Library Senior Communications Officer

An Overview
The Senior Communications Officer is responsible for all aspects of Alexandria Library (“Library”) communications and marketing operations in order to support and increase the community’s awareness of Library programs and services. These responsibilities include but are not limited to: design and implementation of public information campaigns; public relations and media relations; community outreach and partnership development; design and dissemination of print and electronic materials; and ensuring that the Library’s identity and brand are maintained in support of its mission. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Division Chief of Administrative Services with considerable latitude for independent judgment and decision-making in completion of work assignments.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate should have strong writing, proofreading, copy-editing, oral communication and interpersonal skills. Expertise in synthesizing complex material into manageable messaging; demonstrated ability to develop and employ impactful story ideas. Demonstrated ability to complete significant levels of work both independently and within a team environment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the media, Library and City employees, Library Board, Library Friends group members, and other public and private agencies. Skill in operating desktop publishing software; thorough knowledge of multi-media communication and graphic production techniques

The Opportunity

• Plans and executes creative communication, marketing and social media strategies and campaigns to advance the Library’s mission and vision;
• Designs and disseminates multi-platform print, electronic and media materials to communicate information about Library programs, projects, events, initiatives and services (e.g. website, social media, newsletter, press releases, brochures, fliers, calendars, digital displays, etc.);
• Develops operational work plans, policies and objectives for the Communications Department and its staff; supervises, coaches, trains and evaluates Communications Assistant performance;
• Manages, develops and posts Library website and social media content; collaborates with Digital Services Librarian and Library program staff to effectively promote Library programs, services and signature events;
• Attends and photographs Library events, evaluates marketing and outreach outcomes, monitors and enhances community engagement with the Library;
• Assists Director and Administrative staff with internal and external emergency communications;
• Handles all media relations work; prepares materials for use in presentations to the public, including talking points, brochures, speeches, images, video scripts, templates and presentations for use by the Director, Library staff, and Library Board;
• Coordinates Library public relations and outreach efforts with the City of Alexandria public information office;
• Manages within a budget, working occasionally with outside printers, vendors and consultants;
• Researches and maintains an awareness of communication, marketing and media relations techniques, technology and trends; identifies and recommends improvements;
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department
Alexandria is an historic city located in northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. Distinct neighborhoods including Old Town, Del Ray and the West End offer something for everyone. Headquarters to several prominent organizations, including the Patent and Trademark Office and the National Science Foundation, our city of nearly 160,000 residents is a diverse community—a distinctly urban area that retains a small town atmosphere.
Alexandria Library celebrates diversity within our community and staff by:

• Offering programs and resources that reflect our uniquely multicultural community
• Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
• Fostering an atmosphere of dignity and respect
• Providing opportunities for all staff members to grow and excel

Minimum & Additional Requirements

In order to qualify for the position, all applicants must have a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public administration, government or related field and five (5) years of relevant experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

To be considered an ideal candidate, applicants should possess the above qualifications as well as have f amiliarity with multiple communications technology platforms (i.e. desktop publishing, graphic design, photo and video editing, HTML, CSS, calendar scheduling, web design and analytics, online survey tools, etc.); have the ability to work with both Mac and Windows based software applications; have prior library experience is a plus, but is not required.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; and education/certifications.

All newly hired employees must show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Newly hired employees who do not show proof of vaccination or exemption will be subject to weekly COVID-19 testing. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or religious reasons will still be subject to the weekly testing requirement. Otherwise, vaccinated employees will complete the attestation online in the first day of employment.

Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 9:00AM - 5:30PM, with some evening hours.