WHY THIS WORK MATTERS

I’m Your Neighbor Books (IYNB) is a nonprofit founded on the evidence that literature can transform a reader’s perception of themselves and others and inspire them to build more inclusive communities.

Centering children’s books representing Immigrant and New Generation families, IYNB’s programming facilitates:

Belonging for Immigrant & New Generation communities.
Welcoming and anti-racist skills in non-immigrant communities.
Active & Informed Inclusivity in all communities.

Partnering with immigrant community organizations, schools, libraries, nonprofits, and individual readers of all backgrounds, IYNB:

Serves as a book vendor offering purchase order, in-person, and e-commence access to curated Immigrant and New Generation children’s books and collections.
Loans and gifts books that have an impact on community-wide belonging and that mitigate harm in times of duress.
Creates engagement materials that allow readers to have book-based conversations about their feelings, families, neighborhoods and how all are impacted by bias and healed by belonging.

IYNB is the only organization centering the Immigrant and New Generation experience as represented in children’s literature. By discovering, curating, opening access to and engaging with these stories, we invite communities to celebrate and support one another.

WHY THIS WORK MATTERS NOW

“We need books to break open our hearts, so that we might feel more deeply, so that we might be more human in these unkind times.” —Author Sandra Cisneros

In these times of destructive anti-immigrant racism and policies, IYNB’s work is essential.

For those impacted by immigration enforcement, books can serve as a sanctuary—a place to rest, heal, and hope.

For a nation gripped by anti-immigrant lies, books offer true profiles of migration and family.

For those wanting to support the immigrant community, books provide cultural competencies and an emotional connection to the terror of these times.

IYNB is actively engaged in placing books in homes and classrooms impacted by ICE and speaking about how books can help us navigate “these unkind times.”

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a vital leadership role responsible for translating IYNB’s strategic vision into daily operational execution. Reporting directly to the Executive Director (ED), the COO ensures that people, systems, and processes support sustainable growth and effective program delivery.

This is a new role for IYNB in during a time where the nonprofit is building new strategic pathways. In 2025, federal anti-DEI policies disrupted IYNB’s program delivery to key partners. The COO will be an essential partner as the team opens partnerships and deepens the tools that make the books and companion conversations essential in these times.

WHAT YOU'LL BUILD

The COO’s role will be creative, collaborative, flexible, and generative in support of IYNB’s strategic vision. Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

Financial Management: Maintain IYNB’s budget, bookkeeping, reporting, and compliance with nonprofit regulations while innovating and strengthening systems. Support new programming by forecasting and integrating their growth.
People and Culture: Manage multilingual and multicultural staff in an HR capacity, including recruitment, performance management, learning and development, and compensation and benefits in a manner that supports individual strengths. Inform and direct the work flow to implement successful programming.
Program and Service Delivery: Build and maintain systems that deliver donated and purchased books to partners in a manner that maximizes efficiency, supports book engagement and ongoing collaboration. Facilitate IYNB’s appearance and engagement at relevant local and national events while developing systems for event tracking, follow-up, and innovation.
Operations and Systems: Manage integrated software, facilities, office administration, and vendor relationships while revising and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) that drive efficiency and accountability.
Risk Management and Compliance: Ensure adherence to local and federal laws, grant requirements, and internal policies.

The execution of these responsibilities must center and promote a culture of equity, inclusion, and collaboration within the organization and its partnerships.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Cultural Literacy: Ongoing commitment to a deeper understanding of Immigrant and New Generation experiences.
Cultural Humility & Community Leadership: Respect for the authentic leadership and contribution of others in building inclusive partnerships.
Multilingual & Cultural Collaboration: Integration of non-English communication and cultural working styles.
Advocacy & Representation: Support the Immigrant and New Generation community and the need to reduce anti-immigrant bias.
Adaptability & Resourcefulness: Thrive in a small nonprofit environment, balancing strategy with hands-on work.
Communication: Communicate clearly and persuasively with diverse audiences, including educators, funders, community members, and the IYNB team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements

Strong skills in budgeting, HR, compliance, and fiscal accountability.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a systems-thinking mindset.
Experience and skill in building and managing a collaborative team.
Commitment to immigrant inclusion, education, and community development.

Physical Requirements

Lifting and carrying boxes of books weighing up to 50 lbs. is an essential function of book distribution, event set-up, and warehouse support. Reasonable accommodations will be considered consistent with applicable law.

Preferences

Experience in product processing and delivery.
Experience working in immigrant services, education, or community development.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
Multilingual communication.

WHY YOU'LL THRIVE HERE

Mission-Driven Culture: Work alongside a passionate and diverse team, board, and partners that care equally for the characters in books and the actual communities they represent.
Book & Community-Centered Environment: Interact with the books, book creators, book leaders and readers dedicated to community-wide belonging through diverse literature.

Comprehensive Support:

$75,000-80,000 salary
$5000 in medical reimbursement
$1000 contributed to 403B
25 paid days off that include the selection of your own cultural and personal holidays
Professional Development support
Collaborative and flexible environment

Details

Full-time, exempt
Weekend event work (Up to 10 times a year)
Portland, Maine (Hybrid, 70-75% in-person)
Reports to the Executive Director

Submission

IYNB encourages applications from those with Immigrant and New Generation identities.

Submit resume, cover letter, and references HERE. In your letter, let us know why you’re eager to support immigrant stories and communities and what work and life experiences you bring to the position.

Applications close at 5:00 PM on 10/28/26.

I’m Your Neighbor Books is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you have questions or any issues with the form, please contact Ange Ishimwe at info@imyourneighborbooks.org or 207-613-1619.

I'm Your Neighbor Books

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