Communications Manager

Communications Manager: Are you PR cracker jack? A speech writing wiz? A brand-identity guru? A skilled communicator and strategist? If so, there is a place for you at the Charleston County Public Library! Imagine the opportunity to use all of your skills to make a difference in the community by working at the public library and helping to change the public’s perception of all that we have to offer! Specific duties include: * Collaborates Director of Communications & Programming to execute long-term vision for the 21st century library. * Designs, executes and evaluates a comprehensive branding, marketing, public relations, advertising, community relations and strategic internal/external communication plans for the Charleston County Public Library (CCPL). * Supervises professional public relations and marketing staff; special projects. * Develops, plans, implements, directs and evaluates system-wide marketing and promotion strategies based on the organization’s mission, vision and goals. * Designs and directs internal and external efforts to promote Library services and programming using public relations, marketing, branding, media relations, outreach and community relations to reach the Library’s various constituencies, including county residents, the media, diverse user groups, local organizations, businesses, community partners, area leadership and library staff. * Provides professional advice, problem solving, negotiation, project management and technical expertise to senior staff, departments and community partners. * Serves as official liaison to the press, acting as spokesperson on issues affecting the Library and is available to assist the staff and media, including performing and coordinating interviews. * Exercises independent judgment to represent the organization when initiating or responding to print and broadcast media, including doing and setting up interviews, providing written information and developing publicity, advertisements and miscellaneous information for external communications. * Manages policies and procedures governing the release of Library information. * Manages branding of all CCPL-related content for the traditional, digital and social media, including overseeing design and messaging, developing the best outlets for distribution, identifying key audiences and how to reach them and ensuring the best way to promote Library products, services and programs. * Supervises the planning, editorial content, design, production, distribution and evaluation of information and promotional materials consumed by the media and the public, including: press releases, fact sheets, media kits, brochures, newsletters, printed handouts, Internet/Intranet information, public service announcements, advertisements, promotional items and signs, etc. * Conceives, plans, organizes, sets up, attends and represents the library at a variety of special events and programs, including festivals, community programs and other opportunities to promote the Library’s services and programming. * Represents the Library on community committees, outreach events, in the media, in presentations, on panels and coordinates with staff, management, outside agencies, vendors and patrons. * Prepares speech content for the executive director as needed. * Delivers speeches, makes presentations and hosts programs representing the Library. * Conceives, writes, designs, edits and/or coordinates speeches and presentations for other Library personnel, administration and board members, as needed. * Coordinates survey, outreach, focus groups and task forces related to the Library’s public relations and service efforts, both internally and in the community. * Initiates contact with outside agencies and institutions for cooperative public relations efforts and to determine the feasibility and scope of projects. * Works with staff to coordinate a variety of internal and external activities to promote usage of Library services and attendance at Library programming. * Travels to Library branches throughout the county to provide guidance to staff on public relations, media and community relations issues. * Analyzes market data, target audiences and other demographic data for use in communication and marketing program development. * Stays abreast of trends and innovations in the fields of public Library services and issues, as well as branding and public relations, making recommendations on changes needed to keep the Library’s services current. * Monitors social, economic and political trends that could affect the organization, looking for ways to promote and enhance the Library’s services, programs and visibility in the community. * Responds to inquiries and complaints in a courteous and timely manner. * Attends and participates in professional association meetings and seminars across the state and in other states * Develops, interprets, and implements Library Communications Department policies and procedures. * Maintains adherence to Department budget in accordance with established management objectives. * Attends Board of Trustees meetings. * Implements Internal Communication Strategy and provides support to Director of Communications in updating and evaluating the plan. * Works closely with the Strategic Programming Manager to promote system-wide and branch programs through public relations, advertising and outreach. * Works with the Digital Content Coordinator to develop and evaluate annual social media strategy. * Develops and publishes Annual Report. * Oversees development of multimedia production including photo and video use in promotional activities. * Performs on-camera interviews on local TV news segments to promote library services and events. * Oversees website management, development of new web-based software and social media. * Oversees management of online room booking system. * Manages planning of public community meetings, groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies related to building projects. * Works with Director of Communication to communicate to staff during emergency situations including weather-related incidents and branch closures. * Oversees management of staff Intranet. * Oversees management of LibraryAware, software used by staff to design and publish print materials such as flyers and calendars. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: * Principles of public relations, media relations, journalism and written/oral communication, including corporate identification and branding, * Current trends and best practices in media relations, strategic communication and crisis communications. * Research techniques, sources, media requirements and availability of information. * Methods, materials and techniques used in graphic design, illustration, photography and videography. * Current trends in social media marketing, electronic publishing, mobile marketing and website best practices. * Journalistic practices, principles and techniques in composing, editing and layout of storytelling, branding and publicity materials. * Extensive computer skills, including use of Web content management systems, graphic design and office-related software programs. * Effective supervisory principles and techniques. * Library and Department policies and procedures. * Library terminology and functions. Ability to: * Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions. * Supervise and direct the work of subordinate staff. * Accept and manage change and maintain flexibility. * Work quickly and accurately. * Think strategically, using data * Maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work. * Plan, organize, coordinate and edit work and projects for efficient results and accuracy. * Understand and follow oral and written instructions. * Work independently and as part of a team. * Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. * Maintain the mental capacity for effective interaction and communication with others. * Maintain the physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include: o standing, walking or sitting for extended periods of time; o bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling and pushing; o lifting and carrying; o operating assigned equipment; and o traveling to other locations and states to represent the Library. * Maintain effective auditory and visual perception needed for: o communicating with others; o reading and writing; and o operating assigned equipment. QUALIFICATIONS Training and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in a closely related field, or equivalent experience, required; five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a communications field that included the demonstrated abilities to: manage staff; develop, implement and coordinate a broad variety of branding and communication campaigns or strategies to market the organization; establish positive working relationships and confidence with staff and colleagues in development of responsive and successful branding, public relations, or related promotional campaigns; and have considerable computer and software experience in writing and editing media-related communication. Physical Requirements: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining a physical condition necessary for extended standing and walking, or frequent light lifting (5 - 10 pounds); occasional moderate lifting (11 - 20 pounds); occasional bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, and pushing; dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of shop or office equipment; and working on a keyboard for extended periods of time. Tasks require sound perception, depth perception, color perception, texture perception, visual perception, and oral communications ability. A valid South Carolina driver’s license with a safe driving record. Hiring Salary Range: $58,864.00 - $66,289.60 annually depending on qualifications.