POSITION SUMMARY
As a key member of the Communications department, the Public Relations Specialist oversees the execution of public and media relations activities to expand the community’s awareness, understanding, and use of the District’s library branches, services, programs, and other resources. This position entails engagement of local news outlets, patrons, and staff. It also supports the development and supervision of the District’s brand and reputation management, as well as issues and crisis communications management.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and media contact for Pikes Peak Library District.
- Cultivate and manage relationships with local, regional and national news outlets, along with maintaining current press contact and distribution lists.
- Promote news stories, coordinate and participate in media interviews, and distribute press materials.
- Write and edit talking points, press releases, media alerts, news articles, blog posts, PSAs and other content.
- Work with staff to identify storytelling opportunities, as well as respond to media requests.
- Monitor and track news coverage and community responses; provide monthly reports and keep staff informed.
- Conduct training and coaching of staff, Board of Trustees, and other identified spokespeople prior to media interviews and other public speaking engagements.
- Represent the District at public events and meetings, as well as participate in community presentations and other speaking engagement opportunities.
- Assist in the development and execution of strategic communications plans and marketing budgets, promotional campaigns, programs and services, new initiatives, and public events.
- Coordinate advertising partnerships, such as TV and radio spots, and print and digital ads.
- Respond to internal and external inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES
Duties are considered non-essential and include the following:
- Keep informed about Library and department information, as well as stay current on industry trends, current events and community news.
- Serve as the steward of the District-wide style guide.
- Identify and coordinate opportunities for recognition at local, state and national levels.
- Participate in special projects as assigned, such as new initiatives and public events.
- Assist in managing vendor contracts in collaboration with the Finance Office.
- Engage in professional development and educational opportunities via participation in community and professional organizations, as well as internal committees and teams.
- Perform other job-related duties as requested or assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
- Thorough knowledge of Pikes Peak Library District’s policies and procedures, with the ability to follow them and communicate them to internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to act as a key spokesperson, presenter and ambassador of Pikes Peak Library District by promoting its mission and vision to the public.
- Knowledgeable about library public relations and marketing, as well as reputation management and brand positioning.
- Exhibits leadership, sound judgment and professional demeanor in all situations; thinks and acts appropriately under pressure.
- Demonstrates excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills; comfortable working with people of various backgrounds, perspectives and cultures.
- Must be able to cultivate and maintain effective relationships within the department and staff at all levels, media and the public at large.
- Ability to effectively us AP style and application software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, web applications and standard office equipment.
- Must be an organized, collaborative, responsive and adaptable team player who has a keen eye for details and can meet deadlines in a fast-paced and detail-rich environment.
- Some early mornings, evenings and weekend hours may be necessary.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNITY AND LIBRARY DISTRICT
Colorado Springs is located at the foot of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The city is the second most populous city in the state of Colorado. Colorado Springs is a place that offers something for everyone; with great educational institutions, abundant sunshine year-round, magnificent natural scenery, outdoor activities, the arts, and charming communities. U.S. News & World Report awarded Colorado Springs the number two spot in its “2018 Best Places to Live” list.
Pikes Peak Library District serves close to 700,000 residents in El Paso County, providing access to resources that are critical to the public, making it a vital force for individual and community transformation for 50 years. Our service area covers more than 2,000 square miles. PPLD is the second largest library district in the state of Colorado. Our 14 locations stretch north to Monument, south to Fountain, west to Cascade, and east to Falcon. Our newest, Library 21c, is a state-of-the-art facility with the Creative Computer Commons, Makerspace, Family Place area, Center for Public Media, Business and Entrepreneurial Center, a 400 seat performance and meeting venue, and more. PPLD’s 2018 General Fund annual budget is $32.1M with approximately 487 staff members (368 FTE). PPLD was recently named the #1 Best Workplace for an Extra Large Company in Colorado Springs by the Gazette, our local newspaper!
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
- Complete a PPLD online application located at ppld.org/jobs
- Resume and Letter of Interest highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for the position and three professional references should be submitted in any of the following file types: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .htm
- Recommended: Samples of your best work!
- If you require an accommodation to complete your job application, please contact the Human Resources Office at (719) 884-9800, Ext. 6998.