Communications Manager

This job will remain posted through September 22, 2023, or until filled.

Important Note: All applicants are required to submit a cover letter and professional work portfolio as a basis for consideration. 

Pay Grade: 115

Department: Communications

FLSA: Exempt (Salaried)

Reports To: Deputy Library Director

Note: Please log into our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) by either creating a new account, if you don't already have one, or logging in under your existing credentials to complete your full Live Oak Public Libraries employment application. Only employment applications that are 100% complete will be reviewed.

JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, the Communications Manager oversees marketing, communications, and content initiatives, both internal and external, across multiple platforms and formats to encourage engagement and positive customer experience, all in support of creating messages that communicate the value of the library to the community.

The Communications Manager works with library administration, staff, and all departments in marketing and promoting library programs, resources, and events, which may include, but are not limited to: creating advertising, signage, print publications, and electronic content and announcements; utilizing appropriate media channels; planning and coordinating library communication campaigns; managing and editing website platform and staff intranet; overseeing marketing initiatives and collateral including working with external vendors; developing and coordinating social media plans and programs; and measuring and reporting results. This position works closely with library leadership to execute comprehensive communications plans and strategies for the library system.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plans and implements the LOPL communications and marketing plan.
• Oversees the creation and development of promotional materials and items for library programs and events for publicity.
• Creates and designs printed and online marketing materials; creates flexible design templates and final visual brands for the promotion of Library programs and services.
• Develops and implements communications strategies to increase the community’s awareness of library services and programs; uses data and analytics to drive decisions that will increase effectiveness of email engagement, website, and social media assets.
• Manages the production and dissemination of public information via print, video and electronic resources; occasionally edits articles and/or materials generated by other library staff.
• Manages and maintains the information and integrity of the Library website and staff intranet.
• Oversees the library’s presence in approved social media networks and oversees the development and implementation of social media plans and programs, including development of creative content for platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.
• Monitors networks and ensures consistency of Library messaging, positioning, brand and graphic standards; provides guidance, support, and leadership in regards to digital presence, web content, and marketing.
• Works with support staff to maintain Library’s media relations efforts by maintaining relationships with media contacts; fielding media inquiries; developing press releases and support materials; occasionally serves as spokesperson for the organization and pitching/distributing calendar items, press releases, feature stories and other media tactics.
• Assists in the development of the Communications department budget, including income and expenditure projections.
• May occasionally represent the Library at community meetings and/or professional conferences.
• Prepares informational reports on activities in assigned areas of responsibility, library activities, and research.
• Writes letters, memos, and assists with creating collateral to present to the community.
• Answers questions and correspondence from the public, patrons, and staff. Works closely with all other departments and teams to maintain the information and integrity of information shared with the public online and in person.
• Tracks and collects library statistics, stories, and images to support advocacy and fundraising efforts.
• Conducts training opportunities for staff to learn best practices for communications information at the branch level.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or a related field; and five (5) years of directly related experience; at least (1) year experience directly managing people; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements:

• One (1) year of experience managing a department or major project budget is necessary.
• Proficiency with a variety of Social Media platforms including email management systems required.
• Experience in Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Web Design, understanding of Information Architecture and a basic knowledge of HTML are necessary.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media platforms required.
• Experience with web editing and graphic design.
• Experience working with social media applications as well as WordPress, Photoshop, Canva, Google Forms, and Google Office/Microsoft Word.
• Photography or videographer experience is a plus, but not required.
• Experience working in a non-profit or educational environment is preferred. Equivalent combination of training and experience in non-profit public relations or journalism acceptable.

Licenses or Certifications:
Valid driver’s license and insurability required.

Special Requirements:
None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to multitask, prioritize, establish and meet deadlines.
• Excellent writing, editing, and research skills and ability to communicate across age groups and educational backgrounds.
• Knowledge of CMS software packages (particularly WordPress)
• Knowledge of HTML, PHP, MySQL and CSS coding (Helpful but not required)
• Graphic design skills, knowledge of Adobe CS
• Web layout design and web usability best practices
• Skill in image editing and development of multimedia content
• Knowledge of best practices in social media planning and management
• Skill in writing clear instructions and training materials
• Skill in public speaking
• Knowledge of web management best practices
• Skill in decision-making and problem-solving
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public
• Ability to work in a communicative, interactive, and team-based setting.
• Ability to communicate accurately and effectively, both orally and in writing, with Library staff, external partners, media, vendors, and Library board members.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective positive working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, Board members, and the general public.
• Keeps current with developments in marketing, communications, and public libraries
• Ability to interpret library data and organizational goals to the general public, government, and other stakeholders.
• Exercises sound judgment, diplomacy, and discretion in handling confidential information with tact and professionalism.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is typically performed with the employee sitting at a desk, standing for extending periods, or bending/stooping. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds routinely, climb stairs, stand for extended periods of time, extended walking within and outside branch locations, reach, bend, and stoop. Full range of hand and finger motion is required for data entry purposes. The ability to distinguish color is required for network wiring purposes. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Visual Acuity 1: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading. Must have the ability to see well enough to interpret data on a computer monitor.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable someone with a qualifying disability to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Typical office/library environment. Some fluctuations in building temperature related to HVAC problems can cause uncomfortable periods of heat or cold. Some periods of elevated noise levels. Some stress related to the type of work being performed may be encountered e.g., pressure related to periods of high-volume activity and multiple demands.

Live Oak Public Libraries has the right to revise this job description at any time. Thisdescription does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

It is the policy of the Library to provide equal employment opportunities to all people in all aspects of employer/employee relations without discrimination.

This position is located at 2002 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401. 

Please apply to our Job Page website: https://liveoakpl.org/about/jobs

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