Communications & Engagement Coordinator - Library

The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We recognize the diversity of our community members, listen to all voices, and provide equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play, and work. Equity is at the center of all our work, and we strive to represent our community in our teammates, knowing that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative and empowering.

About the Role

The Communications & Engagement Coordinator plans, implements, and leads communications and community engagement activities supporting Rochester Public Library. Under the direction of the Library Director, this position serves as a lead consultant to the Library, supporting coordinated communications, public information, and community engagement efforts. The role helps build proactive, clear, and consistent two-way communication between the library and residents, businesses, organizations, visitors, and other stakeholders. Responsibilities include developing processes and tools for transparent communication, accessible information sharing, and meaningful community engagement.

This position supports direct community engagement by developing and implementing an annual marketing plan to promote library services, resources, and strategic initiatives identified in the Library Master Plan and Strategic Plan. Work often includes amplifying messaging from city and county government, supporting organizations, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a positive public image for departments and divisions through communications, presentations, and community engagement.
• Prepare annual library marketing budgets, secure marketing services, and manage contract services.
• Provide guidance to library divisions and projects for communications and equitable engagement activities.
• Serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO).
• Plan, develop, and implement marketing, communications, and public awareness strategies.
• Develop and implement departmental and division communication plans aligned with strategic goals.
• Create and implement effective communication campaigns with wide-ranging or long-lasting community impacts.
• Establish and cultivate communication channels between the Library, residents, businesses, and stakeholders to better understand community needs.
• Develop communication materials (news releases, website content, e-newsletters, presentations, publications, social media content, etc.).
• Support survey projects to collect library user information about community behaviors, needs, and opinions, including diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
• Utilize data and analytical tools to strategically market to and engage with community members, particularly underrepresented groups, and evaluate effectiveness.
• Act as a primary media contact and conduct interviews on behalf of the Department; coordinate interviews with subject matter experts.
• Ensure increased understanding and support for Departmental programs, services, and policies within the community and organization.
• Represent the library at community events and presentations.
• Plan, develop, and disseminate information to keep the community informed of the Library's value, programs, services, and accomplishments.
• Coordinate consistent branding for the City and its partners with teammates.
• Ensure materials meet standards for appropriateness, readability, quality, digital accessibility, and plain language.
• Develop a budget for annual marketing, communications, and engagement efforts in collaboration with departments and divisions.
• Develop solicitations and/or Request for Proposals (RFP) for marketing and communication services.
• Oversee the creation and/or procurement of various media, including print, broadcast, and social media advertising.
• Administer library tools, including the library website (GovStack), calendar software (Library Market), and email marketing software (OrangeBoy).
• Serve as the communications and engagement liaison and project manager for library divisions and supporting organizations (Rochester Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Rochester Public Library).
• Ensure relationships with teammates and key stakeholders are developed and maintained to fulfill Library Master Plan, Strategic Plan, and Action Plan goals.
• Serve as a connector between departments and divisions with other communications and engagement teammates.
• Advise teammates on organizational best practices and make recommendations.
• Serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO) during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and/or Joint Information Center (JIC) activations.
• Participate in educational and training opportunities.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a closely related field, and three (3) years of full-time, progressive experience in public relations, community engagement, marketing, or similar duties.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered.
• A valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Ability to coordinate the preparation of educational materials for non-English speakers.
• Experience using software such as Savannah OrangeBoy, GovStack, CMS, InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator or their equivalents.
• Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish or Somali, is desirable.

Pay

2026 salary is $92,267 to $108,550 based on qualifications, with advancement to $135,688.

Schedule

The typical work schedule is 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday, with evening and weekend work based on community events. This is a mostly in-person role, with occasional remote work available.

Physical and Environmental Criteria

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

• Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
• Continuous demands: Sitting; simultaneous use of hands, wrists, and fingers in working with a computer.
• Frequent demands: Fine dexterity.
• Occasional demands: Standing; walking; lifting; carrying; pushing/pulling; reaching; handling; bending; twisting.
• Sensory requirements: Sight, hearing, and touch.
• Environmental conditions: None (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions).