Program Advisor / Program Developer for Libraries

What do we do at Probiblio?
Probiblio works for and with public libraries in North and South Holland. That’s 40 organizations with a total of 378 branches across 98 municipalities. The public library is an accessible place where everyone can go for culture, knowledge, and study. We want to ensure that libraries are stronger tomorrow than they are today. That is why they can turn to us for support and advice on their operations—both practical and strategic—whether it concerns digitization, staff, marketing, or the collection and programs. Because the library sector is constantly evolving, we evolve with it. In the coming period, Probiblio will continue to grow into an entrepreneurial and innovative knowledge and network partner.

Your role
As a program advisor, you will assist libraries with their program strategy and support program developers in their professional growth by devising innovative, cross-cutting projects and providing tailored advice, as well as by supporting and fostering the network of program developers in North and South Holland.

You will primarily work as a project manager who independently initiates, structures, monitors, and manages projects. You will translate trends in society and the cultural sector into practical and actionable advice. This advice will focus on:

• Innovation. For example, hybrid programming.
• Change. Libraries are evolving. You provide advice on change initiatives that affect programming (such as the transition to a community library).
• Policy. Together with the library, you will define the core of the program policy.
• Collaboration with partners within and outside the library sector.

You’ll be joining the Collection Advisory & Programming team at the “.” Our collection specialists, collection advisors, and programmers work closely with the libraries. For example, they help develop innovative discussion activities and program themes for specific target audiences. They also ensure that the collection aligns with the programming and vice versa. It’s a diverse range of responsibilities!

What are we looking for in you?
You are a creative and flexible team player with ambition and an inspiring public speaker. In the dynamic world of libraries, you see opportunities and trends both within and outside the industry. You then translate these into solutions for current and future library programming. You work in a structured manner and can analyze problems and processes with precision. You embrace change and innovation, and are eager to apply this in your work for libraries. Furthermore

You have

• At least a college-level standard of work and thinking
• Demonstrable interest and/or experience in program development (social & cultural)
• Project manager aspirations and interest in national policy developments
• You can articulate clear advice (both in writing and verbally)
• You have a keen sense of trends, are outgoing, and are good at inspiring others
• An interest in marketing and reading.

Working at Probiblio
Our diverse team of consultants and specialists works together in the heart of the Randstad. Each member brings their own expertise and experience to the table, but we all share the same drive: building strong libraries. Working in this sector is more dynamic than you might think. Libraries are evolving into “third places,” and technological advancements are coming thick and fast, which makes our work incredibly diverse.

What do we value in our work? The freedom to organize your own work and work flexibly, as well as an open atmosphere. A healthy work-life balance. Opportunities for continued professional development, including excellent prospects for career growth, secondment, and training.

Libraries create programs and collections for everyone, and so do we—regardless of age, sexual orientation, background, or physical ability. We want that diversity to be reflected in our organization. That is why we expressly invite everyone to apply.

What do we offer?
A challenging position focused on development and innovation within a friendly and professional team. Naturally, this includes a competitive salary and benefits package (scale 10 of the collective labor agreement for public libraries—salary between €3,519 and €4,643 gross per month based on full-time employment). You will receive a one-year contract with the prospect of permanent employment.

Apply at
Probiblio works with Colourful People for its recruitment and selection process. Fatima Bouhriani, a partner at Colourful People, is happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach her at f.bouhriani@colourfulpeople.nl or by phone at 06 50500747. You can express your interest by uploading your resume and cover letter via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this page or by emailing your information to f.bouhriani@colourfulpeople.nl

The application deadline for this position is May 20, 2022. The first round of interviews is scheduled for May 25 (morning), and the second round for May 30 (morning).