The Lopez Island Library is soliciting applications for a Community Alchemist.
What this job is about and what you will be doing
The Community Alchemist will engage with the Lopez Island community to develop programs that meet their needs and interests. You’ll focus on programming overall, including specific responsibilities related to creative activities and partnerships. You will:
- Help translate community interests into programs, listening to what people care about and turning that into activities that are welcoming, relevant, and fun.
- Collaborate with the Director and other staff on outreach and communications to ensure programs and exhibits are visible, inviting, and accessible to a wide range of community members.
- Support ongoing strategic visioning by sharing what you’re learning from participants, partners, and the community about how the library can best serve as a creative and cultural anchor.
On the creative side, you will be the primary lead to build and nurture partnerships with local artists, arts organizations, schools, nonprofits, individuals, community organizations and businesses to deepen and expand creative programming. This includes primary responsibility for:
First Saturday Art Walk: Plan, coordinate, and implement the library’s participation in the monthly Art Walk:
- Schedule and support artists
- Coordinate with other Art Walk partners and businesses
- Handle library event logistics, promotion, and day-of hosting
Artists in Residence Program: Manage all aspects of the residency:
- Help design and refine the program structure
- Recruit, select, and onboard artists
- Coordinate schedules, space needs, and community-facing events (talks, workshops, open studios)
Monthly Art Displays & Exhibits: Curate and manage rotating displays in the library:
- Develop an exhibit calendar that reflects diverse voices, media, and themes
- Coordinate with artists to install and de-install shows
- Create promotional materials to draw attention to each exhibit
Creative Programming for All Ages: Design and facilitate or coordinate:
- Hands-on artist-led workshops for youth, teens, and adults
- Inter generational creative activities and events
- Programs that connect art with reading, local history, environment, and community storytelling
The Community Alchemist has significant autonomy in program design, with strategic alignment and budget oversight provided by the Director. The position reports to the Director.
Additional roles and responsibilities
- Marketing/outreach: Boost visibility and engagement of library program, including managing social media, newsletter content, and publicity for events.
- Administrative & reporting tasks: Provide solid budgeting for programs, grant/funding management, statistical reporting, record-keeping, and evaluation of programs.
- Flexibility & varied schedule: This position requires working some evenings/weekends to align with community availability.
- Staff or volunteer support. Coordinate volunteers and staff as needed to support programs.
Who you are
- A lover of community and creator of connections
- A strategic, critical thinker who can also roll up your sleeves and make events happen
- Optimistic, innovative, and inquisitive
- An inspirer of self and others, especially when it comes to trying something new
- Comfortable working with artists, performers, and makers
- Organized and able to juggle multiple projects, timelines, and partners
- Committed to inclusive, equitable, and welcoming programming
- Able to laugh often and keep a sense of humor when things get weird (in a good way)
Experience in any of the following is a plus (but not all required): arts programming, event planning, community organizing, gallery or exhibit coordination, teaching or facilitation, or working in libraries, museums, or cultural organizations.
Are you ready for this?
Submit a cover letter and resumé to darren@lopezlibrary.org by 5pm on April 10, 2026.
This position includes medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as retirement contributions. Paid sick leave and vacation included. The position averages 30 hours a week. Hourly wage range is $25 to $29, to be determined based on experience and fit for the position.