the nineteenth centuries.

The application deadline for 2020 fellows is April 4, 2020, with awards announced in early May for projects beginning as early as Summer 2020.

Public Programs Manager

Title: Public Programs Manager

Report to: Executive Director

Supervises: Part-time Education Coordinator and high school/college interns

Status: Full time; exempt salaried employee, 40 hours/week, with occasional evenings and weekends

Salary/compensation: $50,000-55,000 range, including health insurance and a competitive benefits package. Pequot Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Overview

Pequot Library Association (Pequot Library) is searching for a dynamic and enthusiastic nonprofit arts professional to develop a wide variety of interpretive programs for all ages that are inspired by the rotating schedule of visual art and Special Collections exhibitions, Children’s Library initiatives, and innovative public library multidisciplinary learning opportunities.

Major Responsibilities

Adult programs:

• Manage a robust schedule of programs involving artists, authors, musicians, performers and other vendors in the form of gallery talks, panel discussions, symposia, music concerts, theatrical performances, dance, book discussions/signings, and other related programming.
• Collaborate with the Library’s longstanding Meet the Author volunteer committee and community partner, Music for Youth as well as other similar community groups.
• Work closely with colleagues to curate a changing schedule of innovative, high-caliber learning experiences for a diverse audience, including film series, day art /history trips, scholarly presentations, hands-on art-making and writing workshops, inter-generational learning opportunities, life-long learning opportunities for older adults, and other experiential opportunities inspired by the Library’s collections and exhibitions.

Children/family programs:

• Working closely with the Children’s Librarian, support the Library’s annual family and community events including the Fourth of July Bike Parade, Holiday Caroling Party, Miss Susan’s Campout, Halloween Pet Parade, and others.

PreK-12 schools/educators:

• Working closely with the Children’s Librarian and Education Coordinator, this position develops and implements a robust schedule of preK-12 schools after-school, summer, and break programs throughout the year, including the annual Fairfield Public Schools student art exhibitions and the Books for Teachers program.
• Manage the Library’s community outreach with school administrators, educators, and peer organizations throughout the area, including developing educator workshops and trainings.
• Working closely with the Education Coordinator and Special Collections Librarian, train and mentor volunteer docents and contracted educators.
• Contribute to development of exhibition related support/interpretive resources like gallery guides and educator pre-visit materials.
• Support Special Collections exhibition development, as needed.

Management:

• Develop and manage all speaker/performer contracts.
• Work closely with Marketing and Communications Manager on writing related press releases and program descriptions and the design of invitations and related collateral.
• Evaluate public programs and build awareness and participation, being aware of community needs and interests.
• Draft youth and adult program related grant/fundraising proposals and contribute to the Library’s overall social media presence.
• Manage the Library’s high school and college student internship program.
• Manage the Library’s public program registration.
• Develop and manage the public programs, including school programs, annual project budgets.
• Assist with identifying funding sources and manage grant applications and reports for all public programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, a Humanities subject, or a related field with at least five years of professional experience working in a public, private, or university library, nonprofit arts and/or culture organization, private/public school, an art museum/historical society, or similar setting.
• Proven track record of developing innovative public programs for all ages related to a wide variety of humanities fields and current events.
• Excellent verbal and writing communication skills for a variety of audiences and ages, including the ability to deliver engaging public speeches and presentations.
• Able to thrive in a faced-paced environment that supports teamwork and collaboration among library staff, volunteers, and high school/college interns.
• Prior supervision of professional staff and volunteer management.

About Pequot Library

Bringing Literature, Music, Art, Science & the Humanities to our Community

Pequot Library’s mission extends far beyond most traditional public libraries. Housed in a historic building, framed by an expansive front lawn, and located on over three acres in the historic village of Southport in Fairfield, CT, Pequot Library is a small gem to be discovered.

For over 125 years, Pequot Library has been a pillar of Fairfield County, providing professional, encouraging library services and diverse programming to our local and regional community. Pequot Library helps children develop a life-long interest in reading and learning through engaging programs and special activities. The library presents concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and a wide range of cultural, educational and community events in both its Auditorium/Concert Hall and The Perkin Gallery. Inspired by its collections and adult programs, the library engages its audiences with the pressing issues of today. The library is committed to integrating its unique important Special Collections into its day-to-day service to a broad and diverse community through exhibitions, multidisciplinary programs, and hands-on learning opportunities.

The Library was recently awarded the CT Treasure saward by the CT Chapter AIA and an Award of Excellence from the CT. League of History Organizations. In fiscal year 2018-2019, the Library welcomed more than 63,000 visitors of all ages for over 500 programs.

Interested candidates are encouraged to send a confidential letter of interest, c.v./résumé, and three references (in one document) by Friday, January 17, 2020 with the subject heading Public Programs Manager to jobs@pequotlibrary.org. Only the most qualified candidates will be contacted. The application process involves agreeing to a criminal background check.