Public Relations Director

POSITION TITLE: Director of Public Relations

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is a non-profit library system comprised of ten locations providing library and information services to the city of Huntsville and the surrounding Madison County area. HMCPL is seeking a Public Relations Director to lead HMCPL's PR department. The selected candidate will be responsible directly for overseeing the public relations efforts of the library system and promote the Library’s efforts to allow the public to safely and to creatively explore the universe of ideas and connect with our community and the world.

The ideal candidate will be organized, highly knowledgeable about public relations and the communications field, and demonstrate reliability, knowledge, and enthusiasm towards the Library’s mission and goals.

LIBRARY LOCATION:

Downtown Huntsville Public Library

915 Monroe Street

Huntsville, AL 35801

Location Hours:

Sunday: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm 

Monday- Thursday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm 

Friday- Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm

HOURS AND COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, exempt, 40 hour a week position with a pay rate of $31.00 an hour. Benefits offered include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and MPP and 457(b) retirement plan options. General schedule is Monday through Friday with occasional nights and weekends depending on events.  

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: 

This is highly responsible administrative work directing and coordinating, through supervisors and individual staff members, the library system’s marketing and public relations program. Work involves developing, planning, and implementing 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 Exempt for the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the Executive Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Responsible for issuing instructions to support staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Teamwork & Leadership:

• Acts as a team leader 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.”
• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the PR department and directs PR efforts for all library locations.
• Advises the director and Library Board on responses to external communications including but not limited to customers, local officials, and the media.

Specialized Expertise:

• Plans and directs the production of library publications such as brochures, rack cards, signage, book lists, informational flyers, donor reports, and digital media including websites and social media accounts.
• Plans and directs the development, design, execution and promotion of special events and activities, including large-scale publicity campaigns and events.
• Confers with community groups and individuals to determine public perception of the Library’s services and facilities.
• Determines promotional and public relations needs of the Library including formulating strategies and planning promotional materials and programs.
• Solicits media coverage and responds to all requests for media representation on behalf of the Library; prepares news releases for dissemination to local and national media and for use on the internet in required formats; arranges for local and national press, radio, and television coverage of library events and grant funded programs; writes and directs the content of official statements, speeches, and feature stories for the library director.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the principles of modern journalistic principles and practices; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of fundraising; considerable knowledge of effective methods of promotion of services and programs in the community to achieve library goals; considerable 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; considerable 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 from an accredited college or university with major course work in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related area and at least two (2) years of experience in the preparation of library promotional material or informational material for popular release; 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.