Business Specialist

Under the supervision of the Adult Services Manager, the Business Specialist at the Champaign Public Library assists customers who want to create, start, or grow their business. This position is responsible for developing business-related programs, community partnerships, young entrepreneur programming, seminars, roundtables, and coordinating guest speakers. The Business Specialist is responsible for providing customized business reference assistance to individuals and training staff to use the library’s business-related resources. This position requires initiative and the ability to build partnerships with local experts, execute programming, and recruit speakers.  

• Develop, implement, and evaluate business-related programming
• Coordinate business-related programs requiring outside speakers
• Develop and expand library’s holding of business-related print and digital resources
• Conduct outreach to educate public and raise awareness of business resources at the library 
• Build partnerships with relevant leaders, businesses, organizations, and groups 
• Attend networking events to build rapport with community members and local businesses
• Train staff to use and understand business-related resources to assist customers with business information needs
• Maintain current awareness of developments in technology as they relate to libraries and library users, including knowledge of mobile and handheld devices
• Assist and advise customers with their use of library resources, including books, movies, music, media, and digital resources
• Assists with training staff and volunteers
• Answer informational and reference questions for customers
• Attend and participate in professional activities, conferences, and committees, including on-site and virtual professional development opportunities and training
• Assist with monitoring and correcting customer behavior to ensure a safe and welcoming environment
• Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training
• Provides excellent internal and external customer service
• Other duties as assigned

• Experience with entrepreneurship, business practices and business development
• Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend rotations 
• Knowledge of business trends
• Knowledge of business-related print and digital resources
• Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct
• Exceptional customer service skills and enthusiasm for working with the public
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Able to vary work schedule as needed
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for job-related transportation
• Satisfactory pre-employment background check

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Library Science degree (MLS) from ALA-accredited institution required
• Customer service experience in a public library experience preferred
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities