Program Coordinator Jobs

This is a lead position that reports to the Director of the Downey Library and Columbia Memorial Space Center. An incumbent in this classification is expected to perform a full range of duties and responsibilities, relating to development of the educational programs and exhibits, under general supervision at the Library and Columbia Space Center.
There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy assisting the Library and Columbia Memorial Space Center. However, applicants may be considered for other City Departments based on operational need.
The Program Coordinator is to provide oversight in planning, scheduling, implementing and evaluating the programs at the Library and Columbia Memorial Space Center. The incumbent is to develop, coordinate and implement several specialized activities and events; participate in the supervision of part-time employees and volunteers; and lead archival efforts of historical artifacts at the Space Center. The candidate is to coordinate and schedule programs surrounding the divisions, including but not limited to: general workshops for all ages, summer camps and summer reading initiatives, educational and outreach programs, professional development programs, quarterly events, annual events, hands-on and online activities; oversees the social media marketing efforts of the Library and its website; provides direct management of the Library's Workshop and Studio spaces.

Columbia Memorial Space Center:

The Columbia Memorial Space Center is a hands-on learning center focusing on engineering, technology and science. The Center strives to teach people of all ages about space exploration and aviation with fun, hands-on experiences.
The Space Center features an upgraded Robotics Lab, interactive exhibits, and Los Angeles' only Challenger Learning Center for simulated space missions. Guests can even land the Space Shuttle, explore the Earth from Space, plan a trip to Mars and make their own solar system at one of our computers.
Downey City Library:
The Downey City Library is a community centered public library committed to serving the informational, educational and recreational needs of the residents of Downey. The Library offers a wide variety of materials, programs and services to individuals of all ages. The Library recently reopened after a complete renovation that transformed it into a modern and forward-looking public learning place, including new spaces like the Workshop and Studio, along with contemporary resources to better serve its community.

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.
Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Assists the staff in implementation of goals and objectives;
• Develop and deliver regular programming.
• Organize and schedule activities or events.
• Assists in the development and monitoring of annual budget;
• Supervise part-time employees and volunteers;
• Interprets the instructional programs to parent and community groups.
• Supervises the induction and orientation of new staff;
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of subordinate personnel;
• Provides oversight in planning, scheduling, implementing, and evaluating of assigned programs;

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree preferably in education and/or science related field.

Master's degree is desirable.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the implementation of structured programs as an informal educator or teacher, or responsible work experience in after school, education, or hand-on programs involving youth and adults. Experience with social media, website design or archival work is desired.
Knowledge of: Programming in the specialized area of assignment; principles, practices, and methods of basic supervision and training; effective interpersonal and communication skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; effective coordination and organization principles and practices; and, Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel; good customer service techniques; principles and techniques of directing group activities; program management, including operations and maintenance; strategic planning techniques; integration of exhibits in programming; best practices in the use of social medial for professional purposes; and techniques used to store, preserve and catalogue archived artifacts.
Ability to: Effectively coordinate, organize, and implement activities and specialized events; prepare and distribute publicity concerning new or ongoing activities; select, train, supervise, and evaluate performance of assigned personnel; understand community needs in the specialized area of assignment; identify methods to maximize service effectiveness and efficiency; communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; successfully perform under stressful situations, including conflict resolution; understand and follow oral and written directions; provide leadership; and, work with minimum supervision; prioritize job tasks and complete them within specified time frames meeting strict deadlines; work independently and as part of a team; organize and catalogue artifacts and important documents; coordinate and schedule work of temporary and volunteer staff; interpret and enforce policies and procedures; maintain programming and event files; monitor and track fees and payments; use good judgment; be resourceful and take initiative when needed; provide a variety of revenue based programs in the areas of general recreation programs and special events; plan and maintain a budget; evaluate programs for effectiveness.
Spanish/English bilingual speaking skills are desired.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:
Due to the performance of field duties, which may require operation of a motor vehicle, a valid California Class C Driver's License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions is required.
California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Work is performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels; duties require the ability to speak, hear, touch and see. Also required is the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area to another; occasionally bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling (drawers opened and closed to retrieve and file information); occasionally lifting and carrying materials that weigh less than 20 pounds.
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter, or calculator; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard, filing, data entry and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment and supplies; may involve sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.
Application, Selection, and Testing Process: All required employment application and supplemental questionnaires received will be reviewed and evaluated based on the specialized needs of the education or museum program. All information supplied by an applicant is subject to verification.
Incomplete application materials may result in an application being removed from consideration. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

Those applicants who most closely meet the desired qualifications will be invited to participate in an appraisal examination process (oral interview). The appraisal examination may include performance testing to assess the applicant's knowledge, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to a Conditional Offer of Employment, a background check that includes employment history review, reference check, and fingerprinting with the California Department of Justice is required. A Conditional Offer of Employment is contingent upon a candidate's completion with acceptable results of a pre-placement job-related medical exam that includes a drug screen.