COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

PIERCE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

HIRING RANGE: $28.96 – $33.57 per hour; PAY GRADE RANGE: $28.96 – $40.08 per hour

COMPENSATION

Pierce County Library System offers a compensation program which recognizes qualifications and experience relevant to each position. The starting pay is established typically within the hiring range below based upon the experience of the individual hired into the role. Our compensation package also includes annual increases for each additional year of experience and tenure in the role, up to the maximum (current year maximum outlined in pay grade range above). Eligibility for overtime is exclusive to positions which are FLSA status non-exempt below.

FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt

POSITION STATUS: Regular

HOURS PER WEEK: 40

SCHEDULE: Monday- Friday: 8:00-5:00pm. Schedule is subject to change.

UNION STATUS: Represented

CANDIDATE SUBMISSION TIMELINES:

EXTERNAL OR NON-Transfer INTERNAL Candidates: To be considered for this position please submit your resume and up to 4 additional attachments to display your knowledge, skills and abilities for consideration for this position no later than 5:00 p.m. on closing date below.

Submissions after the Closure Date below will not be considered:

• EXTERNAL OR NON-TRANSFER INTERNAL CANDIDATES CLOSURE DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2023 AT 5:00PM

VETERAN STATUS: _Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should select the percentage that they qualify for, 5% or 10% during the application. More information about veteran’s preference, such as the difference in percentage can be found _here _and here.  If you need more information please contact us at:_HR@pcls.us

POSITION SUMMARY

WRITES, EDITS, AND PROOFREADS, COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL AUDIENCES; ASSISTS WITH PUBLIC EVENTS AND PUBLIC EVENT PLANNING; AND PERFORMS OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Class specifications are intended to provide a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employee in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

_ _

• Delivers high-quality, customer-focused services.

• Researches, writes, edits, and proofreads various types of communications materials. Prepares materials for internal and external audiences, such as, but not limited to flyers, posters, brochures, e-newsletters, email blasts, and news releases.

• Cultivates, organizes, and maintains stories to showcase the Library System’s success and services; write and tell compelling stories.

• Captures and edit videos/photos for social media marketing, web use, and presentations.

• Supports internal communications.

• Writes internal communications messages for use in a variety of channels, such as intranet, digital, print, digital screens, email.

• Monitors and ensures all communications content maintains compliance with established Library style guidelines and content standards.

• Writes articles regarding Library services, events, and accomplishments.

• Assists with public events and public event planning. Assist in preparation, coordination, and implementation of online public opinion surveys.

• Peruses media publications to find relevant Library related information.

• Serves as social media backup.

• Collates public opinion research surveys and responses.

• Supports after-hours social media marketing and news media relations.

• Keeps relevant and up-to-date with industry standards and trends.

• Demonstrates punctuality and regular and consistent attendance.

• Brings matters of public concern regarding waste, inefficiency, corruption, discrimination, and safety to the attention of Library Management.

• Accurately communicates the Library’s policies to members of the public in all job-related contacts.

• Positively reflects Pierce County Library’s mission, vision, and values to members of the public and to staff.

• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties are considered non-essential and include the following:

Reports to Marketing and Communications Leadership; no supervisory responsibility is exercised.

CORE SKILLS & QUALITIES / LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

Employees are expected to demonstrate the following qualities at all times:

• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Communications
• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Change and Learning
• Positive Attitude
• Professional Integrity
• Diversity

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDING EDUCATION, LICENSE OR CERTIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Mass Media, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field, and two years communications experience; OR any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skills and allows successful performance of the job. A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required.

• Must pass criminal background screening prior to hire.
• The ability to work evenings and weekends on a rotating schedule and to adapt to schedule changes is required.
• Comprehensive understanding of modern methods of communications principles, practices, and standards.
• Marketing and social media.
• Associated Press Style.
• Using social media.
• Preferred experience working with an email/e-newsletter communications system.
• Preferred experience with photography and/or videography.
• Professional writing, proofreading, and editing principles.
• Performing a variety of communications functions.
• Proofreading communications material and ensuring compliance with style guidelines.
• Strong organizational skills, able to multi-task and set priorities.
• Attention to detail.
• Flexible and able to work effectively with deadlines.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:

Required:

• Ability to effectively navigate basic electronic record creation and storage (e.g. timecard/HRIS, performance review, network drive storage)
• Use of basic office equipment (e.g. PC, printer, phone, fax, mouse, security alarm)
• Basic keyboard and alpha/numeric data entry skills
• Basic PC navigation skills in a windows based environment; ability to connect and print
• Ability to navigate, search and use basic web functions and applications
• Intermediate MS Office Suite skills (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel) to satisfactorily complete job responsibilities
• Presentation Software

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is conducted in a normal office setting that provides comfortable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Occasional light lifting, such as three to four reams of paper, four or five books, or other library materials up to 35 pounds may be required. Subject to sitting and standing for extended periods of time, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting objects weighing up to 30-35 pounds. May lift or push up to 50 pounds as needed with assistance.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g. use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire regulations.

Work may be performed in a library environment and involve regular contact with the public, and/or require push/pull loaded carts.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, and Basic Life Insurance
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Long-Term Disability
• State Retirement System
• Employees have an opportunity to participate in the Tax Sheltered Annuity Program and the Deferred Compensation Program
• Additional life insurance for the employee and family is available through payroll deduction 
• Employee Assistance Program

Required Skills Required Experience