About Libraries Without Borders US

Libraries Without Borders (LWB US) is an education nonprofit committed to providing equal access to information and knowledge to communities in need. We partner with libraries, schools, tutoring programs, and local nonprofits to transform laundromats, housing lobbies, parks, and a variety of public spaces into places of lifelong learning—from basic reading, writing, and computer skills to health, legal, and financial literacy. By equipping local nonprofits and leaders with the tools and training they need to provide relevant and reliable information to their communities, we meet people where they are, bridge the digital divide, reduce poverty, promote civic engagement and strengthen communities. Our US programs have won numerous awards, including the Google Impact Challenge and the Library of Congress International Literacy Award.

 

Our Work in San Antonio

In 2016, LWB US launched the Wash and Learn Initiative (WALI), a collaboration of libraries, small businesses, and nonprofits that brings relevant information and critical services to community members via their neighborhood laundromat. Now active in 7 states, WALI has transformed laundromats into pop-up libraries and learning spaces where communities can access resources — from ESL classes to tax preparation, or from children’s story time to employment services. With generous support from Google Fiber and the San Antonio Area Foundation, and in partnership with BiblioTech, the San Antonio Public Library, and several other community organizations, LWB US expanded this model to San Antonio in 2019.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, LWB US created the ConnectED program, which provided people on the wrong side of the digital divide with access to laptops, WiFi hotspots, and curated resources with information about social services. Mobilizing its local networks, LWB US collaborated with partner organizations to distribute ConnectED kits to the neediest residents in San Antonio. At present, LWB US seeks to pilot the use of its Ideas Box to create connectivity hubs in three public parks across the city. The Ideas Box is a pop-up library and multimedia center equipped with technology, books, a satellite internet connection, and other resources needed to promote learning and facilitate community-driven engagement.

 

About the Role

The South Texas Project Coordinator will be the local representative of Libraries Without Borders US in San Antonio and South Texas. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for supporting project planning and executing work plans developed in collaboration with LWB US staff, community stakeholders, and local partners, namely Bexar County BiblioTech and the San Antonio Public Library, as well as laundromat owners and staff.

This project embraces a holistic approach to digital inclusion, one that considers social and emotional skills as well as digital competencies in fostering community well-being and promoting civic engagement.

This is a public-facing role that requires a willingness to attend in-person activities and events. The ideal candidate will have experience speaking to a wide range of audiences. The position also entails frequent local travel and may involve domestic and international travel as well. LWB US provides all staff with appropriate PPE and abides by federal, state, and local public health guidance on COVID-19 infection control and prevention.

 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Libraries Without Borders is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to be a workplace where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day. We would like to see our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion reflected in the candidate pool for this vital position.

 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Cultivate relationships with residents, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, libraries, government representatives and agencies, small businesses, volunteers, and other key stakeholders in order to align the needs and interests of residents with available resources.
• Expand programming in San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas in order to grow the reach of LWB US and increase access to vital information and technology for under-resourced communities.
• Plan events, remote and/or in-person, which may include media engagement/publicity, turnout, public speaking, and logistics.
• Create and execute a project implementation schedule with milestones and due dates for key deliverables
• Leverage feedback to design the layout of the educational spaces and to determine curricula for regular program offerings, both remote and in-person
• Coordinate with the LWB US team to collect and share data and stories that reflect the interests of the community/neighborhood and the metrics of success for the project

 

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge and familiarity with San Antonio, TX and the Rio Grande Valley
• Proven dedication to expanding social equity and economic opportunities for under-resourced communities.
• Self-directed and self-motivated individual with creative problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Experience with community organizing and coalition building.
• Great people skills and ability to communicate information to a wide audience with varying levels of skills and familiarity.
• Demonstrated interest in and/or experience with leveraging digital technologies for civic engagement and economic development.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple tasks on time and on budget with limited supervision.
• A reliable vehicle for transportation and an active driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.

 

What We Offer

• Salary: $45,000 - $50,000
• Benefits: Health insurance (including dental, mental health, vision)
• Vacation: 20 days of PTO, including sick days
• Generous Professional development stipend

 

Timeline

• We are looking to hire as soon as possible! 
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled 
• Anticipated start date December 2021

 

How to Apply

• Please send an email with the subject line, “South Texas Project Coordinator” to jobs@librarieswithoutborders.us with the following information:
• Resume (1 page)
• Cover letter (1 page)
• Video or audio recording (3-5 minutes)
  • Why do you want to work for LWB US? Why are you interested in this position? Be creative and tell us a good story!
• 2 Professional References

Apply online here

Submit specified application materials to jobs@librarieswithoutborders.us.