Posted 4/5/2024

Stark Library is seeking a Director of Marketing & Communications to lead the Library's communication strategy as well as the team responsible for the Library's branding, marketing, public relations, digital presence, internal communication, and crisis communication. This role reports directly to the Executive Director & CEO and a member of the organization's leadership team. The ideal candidate will be an innovative thinker, strong communicator, and collaborative team leader.

In addition to providing a unique leadership opportunity , this position offers a community-minded and inclusive work environment, competitive compensation, as well as generous paid time off including vacation, sick time (accrued at 120 hours/year), 10 paid holidays, and up to 2 floating holidays per year. In addition, the library offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, employer-paid life, participation in the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System, and additional voluntary benefits.

If this opportunity interests you, and you feel you may be a good fit for this position (detailed job description below), please complete an online application and submit your resume.

Job Summary

The Director of Marketing & Communications develops and oversees the implementation of the Library’s comprehensive communication strategy including the areas of branding, marketing, public relations, digital presence, internal communication, and crisis communication. Supervises a team of 3-5 individual contributors.

Essential Functions

Marketing Management

• Directs the strategy, planning, implementation, and evaluation of Library marketing projects and campaigns
• Serves as primary steward of the Library’s brand, ensuring a coherent voice, look, and message is consistently applied in all communication materials, library buildings, and throughout the organization.
• Champions the use of digital media to maximize impact of communications and marketing efforts; evaluates and employs emerging technologies from both within and outside of the library industry

Community and Media Engagement

• Cultivates positive relationships with local media and community representatives
• Represents the Library in an official capacity for media and public relations; exercises judgment in prioritizing media opportunities; schedules and prepares accordingly

Internal and External Communications

• Advises the Library leadership team on communication matters; identifies challenges and emerging issues and opportunities; defines and executes appropriate strategies to leverage them
• Evaluates communication needs of internal departments, develops strategies, and identifies resources to meet objectives
• Educates and directs Library staff in marketing and communication concepts as necessary to achieve Library objectives

Crisis Communication

• Manages development of crisis response strategies, reactive statements, FAQs, and other deliverables as needed
• Provides counsel on strategy to Library leaders, collaborating with other internal teams as appropriate
• Develop and implement response communications processes and procedures
• Executes proactive and reactive media relations strategies as needed

Strategy and Analysis

Staff Supervision

• Interviews, selects, onboards, instructs, cross-trains, and supervises department staff
• Sets performance measures, provides regular feedback, and holds staff accountable
• Interprets, explains, and upholds adherence to organizational policies, processes, and standard operating procedures
• Delegates and monitors special projects
• Ensures staffing levels support operating hours and functional needs of the Library

Other Functions

• Stays current on best practices in library marketing, digital marketing, and communications leadership.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field. Master’s degree in related area preferred.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in marketing and communications field
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the above
• Minimum 3 years’ supervisory experience
• Experience leading successful strategic marketing programs for a non-profit organization is preferred
• Experience working in a union environment is a plus
• Experience in public libraries or public-sector organizations is a plus

Core Competencies

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong public speaking skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to design and produce print materials and publications
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel as well as software applications specific to marketing and communications (e.g., Canva, Microsoft Publisher)
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Stark County and familiarity with its various educational, arts, and community service organizations is a plus

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• This job operates in a professional office environment with exposure to central climate control, overhead lighting, and low-to-moderate noise levels.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear, sit for extended periods of time, stand, walk, bend, stoop, use hands and fingers to perform repetitive motions, and reach with hands and arms, and to lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 15 pounds. It requires the ability to use standard office equipment including computers.
• Some travel by personal automobile for frequent off-site meetings in various settings may occur. Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Performing work tasks outside of these hours, including weekends, may be required due to the community service nature of the Library and hours open to the public.