Overview:

The Memphis Library Foundation seeks experienced and innovative professionals to become Innovators-In-Residence (IIR) at the Orange Mound Branch location of the Memphis Public Libraries. One new Innovator position is available. The initial term of engagement is one year, with the option of renewal for an additional year.

About the Innovator-In-Residence Program:

The IIR Program engages creative professionals (i.e. Innovators) to base part or all of their work in a public library where they receive free workspace, an annual stipend, and access to equipment and other resources. In exchange, Innovators deliver public programs that inspire, teach, and connect members of the Memphis community to networks, with the goal of launching new career paths for program participants. Innovators are established entrepreneurs with a passion for sharing their craft and empowering others to see their talents and interests as a career opportunity. 

An Innovator Possesses the Following Key Qualities:

Expertise and Experience: A recognized leader in their skill or craft with a proven track record of monetizing it.

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Experience in leveraging their skills as a career, and a passion for sharing their experience to empower others.

Digital Literacy: Ability to integrate digital skills (e.g. online marketing, content creation, a website, use of online resources, etc.  )into their work and teach these skills to others, regardless of whether their craft is digital in nature.

Community Engagement: A strong desire to make a meaningful impact in the Memphis community and inspire aspiring entrepreneurs.

Collaboration and Communication: Ability to work effectively with library staff and patrons, and to promote the library and its programs (including participation in fundraising/sponsorship efforts to support their work in the library).

Adaptability: Willingness to collaborate with others for program development, implementation, and evaluation, and to follow library rules and processes.

Benefits:

• Workspace and resources at the Orange Mound Branch Library (dependent on the Innovator’s specific craft)
• $10,000 annual stipend
• Access to funding for equipment, program supplies, and services
• Public promotion/recognition of the Innovator’s work
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community

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Requirements:

• Recognized leader in the hip hop industry with at least six years of experience; experience in recording and DJing preferred although other focus areas will be considered
• Understanding of the five core elements of hip hop i.e. MCing, DJing, graffiti, breakdancing, and knowledge self/culture  
• Ability to leverage a network of other experts with similar skills in hip hop to enhance programming and create connections for participants
• Proven experience in monetizing your skill and leveraging it as a career
• Ability to integrate digital skills into your work with library customers
• Commitment to following library rules and processes
• Ability to work with program participants with a variety of backgrounds and demographics
• Signed Memorandum of Understanding describing the terms of your engagement as an Innovator

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Join us in transforming the Memphis community through innovation and entrepreneurship!

To Apply:

Submit your resume or portfolio, a list of your greatest accomplishments in the past two years, and a representative sample of your ideas for public programming to:

Quamesha Brown

Operations Manager

Memphis Library Foundation

quamesha@memphislibraryfoundation.org 

(Please write “Innovator Position” in the subject line of your email.)

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