Youth Services Consultant

SECRETARY OF STATE (DEPT OF STATE) The mission of the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State is to provide services throughout the state to:
Preserve our history Promote engagement; and Protect the future The office strives to achieve this mission by being trusted, accessible, innovative, and secure

Salary: $28.50 Hourly - $59,280

Yearly

Grade: 21

This position is supported by funding provided through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Program. The position is established for the period of grant funding and is subject to funding availability, grant requirements, and project needs. Employment beyond the grant-funded period is not guaranteed.

The Youth Services Consultant plays a critical role in the Library Development branch of the Arizona State Library. The Youth Services Consultant serves as the statewide subject matter expert for library services that support the learning, literacy, and developmental needs of Arizona's children, teens, and families. This position provides leadership, consultation, and training to libraries throughout Arizona on best practices in youth services, early literacy, STEM learning, summer and out-of-school programming, emerging technologies, and community engagement.

The Youth Services Consultant directs the activities of the Arizona Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Library of Congress; coordinates Arizona's statewide Summer Reading Program; develops strategic partnerships that advance literacy and lifelong learning; and plans and delivers professional development opportunities for library staff. The position represents the Arizona State Library at local, state, and national levels and actively monitors emerging trends and research to support innovation and excellence in library services to young people and their families.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Serve as the State Library's lead consultant for youth services, providing guidance, technical assistance, and subject matter expertise to libraries serving children, teens, caregivers, and educators throughout Arizona. Monitor and evaluate emerging trends, research, and best practices in youth librarianship, early literacy, STEM education, digital learning, and family engagement, and translate findings into practical resources and recommendations for Arizona libraries. Develop tools, resources, and initiatives that strengthen library services to children and young adults and promote equitable access to learning opportunities across the state.

Build and maintain collaborative relationships with library organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and community partners to advance statewide literacy and learning goals.

Direct the activities of the Arizona Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Library of Congress, including statewide programs, partnerships, outreach activities, and promotional efforts. Coordinate Arizona participation in national Center for the Book…