THE FOUNDATION CENTER, founded in 1956, is the nation's leading authority on philanthropy and is dedicated to serving grantseekers, grantmakers, researchers, policymakers, the media, and the general public. Our organization's mission is to strengthen the nonprofit sector by advancing knowledge about U.S. philanthropy. Our vision is a world enriched by the effective allocation of philanthropic resources, informed public discourse about philanthropy, and broad understanding of the contributions of nonprofit activity to civil society.

As a vital component of the Foundation Center's mission, we offer free information to the public at five Foundation Center libraries across the country: at our headquarters in New York, and at our field offices in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Cleveland, and San Francisco.

SUBSTITUTE LIBRARIAN – Washington, DC Office (On-call, temporary)

Reports to: Senior Librarian, DC Office

Job summary: The substitute librarian’s primary responsibility is reference work, assisting with walk-in patrons, virtual reference, and taking telephone calls when one of the reference staff is on vacation, ill or away from the office on business. This position requires someone who is flexible in terms of other commitments, who is not seeking permanent employment elsewhere, and who can be available on short notice.

Responsibilities:

• Answers reference questions in person and online and provides some telephone reference
  • These may include directions to material within the FC's web site
• Instructs visitors in use of the library's specialized online and print materials on philanthropy and nonprofit management
  • Foundation Directories, research material & other publications
  • Catalog of Nonprofit Literature (CNL) online library catalog, periodicals & subject files
• Develops familiarity with relevant computer databases:
  • Instruct visitors on using our online products: FD-Online Professional, Corporate Giving Online, and Foundation Grants to Individuals Online
  • Instruct visitors on using our CD-ROM products: FC Search and the Guide to Greater Washington, DC Grantmakers
  • Provide basic tutorials on using other specialized fundraising databases and online tools, such as Corporate Affiliations and Marquis' Who's Who
• Answers and screens telephone calls
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements: BA/BS and library experience; Ideal position for a student in the process of obtaining the MLS degree or a retired professional. Familiarity with concepts of reference work and the ability to work with a variety of people are essential. Interest in learning about the field of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector is helpful.

Hours:Must be available for on-call work from 9:00 am-5:00 pm, M-F.

Please send resume and salary requirements to:

Human Resources Associate
The Foundation Center
79 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10003

Fax: (212) 807-3635
E-mail: jobs@foundationcenter.org (Please put the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line)

Do not telephone.

Posted: 8/14/08