[OPLINLIST] Job Posting - Strategic Communications Officer

[Taylor Demyan]

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County<https://www.libraryvisit.org/> (OH) seeks a knowledgeable Strategic Communications Officer to manage communications on strategic topics with members of the community, key strategic partners, and local, state, and national stakeholders on behalf of the Library, the CEO, and the Board of Trustees. They will cultivate and manage effective working relationships with other stakeholders, key elected officials, policy makers and staff of related governmental bodies on campaigns to earn the backing of government officials and the public.


Responsibilities.  (1) Serves as the public information officer for the Library and Library Board issuing press releases, managing media contacts, and acting as chief spokesperson.  Fields and directs responses to media-related inquiries.  Coordinates responses to all public information requests from the media and other sources.  Serves as a member of the Continuity of Operations Team during times of crisis. (2) Leads all library advocacy efforts, developing and maintaining relationships with elected officials at all levels, as well as lobbyists and government relations officers at other libraries and library associations.  Creates written and oral communications to support understanding of library issues among policy makers and community leaders.  Develops advocacy strategies related to pending legislation and policies. (3) Manages library strategic planning processes, including coordinating community input opportunities and focus groups, staff engagement, and outcome tracking.  Responsible for overseeing the production of strategic reports, annual reports, and other organizational documents. (4) Coordinates all library levy campaigns, including filing documents, developing themes and advertising, and serving as primary contact for levy campaign committees during and in between votes. (5) Acts as media handler for the CEO, including management of appearances, media events, commercials, and providing day-to day management of CEO’s social media accounts.



Qualifications.  Bachelor’s degree in communications or closely related field required.  A minimum of five years of public information officer and/or communications experience. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with policymakers, industry lobbyists, government leaders, and partner organizations to ensure advocacy efforts. Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Ability to translate library priorities into digestible and persuasive campaigns for government and community leaders.  Demonstrates a commitment to transparency and the ability to retain composure under pressure. Experience leading successful community conversations, focus groups, and strategic planning initiatives.  Experience with levy or other political campaigns preferred. Facility with using statistics and data visualization to tell stories and influence public opinion.



Physical Requirements.  Nature of work requires a high level of ability to effectively communicate and exchange information verbally, in writing and using basic technology resources (email, etc.) with attention to detail. Requires regular travel to other library branches, and community meetings as needed. Some transporting of library promotional materials or equipment not exceeding 25 lbs. Majority of work is performed in a general office / library environment. The job requires the flexibility to multi-task, handle interruptions and emergencies, and change focus.



Work Schedule.  Full-time, exempt position. Availability for extended or non-traditional hours as needed to perform job duties.  Participation and attendance at promotional events and off-site meetings required.



Compensation.  Starting annual salary of $56,521 (negotiable with experience) and an excellent fringe benefit package including a pension plan with the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).



To Apply.  Please apply online at https://www.libraryvisit.org/about-us/employment/ by following the instructions. Email employment at libraryvisit.org<mailto:employment at libraryvisit.org> if you experience any issues with the online portal.


PLYMC is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. PLYMC is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at employment at libraryvisit.org<mailto:employment at libraryvisit.org>.


Taylor Demyan

HR Specialist - Employee Relations & Benefits

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County

305 Wick Ave.

Youngstown, OH 44503

Phone: 330-744-8636 ext. 51641

Fax: 330-744-2258


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