Senior Communications Manager

Description

POSITION TITLE: Senior Communications Manager EXTERNAL TITLE: Senior Communications Manager

DEPARTMENT: Administration GRADE: 111 (9) FLSA: Exempt FTE: 1.0

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Performs all duties related to managing communications for the library.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works independently under the supervision of the Library Director

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Communications Staff

FUNCTION RELATIONSHIPS:Leadership team; Library District Board; External media outlets

BENEFITS:

This full-time position includes a full benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and supplemental insurance coverages as well as HRA and retirement savings. Benefits include vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays.

SALARY RANGE:

$40.05/hr ($83,311 annual) - $50.07/hr (104,139 annual)

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Expected to regularly work 40 hours per week

Ability to arrive at locations throughout Mesa County to successfully fulfill job expectations. Locations include, but are not limited to, library branches and external locations for outreach, programs, and classes

Library Communication

? Works with Communications staff to develop communication plans for various library campaigns and communication strategies.

? Works with interdepartmental teams to undertake library communication projects to meet specific needs.

? Develops, implements, monitors, and maintains the library’s presence in all pertinent marketing venues, including social media. 

? Works to support library staff with training and advice on media protocols. 

? Manages library’s communications budgets.

? Stay current on library and community issues as well as new trends and innovations in the field of public information and community relations.

Media Spokesperson

? Provides the Executive Director with support/information on issues of interest to the media.

? Assists Executive director, staff and Board of Trustees in responding to media inquiries and in promoting library events, services, and policies. 

? Acts as the library’s official spokesperson with the media, representing the library in various forums. Respond to inquiries and concerns on behalf of the library.

? Formulates press releases and overseas production of the library newsletters.

Management Duties

? Participate in the library’s leadership team

? Handles problems, concerns and emergencies in a professional manner and according to library policies and procedures

? Serves as an example for all staff in providing library service and communicating expectations

Supervise Staff

? Provide feedback on an ongoing basis and evaluate each employee bi-annually. 

? Be a resource for all staff so that they are well informed and engaged. 

? Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work of assigned staff; assign work activities, projects, and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Responds to public records requests made by the news media and ensures that the Executive Director is aware of public records requests. 

? Review library policies and public notices as needed.

? Take on other projects and tasks at the direction of the Executive Director.

? Communicates clearly in-person and via email and other electronic tools consistently and in a timely manner. Works with others to complete assignments. 

? Performs additional duties as opportunities arise that assist the department and the Library in achieving specified goals and objectives. 

? Stays informed on developments of Mesa County Libraries services and trends:

o Attends monthly staff meetings and training; attends external training as requested, stays aware of changes via email and staff wiki.

? May participate in and contribute to library committees and activities.

MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

Leadership

Leads through change and adversity, makes the tough call when needed, builds consensus when appropriate, motivates and encourages others

Decision making

Recognizes problems and responds, systematically gathers information, sorts through complex issues, seeks input from others, addresses root cause of issues, makes timely decisions, can make difficult decisions, uses consensus when possible and communicates decisions to others.

Integrity/Ethics 

Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad.

People Development

Provides feedback and coaching, takes mentoring role, challenges and develops employees, accepts mistakes, provides visibility/opportunity.

Self Development

Seeks out and accepts feedback, is a proactive learner, takes on tough assignments to improve skills, keeps knowledge and skills up to date, turns mistakes into learning opportunities

LIBRARY CORE COMPETENCIES

Customer Focus

Builds customer confidence, is committed to increasing customer satisfaction, sets achievable customer expectations, assumes responsibility for solving customer problems, ensures commitments to customers are met, solicits opinions and ideas from customers, responds to internal customers.

Adaptability/Flexibility

Adapts to change, is open to new ideas, takes on new responsibilities, handles pressure, adjusts plans to meet changing needs.

Initiative

Tackles problems and takes independent action, seeks out new responsibilities, acts on opportunities, generates new ideas, and practices self-development.

Organizational savvy 

Operates within the organization's formal and informal structures, builds trust and relationships across departments, uses effective communication to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic, understands others' roles and perspectives, and can sell projects and ideas across the organization.

Teamwork

Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILIITIES:

? Knowledge of communications, public relations and marketing principles and practices

? Knowledge of the techniques of graphics preparations, displays and visual aids

? Knowledge of effective supervisory and coaching techniques

? Knowledge of social media trends and other relevant computer technologies

? Skill in communicating effectively, orally and in writing, including meeting with small and large groups.

? Skill in writing media releases, blogs, columns, newsletters, information flyers, website content and letters.

? Skill in developing creative and informative approaches to patron participation, including gathering information through surveys and informal feedback. 

? Skill in working under pressure of deadlines, maintaining a professional demeanor during stressful situations, and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, Board of Trustees, other agencies and the general public. 

? Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license, required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing
• Maneuver about the library in a timely fashion
• Read a minimum print size equal to 10 point Times New Roman font 
• Ability to transport self to offsite locations and library branches 
• Tolerate dust, mold, etc. that may have accumulated on books

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Seven years of increasingly responsible media relations, public relations or journalism experience including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibilities

SCHEDULE:

Unpaid meal break of at least ½ hour per shift to be taken for each 5 hours scheduled.