Category/Classification: Regular Staff (Non-Exempt)

Reports to: Associate Director of Public Relations

General Summary

The Communications Assistant will play an important role in the Public Relations Department. The assistant will work closely with other library departments to develop and implement strategies that advance the library’s visibility and utilization. Under the Director of Public Relations, the Communications Specialist will perform a wide variety of support services that promote the library, its activities, and events. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The assignments include but are not limited to:

Planning and facilitating assigned activities and programs:

•   Maintain and manage the organization and structure of the Public Relations department
•   Create and monitor social media content on library platforms with the goal of growing online engagement 
•   Assist with planning and implementing Public Relations cultural programs
•   Prepare, plan, assemble, and take down library exhibits, display, and program décor with the help of an administrative assistant and department assistant;
•   Preparing marketing plan to promote activities, events, and programming through print and social media;
•   Fulfill print order requests from internal teams
•   Communicate with community partners and facilitate outreach setups for vendors/library collaborations
•   Assist with media marketing and mass mailing/email blasts and social media posts on all library platforms
•   Prepare monthly reports to the Director of Public Relations

Tasks include but are not limited to:

•    Organizing, planning, and implementing cultural programs checklist;
•    Confer with department assistants to ensure library information is disseminated to the public and media; 
•    Assist with creating and distributing flyers, the library newsletter, and subsets of news pamphlets and flyers to targeted interest groups;
•    Creating and updating social media updates (Facebook, Twitter Instagram, et al);
•    Researching and recommending distribution to increase awareness of library content.

This position would also be trained in the day-to-day operation of the Public Relations department.

 Education, Experience, and Training

High School graduate or equivalence. Bachelor’s degree in public relations or journalism preferred.

Working knowledge of computers and one year of experience in the field of writing is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of working with graphics.
• Ability to write and edit copy about library resources and activities.
• Ability to coordinate exhibits and displays with library-specific themes.
• Ability to effectively read and understand the information contained in procedure manuals, reports, etc.
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing trends in library services and technology
• Skilled in communicating both orally and in writing. 
• Using a computer to create and revise documents. 
• Organizing information and attention to detail. 
• Knowledge of print production and post-production processes is desirable.
• Knowledge of: Rules of English grammar and punctuation. 
• How to operate a still camera. 
• Understanding of marketing and social media
•  Proficient in MS Office; familiarity with design software (e.g. Canva, Adobe, InDesign) and content management systems is a plus
•  Solid editing and research skills

Physical and Mental Requirements

List the physical demands that are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential function of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequently sitting simultaneously using hand, wrist, and fingers;

Occasional standing, walking, stooping, bending, squatting, reaching overhead or in front of the body, and traveling to outside meetings and engagements.

On occasion kneeling, crouching, twisting, climbing ladders and stairs

Conveying up to 10 pounds and on occasion up to 50 pounds. Maximum weight lifted to hip height: 20 pounds, to shoulder height or above shoulders: 10 pounds. Maximum weight lifted and carried without assistance: 20 pounds.

Frequently talking and hearing ordinary conversation in person or by phone in a quiet but sometimes noisy environment.

The requirements given above are not intended as exclusive standards for this position. Additionally, the duties and responsibilities listed are meant to be illustrative of the nature of the position and do not include all tasks that may be necessary to this job function. Further, individuals may be required to work in other areas and at different functions than those described in accordance with changing needs of the library.