Description:
The Kansas City Public Library’s RISE (Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment) program connects immigrant populations with the quality services, resources, and lifelong learning opportunities of the Library through outreach, education, and advocacy.
The English Language Learning (ELL) Project Specialist is a full-time, 2-year Carnegie Corporation grant-funded position reporting to the RISE Outreach Manager. ELL Project Specialist plays a key role in coordinating and delivering English language learning services for adults. This position blends instruction, community outreach, and program management. It requires strong communication skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a commitment to equity and access.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must have good classroom management experience.
• TEFL, TESOL, CELTA or related certification - Currently pursuing or already certified.
• Must have experience working with non-native English-speaking persons.

Requirements:

• Experience in project coordination, program management, or related roles.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience teaching, tutoring, or coaching English language learners.
• Experience working with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience in volunteer management.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with staff, community organizations, and the public.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including patience, empathy, and cultural awareness.
• Proficiency in English required.
• Ability to speak and understand English is required. Additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages utilized in Jackson County, MO, including Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili

JOB DUTIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS)

ELL Instruction & Learner Support

• Teach multiple weekly English classes (e.g., English Basics, Conversation Club, English for Vocational Trades, Financial Literacy, and English for Citizenship).
• Adapt instruction for multi-level learners and provide individualized feedback.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment and model clear English communication.
• Help learners access and use library resources to support their goals.

Grant Compliance and Reporting

• Lead grant compliance and reporting efforts for RISE.
• Develop and manage systems to track attendance, outcomes, and program data.
• In collaboration with the Library’s Philanthropy team and internal evaluation partners, prepare accurate, timely reports using narrative and statistical formats for both internal and grant reporting.
• Work in close coordination with the Philanthropy team to ensure compliance with grant requirements, maintain partnership with funder, ensure fiduciary stewardship, and proactively identify and communicate any changes to the timeline, workplan, or other anticipated impact.

Volunteer Coordination & Outreach

• Assist with volunteer recruitment, training, and scheduling.
• Maintain volunteer records and coordinate training materials.
• Promote programs through fliers, newsletters, social media, and other communication tools.

Teamwork & Communication

• Collaborate with the RISE team and other Library departments to improve and expand services.
• Collaborate with Outreach Language Specialist to plan, implement and evaluate RISE class offerings.
• Communicate regularly with the RISE Outreach Manager and team by phone, email, chat, and in person.
• Participate in professional development to stay current in adult education and ELL practices.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements:

• Experience in project coordination, program management, or related roles.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience teaching, tutoring, or coaching English language learners.
• Experience working with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience in volunteer management.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with staff, community organizations, and the public.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including patience, empathy, and cultural awareness.
• Proficiency in English required.
• Ability to speak and understand English is required. Additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages utilized in Jackson County, MO, including Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions and job requirements of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.