The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking a full-time Deputy Director for the Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF), a highly visible and valued office within the association that educates librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

The successful candidate will assist the Director in the ongoing creation, design, development, implementation, and direction of a complete intellectual freedom program for ALA. The person in this position serves as the primary content area specialist for legal and policy issues related to intellectual freedom and privacy in libraries, and will be responsible for investigating, researching, analyzing, and reporting on those issues and will be responsible for proposing actions in support of ALA’s intellectual freedom program and information policy initiatives that are consistent with the association’s mission and values.

• Identify, analyze, and interpret case law, legislation, regulations, and other legal and policy resources relevant to intellectual freedom and privacy, with a focus on major intellectual freedom and privacy issues in libraries.
  • Draft memoranda, policy briefs, statements of policy, and explanatory documents for member leaders and staff.
  • Recommend proposed actions, policies, and guidelines to ALA member leaders, groups, and staff.
  • Represent ALA/OIF at external meetings, workshops, and other events addressing First Amendment, privacy, and intellectual freedom issues.
  • Support Freedom to Read Foundation’s litigation and policy initiatives.
• Provide legal information and assistance to librarians and others seeking help in addressing censorship of library resources, user privacy concerns, or other intellectual freedom.
• Plan, develop, and administer law-related educational programming concerning the application of intellectual freedom and privacy principles in libraries and schools.  This will be an initiative done in cooperation with ALA’s continuing education unit and other ALA units, including grant-making organizations and the Freedom to Read Foundation.
• Communicate with the public and the press about the work of the office.
• Support Director's supervision and management of the office staff and its initiatives, including preparation and administration of office budget. Support the work of ALA member groups and member leaders tasked with addressing intellectual freedom and privacy issues in libraries and institutions, including ALA policies and guidelines.
• There is a minimum of 15% travel required.

This is a regular full-time position based in our Chicago office.   Most ALA staff are currently working on a hybrid schedule. We have plans to resume mostly in-person work at ALA offices when it is safe to do so.  Please note that although we have a generous telecommuting policy for our employees, we do not have any truly remote positions in states outside of our workplace sites. 

The Deputy Director, Office for Intellectual Freedom position is based in Chicago, Illinois.

ALA currently requires that employees be fully vaccinated as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proof of vaccination will be required on or before start date. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.   

Starting salary range negotiable from the low-90s, based on relevant experience. ALA has an excellent benefit package that includes flexible work schedules, medical, dental, generous paid vacation and a retirement annuity.

• JD. degree, combined J.D./MLIS degree, or comparable advanced degree in law, public policy, or public administration.
• Demonstrated understanding of First Amendment and other related Constitutional issues applicable to the work of information professionals, including content censorship, access to library services as well as a basic understanding of types of libraries, library services and operations.