Restorative & Belonging Practitioner at Oak Park… · Oak Park

The Oak Park Public Library seeks a full-time Restorative & Belonging Practitioner to join its Equity & Anti-Racism team.

About the Oak Park Public Library

The Oak Park Public Library strategically prioritizes equity, anti-racism, engagement, learning, and stewardship. We serve a diverse population at our three locations and out in the Oak Park community. Our vision is to empower every voice in our community, and our mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations.

Position Summary

The Restorative & Belonging Practitioner serves as the library’s subject matter expert on culturally responsive, equity-centered, and belonging practices. Reporting to the Director of Equity and Anti-Racism, this role designs and facilitates multicultural programming, embeds restorative practices across services, acts as a liaison to employee affinity groups, and builds strategic partnerships with community and educational organizations. Through collaboration and intercultural engagement, this position strengthens internal capacity, promotes community understanding, and advances the library's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

Bilingualism in English and Spanish (or another language relevant to Oak Park’s community) is a plus; while not required, fluency in another language will enable you to provide exceptional customer service and build relationships with more of our community members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Equity, Belonging & Restorative Practices

• Advance the library's equity, anti-racism, belonging, and restorative practice initiatives across programs, services, and staff engagement in alignment with strategic priorities.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on culturally responsive and inclusive practices, providing consultation and guidance to staff and departments.
• Act as the primary liaison to employee affinity groups, supporting their engagement, collaboration, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Identify and implement opportunities to strengthen organizational culture through continuous learning and equity-centered practices.

Cultural Programming & Initiatives

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate multicultural programs and community experiences that foster belonging, cultural understanding, and intercultural learning.
• Create opportunities for dialogue, storytelling, and shared learning that celebrate diverse cultures and strengthen community connections.
• Collaborate across departments to support cultural observances, heritage month celebrations, and other identity-centered initiatives.
• Utilize library resources, collections, and community partnerships to develop meaningful educational and cultural experiences.

Community & Educational Partnerships

• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, schools, cultural institutions, local leaders, and advocacy groups to advance shared engagement goals.
• Connect library resources, services, and programs with community partners to raise awareness and promote intercultural learning.
• Represent the library on internal and external committees, task forces, and community groups focused on equity and restorative practices.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide consultation to staff and facilitate or support staff learning opportunities in restorative practices, belonging-centered approaches, cultural initiatives, and inclusive engagement.
• Collaborate with departments to support culturally responsive services, programs, and community engagement efforts.
• Collect, maintain, and report program and partnership data to support assessment and continuous improvement.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging trends in restorative practices, intercultural engagement, and library services to share across the organization.
• Staff the library's service desks as assigned, providing excellent customer service and connecting patrons with library resources and services.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of multicultural engagement, equity, anti-racism, belonging, and restorative practices, with the ability to consult and guide staff on inclusive practices.
• Proven experience planning, implementing, and evaluating multicultural programs, partnerships, and community engagement initiatives.
• Strong written, verbal, and facilitation skills, including the ability to navigate sensitive conversations about identity, equity, and belonging with empathy and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, community organizations, educational institutions, and local leaders.
• Alignment with the library’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities, paired with a strong customer service orientation toward patrons, staff, and community members.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively, demonstrating adaptability, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Proficiency with standard workplace technologies, including Windows/Mac OS, Microsoft Office, virtual collaboration tools, and social media platforms.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Sociology, Public Administration, Communications, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies, Human Services, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education, professional experience, volunteer leadership, and relevant lived experience.
• Experience planning, coordinating, facilitating, and evaluating multicultural programs, restorative initiatives, or community engagement activities.

Preferred

• Experience working in a public library or similar non-profit setting, with an understanding of the public institution's purpose and its mission within the community.

A combination of education, professional, and lived experiences that demonstrate the ability to meet the position’s requirements successfully may be considered.

Details

This position is full-time, with a 40-hour workweek.

Starting salary range: $68,000 to $72,000. Offers are made within this range based on competencies, experience, and internal equity.

As part of the comprehensive compensation package, full-time library staff members receive benefits, including:

• 90% premium coverage for PPO and HMO medical insurance across all tiers
• Enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a premier defined benefit (pension) plan for Illinois municipal government employees
• 20 paid vacation days annually
• 12 paid health leave days annually
• 5 paid personal days annually
• 13 paid holidays annually
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave
• Up to $5,250 per year tuition assistance for continuing education
• Paid learning opportunities, such as webinars and conferences
• Paid dues for professional association membership
• Remote work stipend, if applicable
• $150 Lifestyle Spending Account to enhance your physical, financial, and emotional well-being

Please apply by Thursday, August 20, to be considered for this position.

The Oak Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and supporting an environment of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our staff, collections, programs and services, patrons, and community. Members of traditionally marginalized groups and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.