Public Relations Assistant bei Huntsville Public Library

Description

POSITION TITLE: Public Relations Assistant

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is a non-profit library system comprised of nine locations providing library and information services to the city of Huntsville and the surrounding Madison County area. HMCPL is seeking a Public Relations Assistant to join our PR team. The selected candidate will be responsible working as a team member to promote and publicize the library’s resources, events, and educational opportunities to the public, furthering the Library’s mission to encourage our patrons to explore the universe of ideas and connect with our community and the world.

The ideal candidate will be well-organized, knowledgeable in the PR field, and demonstrate reliability, knowledge, and enthusiasm towards connecting with the community.

LIBRARY LOCATION:

Downtown Huntsville Branch Library

915 Monroe Street

Huntsville, AL 35801

COMPENSATION AND HOURS: 

Full-time, 30 hours a week Monday through Friday, $22.00 an hour

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

This is administrative and creative work involving the library system’s marketing and public relations program. Work involves assisting the Public Relations Director in the development, planning, and implementation of diversified programs designed to inform and serve library patrons, the general public, local and national media, legislators, private donors, and civic organizations in order to support the fundraising goals and overall mission of the Library. This position is classified as Non-exempt for the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the Public Relations Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Acts as a team member in fulfilling the Library’s Mission Statement: “This is the public’s library. We empower individuals to create their own futures, explore the universe of ideas, and connect with our community and the world.”

Assists in developing and maintaining editorial calendar and media lists.

Assists in creating content for the Library’s email marketing newsletter, Check it Out, as well as sending out the weekly new patron welcome email.

Maintain relations with donors, including making phone calls, helping set up meetings and tours, etc.

Monitors social channels for trending news and ideas for use in Library communication strategies.

Creates innovative and branded content for use in library publications such as brochures, rack cards, signage, book lists, informational flyers, donor reports, video editing, photography, and digital media including websites and social media accounts.

Assists with the development, design, execution and promotion of special events and activities, including large-scale publicity campaigns and events.

Drafts news releases for dissemination to local and national media and for use on the internet in required formats, including the Library blog.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Participates in special projects and performs additional duties as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires sitting at a computer for extended periods of time. May also require standing, walking, reaching, climbing, stooping, and lifting/carrying items generally not exceeding 20 pounds. Must possess the vision required to read printed materials and a computer screen. Must possess the ability to hear and speak both in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity if needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Generally involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of office environments. May interact with upset staff and/or members of the public.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

General knowledge of the principles of modern journalistic principles and practices; knowledge of effective methods of promotion of services and programs in the community to achieve library goals; knowledge of public relations principles and practices used in the preparation and dissemination of informational and promotional material for use in all types of media; knowledge of library organization and operation; ability to analyze and solve major problems; ability to develop data and recommendations influencing policy; complete competence in oral and written communications; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, associates, corporate representatives, officials of other agencies, and the general public; proficiency with current computer and internet technology as well as knowledge of evolving technological developments within the library industry.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

A Bachelor’s Degree in from an accredited college or university with major course work in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related area; or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides a demonstrated potential for performing the above listed duties of the position is required.

This job description is not nor is it intended to be a complete state of all duties, functions, and responsibilities that comprise this position. Employees may be expected to perform additional duties that may not be reflected in this description.

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.