The Director of Marketing & Communications at the Pierce County Library System oversees and directs all aspects of marketing, communications, and public affairs. This role is responsible for overseeing the Library’s brand, directing the production of marketing materials, increasing public awareness, and ensuring effective external and internal communication of the Library System’s value, programs, and services. This position develops and executes strategic initiatives, manages media relations, and serves as the Library’s primary spokesperson. The Director reports to the Executive Director and supervises assigned personnel.
Essential Functions
Leadership & Administration
· Participates in Administrative and Management teams to set and implement long- and short-term strategies aligned with the Library’s mission and strategic goals.
· Oversees departmental operations, including service delivery, community relations, project management, risk management, and program development.
· Participates in labor strategy and bargaining processes.
· Represents the Library to the public, community groups, and external organizations.
· Advises executive leadership on public affairs and community relations.
· Ensures timely responses to public and staff inquiries, facilitating issue resolution.
Marketing & Communications
· Serves as the Library’s primary media spokesperson and maintains relationships with media representatives.
· Develops and implements external and internal marketing and communication strategies in alignment with the Library’s strategic plan.
· Directs branding and market positioning to enhance public awareness and engagement.
· Oversees the development of print and digital marketing materials and manages the Library’s public website.
· Oversees mass and social media strategies, securing media coverage and writing public relations content.
· Gathers and analyzes data and feedback to develop effective external and internal communication plans.
· Stays apprised of contemporary issues, trends, and developments in the field of marketing and communications.
Finance & Resource Management
· Develops and administers operational and capital budgets.
· Manages staff resources, approves expenditures, and ensures efficient use of funds.
· Responsible for vendor relationships and contractual agreements.
Personnel Management
· Hires, trains, supervises, develops, and evaluates personnel, ensuring compliance with labor relations and collective bargaining agreements.
· Fosters a customer-focused, team-oriented, and innovative work culture.
Accessible & Inclusive Communication
· Understands and advocates for accessibility best practices in marketing and communications, ensuring compliance with WCAG, ADA, and other relevant guidelines.
· Oversees the creation of accessible content, including alt text, captions, high-contrast design, and structured formatting, while collaborating with designers, web developers, and IT teams for implementation.
· Fosters staff awareness and training to ensure accessibility is integrated into all communication strategies.
General Responsibilities
• Ensures adherence to Library policies, procedures, service standards, and safety regulations.
• Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
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
Leaders are expected to demonstrate the following competencies at all times:
• Builds Trustworthy Relationships
• Communicates Effectively
• Builds Successful Teams
• Manages and Develops People
• Achieves Results
• Facilitates Innovation and Change
• Demonstrates Leadership
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
• Expertise in public relations, public affairs, marketing, and media relations.
• Knowledge of conducting, directing, and analyzing public opinion research.
• Knowledge of design principles and best practices.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams and projects.
• Familiarity with labor relations and experience in staff development.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets and resources efficiently.
• Experience handling sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to perform under pressure.
Minimum Requirements including Education, License or Certifications:
· Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field, and 5-7 years communications management experience, including 3-5 years supervisory 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 on short notice is required.
Technology Requirements:
• Ability to effectively navigate basic electronic record creation and storage (e.g. timecard/HRIS, performance review, network and cloud-based drives)
• Use of basic office equipment (e.g. PC, printer, phone, 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, including but not limited to documenting instruction, troubleshooting, and teaching basic level skills.
• Ability to collect, audit, analyze data sufficient to formulate recommendations and make decisions as required by position
Desired:
• Troubleshoot and teach basic level questions regarding the above
• Presentation software
• Work order systems
• HR systems
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.
The above position description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
