Communications Assistant

Whatcom County Library System • Bellingham, WA

5d • $21 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is accepting applications for a full-time Communications Assistant position. This role involves working as part of the communication and design team to create high-quality marketing and communications materials for the library system. This includes the creation, production, and distribution of content for various channels, such as collection materials, operational signs, event posters, and graphics for digital, social, web, video, and print. The position also involves maintaining communications archives, including photo releases, photos, and news stories. The Communications Assistant will collaborate with the Community Relations Manager to track and coordinate project requests from branch and administrative staff and will perform other duties as assigned. WCLS values diversity and inclusion and is interested in hiring candidates representative of the communities and patrons they serve. New employees are subject to a CRC (criminal records check).

Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Whatcom County Library System's policies and procedures as well as departmental practices.
• Uphold the Whatcom County Library System's commitment to intellectual freedom.
• One or more years of experience working as part of a design/communication team, including gathering information, producing materials, and ensuring projects are delivered on time.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of graphic design.
• Thorough knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to follow the Library's graphic and editorial standards as defined by the WCLS Identity Handbook and Style Guide.
• Ability to design promotional materials that meet the needs of the Library and staff and appropriately reach target audiences.
• Ability to operate relevant networked computer systems, including hardware and software.
• Solid understanding of and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office in a networked environment, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with and ability to create/post content to social media platforms.
• Basic knowledge of copyright issues as they pertain to images and materials created for print and online use.
• Ability to use Teams as a project management system.
• Ability to take creative feedback, execute, and iterate quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to maintain and operate office machines and equipment, including copiers, printers, folding machines, and paper cutters.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to meet independent and team deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere and maintain composure in a fast-paced work environment with high standards for accuracy and quality.
• Ability to keep all relevant parties informed of major issues and to recommend changes as appropriate.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to act as a representative of Whatcom County Library System to the public.
• Ability to maintain tact, courtesy, confidentiality, and strict discretion in dealing with the public.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse staff to accomplish library and department goals and objectives.
• Requires an Associate degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field; and one (1) or more years of related experience; Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.
• Requires physical and visual ability to utilize reference sources and to manipulate equipment or materials of up to 30 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• CSS and HTML skills are also desired.
• A sense of humor.
• A passion to learn new things continuously.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality marketing and communications materials for the library system.
• Create, produce, and distribute content for various channels, including collection materials, operational signs, event posters, and graphics for digital, social, web, video, and print.
• Maintain communications archives such as photo releases, photos, and news stories.
• Track and coordinate project requests from branch and administrative staff with the Community Relations Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree