New Americans Project Coordinator - Brooklyn Public Library

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st-century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. BPL provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book. 

Under the direction of the Manager of Volunteer Resources and Coordinator of Immigrant Services, this full-time position is responsible for the coordination of the volunteer-led programs for immigrant inclusion and integration across the Brooklyn Public Library system.  The New Americans Project Coordinator recruits, trains and supervises over 60 English Conversation Group Leaders and Citizenship Exam Coaches. The Project Coordinator develops and implements volunteer-led immigrant integration programs such as thematic Conversation Groups and multilingual Welcome Ambassadors. 

The Project Coordinator will lead BPL’s New Americans Project which includes citizenship instruction, volunteer led conversation groups, English language learning programs and the New Americans Corners. The project coordinator will schedule, implement and evaluate a series of citizenship instruction classes to prepare adults for the civics (U.S. history and government) and English proficiency (reading, writing, listening and speaking) components of the naturalization test. Primary responsibilities include implementation of citizenship curriculum for both in person and virtual classes. The Coordinator will be responsible for data collection and reporting program outcomes.

• Research local community needs for English language learning and Citizenship by working with branch staff and local community organizations
• Coordinates scheduling, promotion and evaluation of English Conversation Groups and Citizenship programs
• Promote volunteer opportunities through online tools and outreach
• Conduct interviews and trainings for volunteers, coordinate invitations and prepare materials
• Administer surveys and evaluations and review responses to enhance programs
• Arrange volunteer placements and promote awareness of Conversation Groups and Citizenship Instructional programs in branches
• Coordinate informal volunteer meetups and participate in Volunteer Resources special events
• Supervise citizenship instructors and lead quarterly citizenship instructor meetings
• Guide citizenship instructors’ assessment and instruction
• Assist with English language learning programs to implement curriculum and arrange placements
• Collaborate with immigration legal aid
• Communicate with Neighborhood Library Supervisors, Volunteer Resources, Immigrant Services and relevant BPL departments regularly
• Assist in managing project timelines, outcomes and ongoing program improvement
• Promote the conversation groups and citizenship programs through BPL partners, community organizations, and ESOL classes
• Manage volunteer, citizenship, and English language learning program instructor hours
• Support volunteer involvement in events such as Citizenship Workshops, Welcoming Week and Immigrant Heritage Month
• Attend workshops and conferences to provide volunteers with new materials and adult learning strategies
• Coordinate with USCIS and program partners to promote access to naturalization information and study materials for the Naturalization Test and Interview.
• Some travel between branches, and other duties as assigned

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in adult English language and/or citizenship instruction
• 1-2 years of experience supervising volunteers and part-time staff
• Knowledge of current ESOL theory and practice
• Experience with Civics and Citizenship instruction
• Demonstrated ability in data management and funding reports
• Experience planning and scheduling

Skills & Abilities Required:

• Strong administrative and computer skills, especially working with Microsoft database skills; experience with Raiser's Edge software a plus.
• Experience utilizing virtual programs; Zoom, Teams and Google Meet
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills including the ability to serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the Library 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement, identify and assess problems, and decisively implement appropriate solutions or recommendations
• Creativity, flexibility and initiative in accommodating community and staff needs 
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Required to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Bi-lingual preferred but not required

Education:

• Bachelor's degree, TESOL Certified a plus