Yakima Valley Libraries is hiring a full-time Communications Coordinator! Help shape how our community connects with the library by developing engaging written communications, supporting newsletters and website messaging, assisting with media and public outreach, and collaborating with staff to share the impact of library services, programs, and initiatives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.
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Organizational Communication Support: Recommends and implements organizational communication efforts aligned with Yakima Valley Libraries’ Strategic Plan.
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Press Release and Public Communication Support: Prepares and sends out press releases, public announcements, communication materials, reports, and organizational messaging.
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Newsletter Coordination Support: Develops, organizes, formats, and distributes internal and external newsletters and communication materials.
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Website and Content Support: Develops, updates, tracks, and maintains website messaging and written content in collaboration with staff and supervisor direction.
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Social media and Community Storytelling: Creates, schedules, and contributes written and visual content for the library’s social media platforms focused on organizational storytelling, community engagement, and public information.
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Program and Community Documentation: Captures and develops photo and written content highlighting library programs, services, partnerships, staff, and community impact.
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Communication Request Support: Develops and coordinates communication requests including website updates, newsletters, announcements, library reports, and public information materials.
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Communication System Development: Develops, organizes, and maintains communication materials, workflows, schedules, and systems across the district.
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Content Editing and Formatting Support: Reviews communication materials for grammar, readability, formatting, accessibility, and consistency with organizational communication standards.
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Staff Collaboration and Support: Collaborates with library staff to support communication needs related to programs, services, initiatives, and organizational projects.
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Media and Public Inquiry Response: Develops and responds to communication-related inquiries, pitches stories to the media, and coordinates media interviews.
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Monitoring & Reporting: Tracks media coverage, analyzes PR campaign effectiveness, and reports metrics to management.
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Event Coordination: Plans and executes press conferences, organizational launches, and community outreach events.
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Trend Monitoring and Professional Development: Stays current on communication, public information, social media, and community engagement trends and practices.
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Collaboration: Effectively collaborates with staff to support shared marketing, communication, social media, storytelling, and public engagement efforts.
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Performs additional duties as required.
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field.
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Five years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or related work.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS OR PREFERENCES
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Washington driver’s license.
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Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
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Library experience preferred.
REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES
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Library Operations Knowledge: Understanding of public library operations and services.
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Public Relation Skills: Ability to develop effective press releases and media relationships to enhance YVL’s impact and transparency.
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Storytelling Skills: Ability to effectively story tell about YVL’s services and impact to groups of various sizes.
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Content Creation Skills: Ability to create consistent and effective materials in various platforms to include Adobe, Canva, Microsoft Office, etc.
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Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and meet deadlines.
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Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with diverse audiences.
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Customer Service: Ability to provide excellent service in promoting library activities and services.
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Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in relevant software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and design tools.
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Attendance and Dependability: Consistently attend work and perform duties reliably.
These competencies highlight the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the role, focusing on key areas essential for success in the position.
Compensation and Benefits
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The pay for this position spans from $28.72 - $37.67 an hour, to reflect experience and years of service.
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Yakima Valley Libraries offers many benefits. Please visit our site for more information: https://www.yvl.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/benefits/