Position Type:
Library/Marketing & Communications Manager
Date Posted:
8/3/2026
Location:
Main Library
Closing Date:
08/21/2026
SALARY RANGE: $88,987.08 - $133,481.22 Annually
- Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.
37.5 Hours per week. Schedule varies and includes weekends, evenings and holidays.
NATURE OF WORK: The Marketing and Communications Manager plans, develops, and implements internal and external communications, marketing, branding, public engagement, and digital communications activities that advance the Library's mission and strengthen community awareness and trust. Working closely with executive leadership and departments across the organization, this position translates organizational goals and strategic priorities into clear, effective, and audience-centered messaging that supports staff, patrons, community partners, donors, and governing bodies.
The Communications and Marketing Manager serves as a communications advisor to executive leadership, helping shape and communicate key initiatives, organizational priorities, and public messaging through a variety of channels. The position develops and maintains standards, policies, and processes for communications and digital content and ensures compliance with applicable accessibility requirements and best practices. This includes promoting and maintaining digital accessibility across websites, electronic communications, social media, documents, and digital platforms to ensure equitable access to information and services in accordance with federal, state, and organizational accessibility standards.
The position exercises independent judgment in managing multiple projects and priorities, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and evaluating the effectiveness of communications and engagement efforts through data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
Content Creation and Management-
Manage the Library website and ensure timely, accurate, and engaging content.
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Produce and distribute email marketing campaigns in collaboration with library departments.
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Create, oversee or provide direction for all written, graphic, photographic, and video content for digital and print platforms from all departments.
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Manage and evaluate social media channels and digital engagement strategies; assign as needed.
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Maintain Library Board meeting recordings and edit transcriptions in Zoom platform, export and upload to the Library's YouTube account.
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Maintain Library Board meeting digital documentation with Library staff to ensure transparency.
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Lead cross-departmental projects to inform and educate staff and the community about Library initiatives.
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Develop internal policies and workflows across internal departments.
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Train internal teams on publication, promotion, digital accessibility guidelines, and marketing best practices.
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Internal Communications and Organizational Support
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Lead internal communications initiatives that promote employee engagement and organizational culture.
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Produce weekly staff communications and coordinate monthly all-staff meetings.
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Produce and distribute ad hoc messaging to all staff as needed.
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Support executive leadership and Board communications, presentations, reports, and public materials.
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Develop communication policies, workflows, templates, and standards.
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Train and advise staff on marketing, communications, and brand standards.
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Lead cross-functional communication projects and initiatives.
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Distribute emergency notifications and critical communications as directed by executive leadership through designated systems, including InformaCast and other public and internal communication channels, to ensure timely dissemination of essential information during emergencies and service disruptions.
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Strategic Communications and Brand Management
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Develop and implement comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
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Serve as the library's lead communications professional and advisor to executive leadership and the Library Board.
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Maintain and protect the library's brand identity and ensure consistency across all communication channels and materials.
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Develop and maintain annual marketing plans and communication calendars.
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Provide strategic communications support during organizational transitions, sensitive issues, and crises.
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Develop and maintain crisis communications plans and procedures.
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Community Engagement and Outreach
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Promote the library's materials, services, and events through various local media.
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Coordinate and participate in community events to increase library visibility.
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Maintain positive relationships with community partners and media representatives.
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Gather data, assemble information for press releases and publication, and disseminate appropriately.
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Plan and conduct public relations programs, activities, and special events designed to create, improve, and maintain interaction with the public.
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Responds during library emergencies to provide essential information to the public.
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Oversee the translation of materials into key languages spoken within the community.
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Coordination with City Staff
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Collaborate with the City Communications Manager during library-related emergencies and significant events to ensure consistent and effective messaging.
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Coordinate with staff on research and data collection for library-specific projects, ensuring alignment with broader city initiatives when necessary.
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Develop and implement outreach programs to increase community awareness of library services, focusing on community-based organizations, faith-based groups, and non-English-speaking populations.
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Metrics and Reporting
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Track and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and outreach efforts for multiple platforms.
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Provide regular reports on marketing activities and their impact.
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Maintain confidential information as part of the Library Administration staff.
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Make recommendations for alternative/additional platforms and channels as needed to maintain relevant digital presence.
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Annual Report Creation
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Lead the planning, writing, design, and production of the Library's annual report.
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Coordinate cross-departmental content, develop key messaging and storytelling themes, overseeing graphic design and accessibility, and managing final publication and distribution.
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Media Relations and Public Information
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Serve as the primary media contact and maintain relationships with local regional media outlets.
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Draft and distribute press releases, statements, talking points, and public information materials.
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Coordinate media inquiries and provide communication support during high-profile or sensitive issues.
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Monitor public perception and recommend communication strategies to support organizational reputation.
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Represent the library at meetings, events, and community forums.
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Administrative Responsibilities
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Maintain confidential information associated with the Executive Director's Office.
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Manage communications-related budgets, vendors, and contracts.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
Education and Experience:
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Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public administration or a related field is preferred.
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Two (2) or more years of work experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, preferably in a government or public sector setting.
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Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
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Knowledge and use of personal computers and software. Familiarity with social media platforms and graphic design software such as Canva.
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Demonstrated experience in writing, public speaking, planning marketing campaigns, project management, graphic design and layout.
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Ability to understand public policy, services, practices, plans and problems in order to develop an effective marketing and communications program applicable to various audiences.
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Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing; multilingual proficiency is preferred but not required.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals and staff working for the Evanston Public Library and outside of the organization.
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Aptitude at juggling multiple projects, identifying priorities, delegating and managing the workload of assigned staff.
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Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations with limited standardization; the ability to interpret information and instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.
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Ability to read, understand and interpret policies, procedures, statutes, local ordinance, rules and regulations, journals, newspapers, memos, letters, reports, financial reports and legal documents.
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Demonstrated skill in word processing, spreadsheet, database management, presentation, calendar and email.
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Ability to supervise, train and effectively manage volunteers and part-time/full-time staff.
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Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
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Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.
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Require local travel for outreach activities.
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Ability to lift 25 pounds to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc.
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Occasional evenings, weekends and holidays are required for events and community engagement.
SUPERVISION: General supervision is provided by the Library Executive Director. The employee will work closely with management staff and partners on various projects and marketing initiatives. The Marketing and Communications Manager is expected to represent leadership within the organization, to create a problem-solving environment in which to engage both the immediate and long-range goals of the organization. Guidance is provided via the City Code, city policies and procedures, department directors and applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Performance is reviewed through observation, completion of projects, status reports, conferences and meetings. Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to leadership, management skills, communication skills, customer service, ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization, as well as the Library Board, community, business and other similar groups and the general public, and performance in accordance with this classification standard.
PUBLIC CONTACT: There is regular contact with citizens, service providers, community groups, library staff, and the Library Board. Presentations and public speaking are required. Excellent verbal, written, editing and presentation and interpersonal skills are required, including the ability to occasionally deal with adversarial situations in a calm and professional manner.
To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.
Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).
