MISSION: The Chicago Lighthouse (CLH) serves people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veterans, in order for each to reach their full personal potential. Our programs build enduring success for our target populations and employees with lifelong knowledge, skills, and employment opportunities, support the discovery of new approaches for the empowerment of our communities, and sustain a social business enterprise that ensures success for our strategic ambitions.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Director and Librarian will be report to the Vice President, Instructional Materials and Public Advocacy. This role will administer and manage all aspects of the statewide Illinois Instructional Materials Center (IIMC) that supports over 2,500 students annually who are blind or visually impaired from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade across 68 school districts. This role will supervise a team of four people, oversee daily operations for order management of books, tangible aids and other devices, plan for innovation in accessible instructional content and assistive technology, ensure IIMC provides high-quality customer service and is compliant with state and federal requirements.
The essential duties are as follows:
Library Management (35%)
Direct and coordinate the development and maintenance of IIMC collections to meet the needs of 2,500 blind or visually impaired students across Illinois
Oversee the acquisition, cataloging, and distribution of accessible instructional materials including tangible aids, braille, large print, and digital formats
Manage statewide ordering processes via purchase orders and American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Federal Quota account, to ensure timely fulfillment of requests from educators, schools, and service providers; monitors the process to minimize delays and issues
Perform collection maintenance activities including shelving and purging of instructional materials
Provide consultation and technical resources to teachers of the visually impaired, coordinators, and others as appropriate; addresses any issues related to customer inquiries
Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure efficient tracking of materials in compliance with agency requirements, departmental deadlines, and contractual agreements
Supervise the maintenance and upkeep of departmental records and statistics
Monitor the placement of books with transcribers and large print reproducers including duplicating, embossing, and binding tasks as necessary
Oversee the organization and quality of library collections (e.g., ordering and book selection, classifying, cataloging, rebinding, discarding, or withdrawal of materials)
Manage and direct the expenditure of books and materials
Monitor direct budgeted expenses for assistive technology and instructional aids throughout the fiscal year to ensure achievement of goals
Maintain an inventory of materials and equipment; plans for replacements and upgrades utilizing budgeted income
Technology Integration & Innovation (25%)
Lead the implementation of a new technology system that includes requirements drafting, regular progress meetings with the vendor/team, systems planning, testing, project management and change management practices as well as provide regular updates to senior leadership
Work with the data system vendor to ensure regular updates to the technology platform
Lead the adoption and implementation of new assistive technologies and digital platforms to enhance service delivery
Remain current with advancements in accessible media formats and tools including recommending and evaluating new solutions
Collaborate with the Information Technology Team and accessibility specialists to maintain and improve library systems and databases
Establish and maintain good working relationships with vendors of assistive technology and educational aids and consultants in the field
Maintain an active interest in the professional field at all levels; may present information on program to community/professional groups
Reporting & Compliance (15%)
Prepare and submit state-mandated annual census and usage reports
Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Prepare the APH Annual Federal Quota Census, records and updates results
Conduct surveys of existing and potential community needs and determines resources and services to be developed in meeting those needs
Provide regular demographic data to inform agency on student outcomes
Create reports on the status of open orders, orders filled and other key metrics to manage the operation of the team
Track key metrics related to material usage, student demographics, and service outcomes
Closely monitor the quality of services provided in assigned areas and continuously improves the service provided to our consumers including performance metrics
Defines strategies for effective data analysis and reporting in the named program areas
Select, configure and implement analytic solutions to quantify performance
Staff Supervision & Development (15%)
Manage and support four staff by providing training, mentorship, and performance evaluations
Coordinate cross-functional workflows to ensure high-quality customer service and program efficiency
Participate in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives and tactical plans that enables organizational objectives to achieve key strategies
Supervise the safety and maintenance of work environment; efficiently operates, troubleshoots problems with the team and senior leadership
Other Duties (10%)
Continuously increase knowledge of adaptive technology for people who are blind or visually impaired
Collaborate with appropriate stakeholders and consider impact, including financial, on all stakeholders in the decision-making process
Represents the IIMC at meetings
Manage and direct the expenditure of funds for books and materials Collaborates with appropriate stakeholders and considers impact, including financial, on all stakeholders in the decision-making process
Ensure consistent adherence to all standards, policies, procedures and systems; participate in and support programs which result in increased motivation and effectiveness of management and staff; delegates the daily management of such programs to appropriate management/supervisory staff
Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President, Instructional Materials and Public Advocacy.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited American Library Association college or university with a Master's degree in Library Science or an approved foreign credential evaluation, required.
At least three years of professional library experience, of which one year is in a supervisory role related to library operations.
At least 5 years of related professional experience required, including 3 years or more of senior level management experience required;
Previous experience with visual impairment and blindness preferred;
Performs other duties as assigned
Employee Benefits
BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:
10 days paid vacation
12 paid holidays
6 sick days accrued over the year
Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
Medical (~65% covered by the Chicago Lighthouse), dental and vision insurance offered
Short/long term disability
Life insurance 2x salary
Employee recognition events
Company matched 401(k) plan
Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)
The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is an Equal Opportunity Employer in full compliance with local, state, and federal Civil Rights & Affirmative Action laws. The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired maintains a strong policy of accommodation and a consistent practice of employing qualified individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.