This position will remain posted through June 9, 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: 113

Department: Communications & Marketing

FLSA: Exempt (Salaried)

Reports To: Director of Communications & Marketing

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

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting the departments creating, planning, implementation, and execution of communication and multimedia efforts. As a key member of the team, the Communications Specialist assists the Director of Communications to initiate, plan, develop and produce video and audio communication projects to support internal and external strategies. The Communications Specialist will also assist with social media, newsletters, press releases, events, meetings, website, customer service and more.

The ideal candidate is a creative, well-rounded, detail-oriented team-player with a strong background in implementing effective and innovative strategies; has experience working with diverse audiences across multiple communications channels; and who brings a dedication to quality and customer service that will ensure communications and marketing efforts are at the highest level.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develops and implements communications media, including written, verbal, electronic communications, and video/camera productions; collaborates to develop stories that focus on the librarys innovation and value-added successes and impacts.
• Designs, creates, and distributes a wide range of library communication publications, i.e.: brochures, flyers, posters, calendars, newsletters, reports, press releases, signs etc., using computer graphic layout applications.
• May serve as a contact for on-screen and radio media as needed.
• Assists in developing and implementing social media strategies, and coordinates daily social media posts on appropriate platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Assists Director of Communications with updating the library website, including content, graphic layout and links.
• Assists in compiling, developing, and editing presentation materials in various formats; develops and produces video productions related to Library news and events.
• Works closely with management and administration to ensure consistent library identity and branding.
• Assists in the evaluation and analysis of communications activities, including preparing monthly reports, media clip summaries, social media benchmarks and email blast analytics.
• Collaborates with regional library staff to implement and publicize library programs and services.
• Tracks program and marketing data, analyzes data, and creates reports as required.
• Maintains relationships with community agencies, including a media contact list in an effort to develop stories and promote library news and events.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Requires Bachelors degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field with four (4) years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Experience in web page search engine optimization including editing and creating new content.
• Understanding of HTML, CSS, and basic web design.
• Experience creating print and digital media.
• Experience in a library, education, or non-profit setting is preferred.

Licenses or Certifications:

Valid drivers license and insurability required.

Special Requirements:

None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated high-level verbal and written communication skills; excellent editing and proof-reading skills; and ability to present statistical data effectively.
• Knowledge of a wide range of programs and applications such as publishing and design software, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and social media, Adobe Creative Suite, video editing software, and video production equipment.
• Experience using web-based tools and technologies such as Google Analytics, other media analytics, Constant Contact, etc.
• Advanced experience in cinematography, lighting, camera operation, sound recording and video editing.
• Ability to optimize video content for specific channel needs and execute SEO best practices.
• Manage YouTube channel, regional video initiatives and online digital asset database.
• Oversees external video projects in partnership with third party vendors.
• Researches and assesses new video methods and technology to make recommendations for new equipment, modifications, or process enhancements as appropriate.
• Excellent project management, organizational, analytical, creative, and critical thinking skills with a demonstrated ability to successfully meet deadlines and strategy goals.
• Ability to develop and implement creative approaches to reach targeted audiences.
• Comfortable speaking with and in front of community groups.
• Strong collaborative working style with the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team in a flexible, dynamic environment, and to contribute to a positive work environment that values respect, listening, and learning.
• Demonstrated ability to respectively communicate and work collaboratively with individuals of all backgrounds and at all organizational levels.
• Ability to occasionally work extended or flexible hours in support of department needs and activities.
• Ability to travel throughout the three-county service area of Live Oak Public Libraries.

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 10 pounds routinely, climb ladders, 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.
• Climbing: Ascending or descending stairs, ramps, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.

The work week is a 40-hour work week. After Hours and holiday availability, while rare, is required. This is a salaried exempt position.

Live Oak Public Libraries has the right to revise this job description at any time. This

description 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.