Public Relations Specialist

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position informs and engages the public, Maine’s library community, the Maine Legislature and congressional delegation, and other stakeholders about the programs, services, resources, policies, and events of the Maine State Library (MSL), an independent state agency. Serving as MSL’s media liaison, this position delivers clear, consistent, and compelling communications that increase awareness and support for library services statewide. Work is performed under limited supervision. Occasional evening, weekend, and statewide travel is required. Hybrid work option is available after initial 6-month period. This key position leads and coordinates the Maine State Library’s communications, marketing, and public relations efforts to increase awareness, engagement, and support for MSL programs and services statewide. Responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic communications plans; cultivating relationships with library staff, state agencies, legislators, media, partners, and the public; and overseeing content development across print, digital, social media, and event platforms. The position manages public relations initiatives, supports website and digital communications, designs promotional materials and exhibits, and serves as a spokesperson, model, and resource for effective public relations practices throughout Maine’s library community. The incumbent works independently while collaborating closely with staff across MSL and partner organizations.

Requirements

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Principles and practices of public relations, communications, and marketing.
Organizational social media strategy and management.
Building and fostering strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
Project management in both independent and collaborative environments.
Team leadership and facilitation.
Graphic design and visual communications, including photography and photo editing software.
Media production, dissemination methods, and emerging communications trends.
Data collection, analysis, and performance measurement.
Knowledge of website accessibility standards, including WCAG requirements.
Developing and presenting reports and public information materials.
Assisting in planning and implementing workshops, meetings, conferences, and public events.
Designing and constructing portable exhibits and displays.
Using artificial intelligence tools to support communications, marketing, and public relations activities effectively and responsibly.
Working effectively both independently and collaboratively.
A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in outdoor education, public relations, or program management.
Education in other fields must be supplemented by two (2) years of work experience which provides knowledge of professional outdoor education, public relations, various media, and/or information dissemination techniques.

Nice To Haves

Library, community development, and/or public sector experience
Experience with web design
Masters degree in a related field

Responsibilities

Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy aligned with MSL’s mission, strategic plan, and core values.
Develops, implements, and maintains MSL branding standards and messaging guidelines. Ensures consistency in messaging, voice, templates, taglines, and logo usage across all communications.
Cultivates positive relationships with state agencies, the Governor’s Office, legislators, congressional staff, and other stakeholders to promote awareness of MSL and Maine library services and initiatives.
Oversees MSL’s website, content management systems, and social media platforms, ensuring content is accurate, current, accessible, and responsive to public inquiries.
Writes and edits press releases, talking points, speeches, reports, newsletters, and other communications materials, including MSL's quarterly e-newsletter.
Plans and implements events, campaigns, and outreach activities that promote MSL programs and services.
Collects, analyzes, and reports communications and program metrics to assess effectiveness and inform future strategies.
Leads and coordinates MSL’s social media strategy and content development.
Provides guidance, training, and models effective public relations practices for library staff statewide.
Develops and maintains strategic partnerships at the local, state, and national levels.
Produces and edits photography and video content to promote MSL programs, services, and events.
Coordinates media relations activities and represents MSL at press conferences and public events.
Designs, develops, and maintains portable exhibits and displays promoting MSL and Maine libraries.
Creates promotional materials, including infographics, brochures, flyers, presentations, and other print and digital communications.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave
3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums
Health Insurance Premium Credit
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06 % of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS)
Gym Membership Reimbursement
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Living Resources Program – employee assistance program
Parental leave (forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave)
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – MaineSaves 457(b) account