Public Relations Coordinator, Support Services Center

885 W Bert Kouns Industrial Loop

Shreveport, LA 71118

Full-time position, Exempt

Vacancy: 23-SSC-9

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Marketing and Development Manager, this person is responsible for the promotion of library services and programs through vigorous public relations efforts including outreach efforts and media relations. This person also coordinates internal information, special projects, programs and events.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university/college in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism or English

• Two years of full-time professional public relations or marketing experience

• Must be proficient in various software packages in a Windows environment including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Considerable knowledge of:

• Techniques and methods of effective public relations and/or marketing

• Techniques and methods (including the use of graphics) for producing and disseminating information

Skills to:

• Complete simple mathematical computations, statistics and averages

• Read and understand the format of library materials and their usage by patrons

• Understand and interpret complex information such as patrons' and staff members' letters and reports and accounts of policies, procedures and practices in other library systems

• Write press releases, newsletters, promotional materials, annual reports

• Speak publicly and give presentations to staff, media and public

• Effectively promote the library system and its services, programs and initiatives

Ability to:

• Listen, follow and lead

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, on the phone and in person, with supervisor team, co-workers, and the public

• Write and edit articles and news releases for publication

• Speak effectively in public

• Work will with the public, department heads, supervisor and other staff members

• Work both independently and as part of a team and to coordinate such efforts through the supervisor

• Handle both routine operations and long-range planning

• Pay attention to detail

• Keep detailed, current and accurate records

• Prioritize and manage different projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Meet milestones and deadlines

• Learn the functions and operations of a public library system and the vital role public libraries can play in communities

• Work irregular and sometimes long work hours as needed to cover public relations events and functions of the library

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work is sedentary work which would require the ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

Eye, hand, foot coordination to use a computer and office equipment, hearing and talking in order to provide internal and external customer service, sitting in order to use a computer, near visual acuity in order to use a computer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promote the use of the library to patrons, citizens, organizations, media and elected officials

• Maintain regular contact with media personnel

• Provide interviews, both live and taped, for media

• Work with library staff in the promotion of any library event

• Publicizes special projects and initiatives of the library to media, patrons, citizens and staff and assists with any meetings, forums, and other events related to these projects

• Serves as a member of the Outreach team and represents Shreve Memorial Library at and attends community functions and outreach events

• Generate news releases, newsletters and other promotional material for library events, programs and services

• Gathers data, formulates and interprets statistical studies pertaining to media mentions, public relations value, trends, etc.

• Responsible for maintaining the Shreve Memorial Library brand

• Assist with planning and placement of marketing and advertising

• Serves on Library Committees as appropriate and attends meetings of appointed committees

• Attends workshops and conferences as needed to improve and develop public relations skills

• Meets monthly with supervisor to review work plan and attend other meetings as necessary

• This position requires travel to other locations for work, meetings and training

• Other duties as assigned

PRESENT SCHEDULE Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

March 19, 2023

STARTING DATE

Two (2) weeks after selection

SALARY

$988.40/weekly + benefits

BENEFITS

96 hours vacation (with increases every other year up to 352 hours), 12 paid holidays/year + 1 personal day, 120 hours sick leave/year. Medical, dental and life insurance; library pays a portion of employee's and dependents' insurance premiums. Retirement system with the City of Shreveport. Tuition reimbursement available after one year of employment. Good library support for continuing education and attendance at conferences.

A criminal background check and a drug screening are part of the pre-hire process. The State of Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information and these checks will be conducted on a yearly basis for positions which provide outreach to daycare centers. A mandatory full day orientation is part of the new hire process; these orientations are scheduled on Tuesdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, veterans' status, sexual orientation or gender identity. Our facilities are non-smoking. 03.13.23