Communications Associate - Community Program Specialist I/II (Open & Promotional)

County of San Mateo • San Mateo, CA

10d

About The Position

San Mateo County Libraries is seeking enthusiastic and innovative individuals to join our team as a Communications Associate (Community Program Specialist I/II). This role is for individuals who want to be part of an award-winning team and work with amazing people, igniting growth through transformative experiences. San Mateo County Libraries is consistently rated among the top libraries nationally and is dedicated to learning, sharing, and exploration. The mission is to strengthen the community by creating an inclusive sense of place and an environment for learning. The organization seeks enthusiastic team players, creative risk-takers, and flexible individuals who proactively seek new opportunities to make public library services relevant to all community members. Successful candidates will be excited about new challenges, eager to learn, and energized by working with people from diverse backgrounds. The Communications Associate is a strategic thinker responsible for executing integrated communications, media, and marketing plans for the library system. This involves leveraging multiple communication channels, promotional materials, web content, press releases, and fact sheets to advance outreach and library engagement with community stakeholders and users. Bilingual skills are strongly preferred to serve the diverse and multilingual communities of San Mateo County. San Mateo County Libraries is a Joint Powers Authority serving approximately 280,000 residents across 351 square miles with 13 community libraries. The libraries offer a rich mix of programs and events reflecting the diversity of the community, aiming to inspire lifelong curiosity and build meaningful connections.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in mass media communication, marketing, public relations, journalism, business, or a closely related field; AND two years of professional experience with responsibility for public relations, media relations, communications, marketing, or a closely related field, and directly involved in the preparation and dissemination of information to the general public and press.
• Knowledge of principles, techniques, and methods of effective public and media communications.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of effective public and media relations and marketing.
• Strong understanding of social media strategies, techniques, and tools.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of preparing advertising, writing copy, layout, and multimedia production.
• Knowledge of customs and practices of various public information media.
• Knowledge of principles of effective written communication; strong writing skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate comprehensive communications programs and campaigns to meet department needs, values and priorities.
• Ability to develop, monitor, and evaluate the Libraries’ social media efforts.
• Ability to write and edit effective press releases, articles, speeches, scripts and other correspondence.
• Ability to strategically develop programs and tools to increase and maintain public awareness of department programs, services and achievements.
• Ability to communicate ideas and concepts through creative writing and through presentations to large and small groups.
• Ability to conceptualize print, digital, and broadcast advertising.
• Ability to plan and organize outreach and promotional activities.
• Ability to complete multiple assignments efficiently and meet established deadlines in a fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with other program managers and staff, other agencies and the community.
• Ability to operate a personal computer with common software applications (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, database, etc.).
• Ability to learn specialty software of the work unit.
• A resume and cover letter are required to be considered for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual language skills are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and draft press releases, media pitches and responses, content for library system initiatives, infographics, blogs, library signage, newsletters, and internal messaging.
• Design, adapt, and deliver communications that represent the library's branding and benefit the needs of the community.
• Establish cooperative working relationships with community services providers, program participants, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Create, develop, distribute, and maintain library print and digital assets (e.g., brochures, reports, website, social media, and website) via multiple channels.
• Support digital and print marketing channels (e.g., digital asset management system, website, blogs, newsletters, social media, flyer creation) to ensure brand consistency.
• Provide copywriting and editing support to the libraries’ print and digital platforms.
• Implement communication/marketing strategies that include design work, patron messaging, and social media content creation.
• Adhere to San Mateo County Libraries style guide, ensuring high-quality designed collateral and error-free copy.
• Use technology as a tool, staying on top of new technology trends that support program areas.
• Provide training and support for library staff working in program areas.
• Collect and maintain program records and statistics and create reports, as needed.
• Work in a collaborative teamwork setting and inspire fun in the workplace.
• Take initiative and work well both independently and with others.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Benefits

• The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment.
• Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
• The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level