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SUMMARY

You will be responsible for forging deep connections with the local neighborhood that surrounds the Reading Room, and for identifying public trends in the local community to the rest of the Reading Room staff. Your understanding of the community's strengths and needs helps the Reading Room effectively support and engage with the local public community.

You will also be responsible for working in the Reading Room. This includes developing and maintaining expert knowledge of the products that are published or sold by the Christian Science Publishing Society, and recommending them to meet specific needs a customer may have. An essential aspect of Reading Room work is to contribute to an uplifting environment of healing and spiritual discovery.

Church founder, Mary Baker Eddy, took great care in the selection of The Mother Church Reading Room Librarian. She describes the ideal candidate in the Church Manual: "He or she shall have no bad habits, shall have had experience in the Field, shall be well educated, and a devout Christian Scientist" (Man. 63:23-2 (to .)). Mrs. Eddy also describes the rule of conduct for any room where the Christian Science textbook is sold: "No idle gossip, no slander, no mischief-making, no evil speaking shall be allowed" (Man. 81:23). The Librarian and all Associate Librarians are held to this standard of conduct. In support of this healing activity, the Associate Librarian prays for and metaphysically defends the mission and activity of The Mother Church Reading Room. Membership in The Mother Church and Primary Class instruction required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Relations / 50%
 

• This position has a key role in forwarding the message of Christian Science to the local Boston community by actively and regularly visiting neighboring businesses and public spaces, delivering information, news, and updates about the Reading Room.
• Is keenly tuned in to changes and current needs in the community, and shares information with the Reading Room staff in a way that engages their prayers.
• Develops, implements and reviews short- and long-term goals and objectives. Writes proposals if additional resources are needed to implement these goals.
• Answers questions about and shares Christian Science with neighbors when appropriate.
• Develops ongoing, productive relationships with neighbors in our immediate area, centered on the specific mission of the Reading Room.
• Gives high-level written and verbal reports to Reading Room staff as well as other church departments about the issues facing our local community.
• Coordinates with the Boston Community Relations Liaison in attending community events when appropriate for Reading Room involvement.
• Works with the Committee on Publication Office, especially the Massachusetts Committee, to be aware of and prayerfully address local "impositions on the public in regard to Christian Science, injustices done Mrs. Eddy or members of this Church" (Man. 97:16-20)
• Has a key role in coordinating The Mother Church Reading Room activities with other departments that focus on local Boston activities, and acts as one of the primary communication links between those departments and The Mother Church Reading Room staff.
• Coordinates activities with other departments of The Mother Church.
• Works in collaboration with the Operations Manager to determine the most effective events to host in the Reading Room, as well as any special events to be involved with outside the Reading Room.
• Gives essential input to community-related Reading Room displays, marketing materials, reports, and projects.
• Makes recommendations for improvements in the overall Reading Room based on community interactions.
• Coordinates a volunteer program for local Mother Church members, other Mother Church employees, and other local Christian Scientists.

Associate Librarian / 50%
 

• This position prays for, supports, and contributes to the healing atmosphere in the Reading Room.
• Is responsible for sales and customer service/satisfaction in The Mother Church Reading Room when on shift.
• Has an expert knowledge of the products that are published or sold by the Christian Science Publishing Society. Recommends them to meet specific needs a customer may have.
• Has a solid knowledge of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, The Mother Church's departments and activities, The Mother Church edifice, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, and the surrounding community.
• Is able to quickly assess situations and respond with prayer and practical steps to bring solutions that support resolution.
• Hosts and coordinates events in the Reading Room, including doing the technical setup and facilitating spiritually-focused discussions.
• Learns new technologies/procedures as the Reading Room continues to evolve.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Reads and responds daily to emails and voicemails.
• Keeps abreast of current trends in spirituality, spiritual healing, and church.
• May be asked to work on other projects that support the Reading Room, as determined by the Manager.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS

Reporting Relationships

Supervisor: TMC Librarian/Manager with a close working relationship with the entire staff.

Supervises: May supervise one or more fellow staff members or volunteers within the scope of a project and other Reading Room staff in training.

Regular ContactsEmployees, customers, neighbors, community members, vendors, professionals,

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education/ExperienceCollege degree or equivalent and previous experience in a retail environment. Experience in the Christian Science field (i.e., branch church work, field work, etc.)

Knowledge/Skills
 

• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be comfortable answering questions about Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy from the public, and express strong spiritual discernment about what's needed in nuanced interactions.
• Solid knowledge of the products published or sold by the Christian Science Publishing Society, and a desire to learn more.
• Familiarity with public thought and trends, other faith backgrounds, willingness to keep abreast of changes.
• Able to communicate comfortably, tactfully, and respectfully with people of many different belief systems, nationalities, and cultures. Familiarity with the values and core beliefs of other faiths and Christian denominations is highly beneficial.
• Resilient, composed, and able to adapt to changing circumstances and changes of routine.
• Team-oriented with initiative, follow-through, and skill at supporting team activities.
• Fluency in more than one language is useful.

Job Requirements
 

• Strong face-to-face communication skills.
• Self-initiative to see where the opportunities lie.
• Excellent organizational skills and forward-thinking abilities.
• Knowledge of the Boston community and a deep interest in developing relationships with neighbors.
• Ability to work as a team, including helping fellow librarians see the needs in the community.
• Strong communication, sales and customer service skills.
• Handles monetary transactions with ease and accuracy, including handling and counting cash.
• Has basic math skills, computer knowledge, and the ability to learn quickly.
• Love for the quiet, contemplative nature of the Reading Room as well as the hustle and bustle outside.
• Available to work some weekends and holidays, as needed.

Technology Skills
Strong skills in Google Suite, Christian Science Publishing Society electronic products, and the use of the internet.

Work Environment

Retail/sales environment when working in the Reading Room. Community meetings in diverse settings. Neighborhood beat. Also may work in an office environment occasionally.

Christian Science Information

Membership in The Mother Church and Primary Class instruction required. Living in close proximity to The Mother Church and Reading Room is a plus so that the individual is living in the community they will be most familiar with. Public practice of Christian Science a desired goal.

PLEASE NOTE:
Background check required given potential for direct contact with children.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

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