Lower & Middle School Library Media Specialist

At The Benjamin School, exceptional teachers set high expectations for their students and work tirelessly to help them reach those goals. Our faculty guides students to become self-directed, independent learners who demonstrate strong academic skills and exemplary character. The Lower and Middle School Library/Media Center is a dynamic hub of inquiry, creativity, and exploration. We are seeking a Library/Media Specialist who is passionate about empowering young learners to become confident researchers and lifelong readers. We are looking for someone who brings creativity, initiative, and a commitment to innovation, someone who sees the Library/Media Center not just as a place for books, but as a vibrant center for discovery. The Library/Media Specialist serves both the Middle School and Lower School divisions and reports to the Head of the Middle School.

Position Responsibilities:

> Develops and supervises all library policies and procedures. > Supervises all library staff and volunteers, coordinating a team of parent volunteers to assist with weekly circulation and special events. > Organizes and oversees two annual book fairs, one during Grandest Friends' Day and one to provide summer reading materials. > Coordinate annual visiting author(s), including book sales and event details. > Oversees special events, including the annual book fairs. > Manages the laminator, orders library supplies for both lower and middle school divisions, and provides teacher training as needed. > Manages the library calendar and coordinates special-event scheduling. > Develops and maintains the library budget and all administrative tasks. > Purchases and maintains acquisitions, including print books and digital library resources. > Maintains OPAC (Follett Destiny) and updates patron accounts yearly to prepare for circulation. > Works with the lower school librarian to process incoming titles and repair or update materials. > Manages annual inventory. > Tracks circulation, running reports, and overdue notifications for all library classes > Teaches weekly fourth & fifth-grade lessons (4 sections each), developing a continued love for reading and providing research and information literacy instruction with quarterly grading. > Teaches WOW (3-year-old) classes that include storytime and activity for 4 sections. > Supports lower school circulation during weekly classes led by the lower school librarian for grades Pre-K through third grade. > Collaborates with Lower and Middle School faculty on curriculum appropriate research materials and skill development.

Professional Qualifications:

> Minimum of three years of experience as a Media Specialist at the Lower and/or Middle School levels. > Master's degree or equivalent certification in Education/Library Science.

Key Expectations:

> Support the school's mission and contribute positively to the learning community. > Partner with students, teachers, and families to provide guidance on digital tools and resources, print and non-print media, and research practices. > Helping students to create and carry out search strategies. > Assisting students in the evaluation of the information they find and locate additional, appropriate resources. > Assisting in the creation of presentations, papers, and themes. > Facilitate the integration of technology and its responsible use. > Promote reading as a lifelong habit, a way to unwind and explore the world through fiction and non-fiction. > Collaborate on curriculum development in the following areas: technology, research, innovation and project management. > Foster an inclusive, welcoming space where curiosity is encouraged and every learner feels supported. > Consistently models The Benjamin School Values. > Builds positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues by establishing effective communication through listening, responsiveness, openness, availability, and approachability. > Takes initiative and ownership in displaying a positive work ethic and behaviors, and encourages this attitude in others. > Maintains proficiency in the field through personal and professional development that strengthens the role and the school.

Physical and Work Requirements:

> Prolonged periods of time sitting at a desk and working on a computer. > Occasional movement about the office and lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. > Ability to work in excess of 8 hours a day, as well as evening and weekend hours as necessary for events and projects. > Travel required for meetings, events, and professional development. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The Benjamin School offers a competitive salary and an outstanding benefits package, which includes Medical, Dental, and Vision, AFLAC, 403B Retirement, Paid Time Off, Flexible Spending, Student Tuition discounts, Educational Assistance, and School-paid Basic Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability. For additional information, please visit our website at www.thebenjaminschool.org. If selected to advance in our hiring process, you will be required to complete both a background check and a drug screening. In accordance with state regulations, your background check will be conducted through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. For more information about the Clearinghouse, including its purpose, FAQs, and additional resources, please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ Please email your résumé and letter of interest to ms.openings@thebenjaminschool.org. We kindly ask that you refrain from telephone calls. DFWP/EOE