Communications & Engagement Coordinator - Library

City of Rochester • Rochester MN 55904, MN

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Rochester is seeking a Communications & Engagement Coordinator for the Rochester Public Library. This role is responsible for planning, implementing, and leading communications and community engagement activities to support the library. The position serves as a lead consultant to the Library Director, supporting coordinated communications, public information, and community engagement efforts. The Coordinator will work closely with library divisions to develop and implement effective communication strategies, policies, and practices, fostering two-way communication between the library and the community. Responsibilities include developing transparent communication processes, accessible information sharing, and meaningful community engagement. A key aspect of the role is developing and implementing an annual marketing plan to promote library services, resources, and strategic initiatives, and amplifying messaging from city and county government, supporting organizations, and community partners.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or closely related field
• Three (3) years of full-time, progressive experience performing public relations, community engagement, marketing, or similar duties.
• A valid driver's license

Nice To Haves

• Ability to coordinate the preparation of educational materials for non-English speakers.
• Ability to use the following software products or their equivalent: Savannah OrangeBoy, GovStack, CMS, InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.
• Fluency with a second language, particularly with Spanish or Somali.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and implement marketing, communications and public awareness strategies.
• Develop and implement departmental and division communication plans in alignment with strategic goals and objectives.
• Create and implement effective communication/awareness campaigns that have wide-ranging or long-lasting impacts on the community.
• Establish and cultivate channels of communication between the Library, residents, businesses and community stakeholders that provide a better understanding of the community’s wants, needs, and interests related to the City.
• Develop communication material (news releases, website content, enewsletters, PowerPoint presentations, publications, special articles, scripts, newsletters, social media content, etc.)
• Provide support to the Data and Outcomes Supervisor with survey projects that collect pertinent library user information about community behaviors, needs and opinions that can further inform Department activities, including the City’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
• Utilize data and analytical tools to strategically market to and engage with community members, particularly those from often underrepresented groups and evaluate effectiveness of marketing and communication plans.
• Create and maintain a positive public image for Departments and divisions through preparing communications, making presentations and serving on various groups within the community.
• Act as one of the primary contacts for the media and conduct interviews on behalf of the Department.
• Coordinate interviews with subject matter experts as necessary.
• Ensure increased understanding and support for Departmental and division programs, services, and policies within the community and organization.
• Represent the library at community events and presentations.
• Plan, develop and disseminate information designed to keep the community informed of the Library's value, programs, services, and accomplishments.
• Work with teammates to coordinate consistent branding for the City and its partners.
• Ensure materials produced by the Department meet standards for appropriateness, readability, quality, digital accessibility and plain language.
• Prepare annual library marketing budgets, securing marketing services and manage contract services.
• In collaboration with Departments and divisions, develop a budget for annual marketing, communications and engagement efforts.
• Develop solicitations and/or Request for Proposals (RFP) for marketing and communication services.
• Oversee the creation and/or procurement of various media including, but not limited to: print, broadcast and social media advertising.
• Act as the administrator for library tools, including but not limited to: the library website (GovStack), calendar software (Library Market), and email marketing software (OrangeBoy).
• Provide guidance to library divisions and projects for communications and equitable engagement activities.
• Serve as the communications and engagement liaison and project manager for library divisions and supporting organizations (Rochester Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Rochester Public Library).
• Ensure relationships with teammates and key organizational stakeholders are developed and maintained and in a way that fulfills Library Master Plan, Strategic Plan, and Action Plan goals.
• Serve as a connector between Departments and divisions with other communications and engagement teammates.
• Advise teammates on organizational best practices and make recommendations.
• Serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO) during an activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and/or the Joint Information Center (JIC).
• Participate in educational and training opportunities.

Benefits

• The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work. We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community. It takes us all working together

What This Job Offers

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