Merida, Yucatan — The Merida English Library is looking for a new administrator to replace Susanna McKibben, who is leaving in mid-February after more than four years.
McKibben has chosen to work from home and spend more time with her baby daughter, according to an announcement from MEL board president, Greg Casini.
Calling the announcement “sad news” for the library, Casini praised McKibben as an “exemplary administrator, keeping MEL on track and implementing a number of terrific new programs.”
“Susanna has been an exemplary administrator, keeping MEL on track and implementing a number of terrific new programs,” Casini said, crediting her for the growth of programs such as Conversaciones con Amigos, Storytime and Teen Night.
“Under Susanna’s leadership, MEL has become a resource for both the expat and the local community. Not only does MEL participate in the One World/Two Languages program with UADY (in which students studying to be English teachers are paired up with MEL members for conversation practice and fun), but MEL now has an on-going internship program with UADY. We even have an intern from a Progreso school this semester,” Casino noted.
Now, MEL is looking for a successor. Applicants have until Jan. 28 to apply for this position.
“A positive and outgoing personality with excellent communication skills; and ability to work with people of all ages,” was among the requirements on the job posting. Experience in community or volunteer organization was also listed, but experience with libraries “helpful but not a prerequisite. “
The administrator “coordinates and develops MEL programs to promote membership growth and expand involvement of children, young adults, students and adults, both Spanish and English-speaking,” according to the job posting. He or she also “coordinates internship and community service programs, and supervises interns and student participants.”
That’s not all. The administrator recruits, trains, schedules, and supervises MEL volunteers and supports MEL committees in tasks such as fund-raising and collections.
The administrator is also the communications director, and “provides content, coordinates, supervises, and distributes monthly newsletter and ‘Flashes.’ ” and keeps social media and the website up to date.
The successful applicant will report to Casini.
The job is part-time. All these duties are squeezed into a 28-hours work week, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday plus 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and a once-a-month participation in Conversaciones con Amigos (with two hours taken from the Wednesday afternoon shift).
The salary was not disclosed in the job listing.
