About the team we are recruiting to

Coventry City Council’s Library and Information Service is a public facing service operating for the benefit of local communities and the wider city.   
Providing services from the central library and 16 local libraries (3 of which are community led) Coventry libraries provide a unique 'cradle-to-grave' service bringing individuals and communities together.   
Public libraries acquire, organise and provide access to a range of information and reading resources to meet the diverse needs of a community.  We actively support independent learning and encourage reader development, also providing information on areas such as:

• Local and national government services, 
• Learning opportunities,  
• Leisure activities, and  
• Local community news and events  

We also play an important role in providing access to computers and the internet for those who are digitally excluded.   
The Library Service works in partnership with local, regional and national organisations to provide a full and wide-ranging service offer.  Partners include: 

• Arts Council England 
• BBC  
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport 
• Libraries Connected  
• Public Health England, and  
• Reading Agency 

Libraries are uniquely placed to change lives for the better. They are busy and vibrant open spaces, not only providing access to books but also helping people to help themselves and improve their opportunities. By providing practical support and guidance, libraries play a critical role in enabling and empowering people to realise their potential, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is the job role?

18.5 hrs 12 months fixed term contract  - salary will be pro-rata to hours worked

One Million Reads Coventry (OMRC) is an ambitious multi-faceted programme from Coventry Libraries & Information Service, placing reading and libraries at the heart of Coventry UK City of Culture 2021/2022.

OMRC connects the people and communities of Coventry with the joy and pleasure of reading, using literature to spark the imagination, offering opportunities to share stories of the city, lives, and experiences.

A programme full of adventure, OMRC encompasses a variety of art forms, cultural experiences and techniques which will have a lasting legacy and impact on reading across the city.

The Library Service is looking for a co-ordinator for the project to deliver and co-ordinate events and activities across libraries in the City. As project co-ordinator you will test and try new ways to explore literature and culture with audiences, unlock new audiences and sustain existing ones, develop new partnerships and deepen existing partnerships with a wide range of organisations across the City.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about connecting people to libraries and reading in many different forms. You will require strong communication and project management skills including:

• Strong organisational skills, tact, and diplomacy in all interpersonal relationships with the public and colleagues 
• Demonstrate a passion for Libraries and a love of reading
• Ability to evaluate and complete reports
• Demonstrates creativity and flexibility in all aspects of communications including use of various Social media platforms 
• Use own initiative when making decision to achieve goals 
• Self-confidence and the ability to deal with difficult situations as well as negotiate with partners  
• Demonstrates good IT literacy with the ability to learn new software packages 
• Demonstrate Event Management Skills and the ability to recommend innovative solutions to problems . 
• Experience of targeting and reaching a wider audience including ‘hard to reach’ communities

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'

Interview date(s): 16th April 2021

About Coventry

Coventry is a lively, multicultural city, which embraces old and new. Around the modern city centre there are traces of history everywhere – in the old city walls, the timber-framed buildings and the reconstructed medieval Spon Street. But Coventry has always had an eye on the future, and is now firmly focused on regenerating and re-inventing itself to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. With major developments and new projects taking place right across the city, Coventry City Council is the place to be!
There's a huge buzz about the city – Coventry ranks as the 8th best city to live, work and do business in the UK, and is the UK City of Culture 2021 ! We believe this will help put Coventry on the map for all the right reasons. You can feel the sense of local pride throughout the city as we build towards this momentous year. It also offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to those joining us to play their part in it.
We genuinely believe that Coventry City Council is a special place. You will be joining Coventry City Council during an exciting time to become part of a team that contribute to achieving our visions for the city. We have made our council a place where we look after our people, making sure you're happy in your work and given everything you need to succeed. We've created friendly, welcoming workplaces where everyone is working towards the same cause, providing the best possible services for the city of Coventry.
As a council with improvement at its heart, we’re committed to making life better for the people who live and work in Coventry. We’re equally concerned with the quality of life enjoyed by our people, so by joining us, you won’t just be helping the community, you’ll be helping yourself too.
Not only do you get to work alongside great people that are helping to improve services for our community we offer great benefits too! For your valued contribution we will provide a fantastic benefits package including;   

• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous annual leave allowance starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days
• Pay progression through multiple increments
• Outstanding local government pension scheme
• Learning & Development with access to certified courses.
• Access to an award winning Occupational Health Team
• Vibrant employee networks 

Coventry City Council