Library Consultant State of Iowa in Polk, IA

Library Consultant (Consultant for Continuing Education)

Location: Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Salary: $59,945.60 - $91,208.00 Annually

Job Type: Full-time

The State Library of Iowa is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable individual to serve as the Consultant for Continuing Education (CE) within the Library Support Network. This role is essential for managing the statewide Continuing Education and Endorsement programs offered by the State Library. This is a hybrid position based in the State Library administrative offices in Des Moines and requires occasional travel and driving throughout the state.

This position reports to the Library Program Director. If you’re a librarian with a passion for education and advancing the profession, we encourage you to apply.

• Plan and implement CE strategy: lead the CE team to craft an annual training theme and develop recurring and one‑off education events for a statewide audience. Orient, train, and instruct Library Support Network regarding the provision of online and in‑person continuing education to Iowa librarians.
• Champion the Endorsement Program: work with subject matter experts to review current endorsement program tracks for accuracy and relevance. Identify and develop new tracks as needed. Serve as primary contact for support and training related to the Endorsement Program.
• Evaluate program offerings: regularly assess the continuing education and endorsement programs by collecting and reviewing data from course evaluations and participant feedback to identify opportunities for adaptation and improvement.
• Utilize educational technology: administer and manage the State Library learning management system (LMS). Respond to questions from staff and librarians related to the LMS. Develop web‑based courses and evaluations for use in the LMS. Provide statistical and evaluative reports to administration. Evaluate new technologies that could be used to deliver and enhance learning. Set up and troubleshoot technology for remote and in‑person presentations.
• Collaborate and partner: develop local, state, and national partnerships for CE training and potential grant opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships: cultivate strong professional relationships with local library staff through site visits, phone, email, and other communication methods.
• Travel: this position requires occasional overnight travel and periodic work on evenings and weekends.

• Communication & presentation skills: exceptional ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and speaking, with the capacity to deliver engaging training and presentations to various groups of people.
• Adult education expertise: knowledge of educational principles, experience conducting or consulting on workplace education or teaching adult learners.
• Technological proficiency: knowledge of educational technologies, including learning management systems, online course creation, and video editing. Willingness to learn new technologies to support statewide programs.
• Project management skills: ability to work with a team to successfully bring projects to completion. Capable of balancing varying priorities, multiple projects, and targeted deadlines.
• Interpersonal abilities: strong relationship‑building skills to work effectively with local library personnel and State colleagues.
• Consulting & problem solving: proven ability to provide effective and professional consulting, helping libraries resolve issues related to continuing education and the Endorsement Program.
• Organizational and reporting skills: detailed approach to documenting, tracking, and reporting on the continuing education and endorsement programs.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in library science and five years of full‑time professional experience in a public, school, academic, special library, or library system;
• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in library science and six years of full‑time professional experience in a public, school, academic, special library, or library system;
• An equivalent combination of experience and education, substituting one year of the required experience for each year of the required education (30 semester hours or one year) to a maximum substitution of four years.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.