About the Department
The award-winning San José Public Library (SJPL) consists of more than 600 employees, a 23% bilingual workforce, and has 24 branch libraries across San José, in addition to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, which is the city’s main library jointly operated through a unique partnership with San José State University. SJPL serves a diverse community of roughly one-million residents and currently has nearly 700,000 library members. It annually attracts over 6 million visitors (pre-pandemic) and circulates more than 8 million items per year.
Over the past few years, SJPL has cultivated a 21st century library experience dedicated to public service and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion at the core. In addition to providing library services to the community, SJPL proudly leads two citywide initiatives - the Education and Digital Literacy Strategy and the SJ Access digital equity initiative, which has become the number one provider of free public access to Wi-Fi connectivity, tech device lending, and multi-lingual digital literacy programs and support. SJPL is led by Jill Bourne, City Librarian, who was nationally recognized in 2017 as Library Journal’s “Librarian of the Year.”
SJPL enriches lives by fostering lifelong learning and ensuring that every member of the community has access to a vast array of ideas and information. The library department is a place where people do great work and make a difference in our community. To see examples of SJPL’s work and learn more about its impact, visit www.sjpl.org. Join us to make a difference!
Position Duties
The Library Department is seeking four (4) Literacy Program Specialists (LPS) to join our team and change the lives of those we serve! The ideal candidate for these positions will understand, support, practice and promote the Mission, Vision, & Values statements of the City of San José and the library; demonstrate leadership and a commitment to active customer service; have knowledge of current literacy technology and trends; have experience working with a diverse community and staff; and enjoy working in a fast-paced, innovative team environment.
Literacy Program Specialists are community connectors. They are responsible for coordinating programs and services provided by the library. They identify community needs, collaborate with partner organizations, and guide library customers to information and helpful resources. Specialists are responsible for performing a variety of professional duties including: implementing grants; planning/implementing or finding partners for library programs; conducting community outreach; evaluating the effectiveness of programs, computer software, and online learning tools; formulating a strong partnership with other Library units (Family Learning Centers, Early Education, Expanded Learning, College and Career Pathways, Digital Empowerment, and SJPL Works); and having knowledge of current literacy trends. These positions may include evenings and weekend shifts. Bilingual Skills Preferred.
The salary range for Literacy Program Specialist is approximately $91,094.64 - $110,532.24 annually. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.
We are currently recruiting Literacy Program Specialists who are detail orientation and have strong communication skills to implement the City’s Education and Digital Literacy Strategy and the City’s Education Policy.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other units (such as Digital Empowerment, Early Education, College and Career Pathways, English as a Second Language (ESL) and/ or Adult Literacy). If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
Family Learning Center Coordinator
SJPL is seeking a dynamic, community-oriented Literacy program specialist to lead educational and family engagement programs at one of the Family Learning Centers. This role involves developing and delivering culturally responsive services such as adult literacy, ESL, digital skills, citizenship, workforce readiness, and access to community resources through the bridge libraries while collaborating with library staff, educators, nonprofits, and volunteers. The coordinator will also conduct outreach to raise awareness, supervise volunteers, manage program logistics, and track participation and impact via data collection. Ideal candidates will bring strong communication, multi-tasking and organizational skills, experience working with diverse communities, and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and family-centered service.
English Second Language (ESL) Programming Coordinator (Overstrength)*
SJPL is seeking a passionate, community-focused, and experienced ESL Program Coordinator to lead, design, and implement high-quality programs and services that reflect the needs of San José’s diverse community. This role will be responsible for the coordination of citywide ESL programming, staff, volunteer and instructor training, community partnerships, and oversight of the California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) ESL grant. The ideal candidate will be skilled in ESL assessment, curriculum development, cross-cultural communication, program evaluation, and community engagement.
Resilience Corps Learning Pathway Specialist (Overstrength)*
The College and Career Pathways Unit is seeking a passionate and community-driven Literacy Program Specialist to manage, develop, enhance, and administer the Resilience Corps Learning Pathway program. This vital role focuses on supporting SJPL’s administrative responsibilities associated with the state grant-funded program, including data collection and management. The position will also oversee the worksite experience of participants within the workforce development program who are assigned to SJPL as their worksite and act as a liaison with key community partners. The ideal candidate will be a champion of workforce and education equity, with a strong and demonstrated commitment to building trust with and, uplifting, and empowering young adults. Responsibilities include developing and delivering equity-oriented and diversified training strategies, grant and data management, partnership development, and the development of impactful programs that connect people to opportunities to uplift and empower San José’s youth and young adults.
ESL and Workforce Development Grant Coordinator (Overstrength)*
SJPL is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven leader to coordinate and manage citywide ESL and workforce development programs, aligned with the evolving needs of our diverse community. This role will serve as the project lead for the prestigious Carnegie grant-funded initiative, Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy, aimed at strengthening SJPL’s role in civic education, economic mobility, and lifelong learning. This strategic position blends direct program oversight with cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, volunteer training and grant management to advance equitable access to educational and economic opportunities for all San José residents. The ideal candidate will be skilled in ESL assessment, curriculum development, cross-cultural communication, program evaluation, and community engagement.
*These Overstrength positions are anticipated to be funded through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension depending on program needs and available funding.
How to Apply
o To view the full announcement for this exciting opportunity with the City of San Jose and to apply online, please visit the City of San Jose’s careers page by clicking on the URL link below.
