Communications Specialist
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This is a full-time position which reports directly to the Library Director. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, creating integrated and innovative content for the library's website, social media, blog, newsletter, and various marketing initiatives Accountable for creation and execution of communications strategies that support the library's mission, improving brand awareness, driving traffic to the library's website and social media, and engaging new and existing library patrons. Shares duties assigned to the Circulation Assistant positions.
REQUISITE ABILITIES:
Ability to deal tactfully, courteously and professionally with patrons of all ages and with other employees. Ability to work independently without constant supervision. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and tact. Ability to work in a team environment, develop good rapport with staff and community stakeholders; effectively plan, schedule and organize work in a fast-paced environment; handle multiple priorities with interruptions; be creative, have imagination. Be flexible, enthusiastic, have a sense of humor, pay attention to detail. General knowledge of electronic devices, relevant technology and disparate electronic resources, including, but not limited to, office productivity tools, library databases, content creation software, website development and analytic software, apps and social media is a must.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Lifting up to 40 pounds, carrying less than 40 pounds, typing or keyboarding, bending, stooping, walking, climbing, balancing, kneeling, reaching, hearing, speech, visual acuity.
DUTIES:
Strategize, develop, drive and analyze all social media efforts in partnership with library administration.
Develop engaging content for various marketing avenues.
Create comprehensive content calendar using content-scheduling software.
Create, proofread and edit articles, stories and content that showcase the library.
Maintain library website using WordPress and mobile app by Solus to ensure usability, relevance and accuracy.
Cultivate and participate in community outreach efforts.
Oversee the creation and production of cohesive posters, flyers, bookmarks, brochures and promotional products.
Respond to, monitor and moderate electronic customer questions and interactions.
Develop monthly content for e-newsletter and emails using Library Aware, and weekly content for local newspaper articles.
Develop relationships with media outlets and submit press releases.
Collaborate with library staff on filming and photography for book talks, v-logs, livestreaming and marketing.
Represent the library at community meetings and events to seek communication opportunities.
Use search engine analytics such as Google Analytics and Google My Business to monitor usage and improve library website.
Continually seek fresh marketing alternatives and new social media outlets.
Attend professional development workshops, training sessions and meetings.
Other duties as assigned by the Library Director or as dictated by the work flow.
Share in the duties of the Circulation Assistant positions.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This is a full-time position requiring some evenings and weekends. Occasionally, a split shift may be required. Benefits include IMRF, health insurance, vacation, sick time and paid holidays.
An initial evaluation will be performed after a probationary period of 90 days; thereafter, evaluations will be performed on an annual basis.
Attendance at library meetings, training and workshops necessary for professional development and to meet continuing education requirements set forth by MTL, the Regional Library System (RLS) and the Illinois State Library (ISL) is required. Work with other librarians at the local, regional and the State level on committees and cooperative library projects is expected.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree, or equivalent. Additional relevant education and/or work experience, especially in the areas of communications, public relations, community engagement, social media and website content development considered a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking ability.
Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task effectively.
Ability to set priorities, troubleshoot, track projects, meet deadlines, collaborate and contribute to team objectives.
Ability to think strategically, take initiative and anticipate new library trends. A strong commitment to public service, and an active interest in reading in a variety of subject areas are essential.
Broad understanding and demonstrated use of creative software and basic design using content creation tools such as Canva, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Publisher.
Prior experience with social media marketing principles and channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, as well as posting programs such as Hootsuite, Sendible, or HubSpot.
Knowledge of search engine analytics and optimization.
Knowledge of website management.
General knowledge of electronic devices, relevant technology and disparate electronic resources, online databases and office productivity tools.
Proficient with using Windows-based computers, Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace for Non-Profits. A person in this position will be working with a microfilm/fiche reader/printer, photocopier, calculator, fax machine and other electronic devices.
The Morrison-Talbott Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The intent of this summary is to characterize the typical duties and responsibilities that will be required of individual positions. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor is it intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities to do the job. Rather, it is intended only to describe the general nature of the job. Employees may be expected to perform duties which are specific to their area that may not be reflected in this summary.
Policy 3-88 Adopted 07/28/2022; Revised 05/08/2023
This is a full-time position which reports directly to the Library Director. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, creating integrated and innovative content for the library's website, social media, blog, newsletter, and various marketing initiatives Accountable for creation and execution of communications strategies that support the library's mission, improving brand awareness, driving traffic to the library's website and social media, and engaging new and existing library patrons. Shares duties assigned to the Circulation Assistant positions.
REQUISITE ABILITIES:
Ability to deal tactfully, courteously and professionally with patrons of all ages and with other employees. Ability to work independently without constant supervision. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and tact. Ability to work in a team environment, develop good rapport with staff and community stakeholders; effectively plan, schedule and organize work in a fast-paced environment; handle multiple priorities with interruptions; be creative, have imagination. Be flexible, enthusiastic, have a sense of humor, pay attention to detail. General knowledge of electronic devices, relevant technology and disparate electronic resources, including, but not limited to, office productivity tools, library databases, content creation software, website development and analytic software, apps and social media is a must.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Lifting up to 40 pounds, carrying less than 40 pounds, typing or keyboarding, bending, stooping, walking, climbing, balancing, kneeling, reaching, hearing, speech, visual acuity.
DUTIES:
Strategize, develop, drive and analyze all social media efforts in partnership with library administration.
Develop engaging content for various marketing avenues.
Create comprehensive content calendar using content-scheduling software.
Create, proofread and edit articles, stories and content that showcase the library.
Maintain library website using WordPress and mobile app by Solus to ensure usability, relevance and accuracy.
Cultivate and participate in community outreach efforts.
Oversee the creation and production of cohesive posters, flyers, bookmarks, brochures and promotional products.
Respond to, monitor and moderate electronic customer questions and interactions.
Develop monthly content for e-newsletter and emails using Library Aware, and weekly content for local newspaper articles.
Develop relationships with media outlets and submit press releases.
Collaborate with library staff on filming and photography for book talks, v-logs, livestreaming and marketing.
Represent the library at community meetings and events to seek communication opportunities.
Use search engine analytics such as Google Analytics and Google My Business to monitor usage and improve library website.
Continually seek fresh marketing alternatives and new social media outlets.
Attend professional development workshops, training sessions and meetings.
Other duties as assigned by the Library Director or as dictated by the work flow.
Share in the duties of the Circulation Assistant positions.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This is a full-time position requiring some evenings and weekends. Occasionally, a split shift may be required. Benefits include IMRF, health insurance, vacation, sick time and paid holidays.
An initial evaluation will be performed after a probationary period of 90 days; thereafter, evaluations will be performed on an annual basis.
Attendance at library meetings, training and workshops necessary for professional development and to meet continuing education requirements set forth by MTL, the Regional Library System (RLS) and the Illinois State Library (ISL) is required. Work with other librarians at the local, regional and the State level on committees and cooperative library projects is expected.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree, or equivalent. Additional relevant education and/or work experience, especially in the areas of communications, public relations, community engagement, social media and website content development considered a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking ability.
Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task effectively.
Ability to set priorities, troubleshoot, track projects, meet deadlines, collaborate and contribute to team objectives.
Ability to think strategically, take initiative and anticipate new library trends. A strong commitment to public service, and an active interest in reading in a variety of subject areas are essential.
Broad understanding and demonstrated use of creative software and basic design using content creation tools such as Canva, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Publisher.
Prior experience with social media marketing principles and channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, as well as posting programs such as Hootsuite, Sendible, or HubSpot.
Knowledge of search engine analytics and optimization.
Knowledge of website management.
General knowledge of electronic devices, relevant technology and disparate electronic resources, online databases and office productivity tools.
Proficient with using Windows-based computers, Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace for Non-Profits. A person in this position will be working with a microfilm/fiche reader/printer, photocopier, calculator, fax machine and other electronic devices.
The Morrison-Talbott Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The intent of this summary is to characterize the typical duties and responsibilities that will be required of individual positions. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor is it intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities to do the job. Rather, it is intended only to describe the general nature of the job. Employees may be expected to perform duties which are specific to their area that may not be reflected in this summary.
Policy 3-88 Adopted 07/28/2022; Revised 05/08/2023
