Content Strategist

Temporary, FLSA exempt, full-time position (80 hours per pay period) at Central Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. This assignment is expected to last 6 months, which could be extended or end prior to the expected duration.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library’s mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and engage community. We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity continue to thrive. Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class library system with 27 locations. The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy, guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation. We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative.

The Content Strategist is responsible for the organization’s overall content and campaign strategy, development and execution for the Library’s marketing vehicles across channels including all social media channels. This position reports to the Head of Marketing and Online Services and does not directly supervise any staff.

Responsibilities

• Digital Marketing
  • Lead and execute multichannel campaign strategy and paid ad buys.
  • Lead optimization efforts, including keyword, copy, and CTA (Call-to-Action) development.
  • Monitor analytics tools regularly and assess digital campaign success in collaboration with the Marketing and Online Services Project Manager.
  • Inform website information architecture and user experience-related solutions.
• Social Media Program Management
  • Act as Social Media Program Manager, leading overall strategy and hands-on content production and engagement on the Library’s social channels.
  • Plan, develop, and lead execution and implementation of social media strategy.
  • Own social media analytics vendor relationships.
  • Report on social media engagement metrics on an ongoing and regular basis.
  • Assist the Head of Marketing and Online Services with strategic goal setting for social media channel engagement and growth.
• Content and Marketing Strategy
  • Apply Library tone and style guidelines across multiple project deliverables and promotion channels.
  • Lead, develop, and own promotional calendar for print and digital communications.
  • Write, edit, and review content adhering to the Library’s tone and style guide for multichannel communications to the public, including web content, social posts, in-building signage, marketing and transactional emails, website alerts, SMS notices, etc.
  • Assess and recommend improvements for content production and workflows.
  • Oversee and curate digital and non-digital content; identify new content needs; and use scalable content development processes to enable the creation of user-centered, compelling content.
  • Define and lead strategy and produce deliverables for digital experience campaigns from concept through execution and distribution.
  • Regularly oversee content inventory audits to ensure optimal user experience.
  • Contribute to overall marketing strategy and plan development.
• Project Management and Communication
  • Manage information, develop project timelines, coordinate with project teams, track project tasks, and create and maintain project documentation as it relates to content development.
  • Communicate project priorities and goals with project stakeholders, developers, and Library-wide staff.
  • Train staff on new content standards and best practices.
  • Participate, as needed, on Library committees, work groups, and other cross-functional teams.
  • Oversee organizational, freelance, and contract writers and editors as needed.

Requirements

• A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.
• Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., English, Communications, Information Management) and at least five (5) years relevant experience managing web content, developing a content strategy, editorial experience, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • Demonstrated experience writing engaging content for the web and a thorough understanding of effective communication in a digital environment.
  • Demonstrated experience writing marketing/advertising/brand campaign content, including headlines, taglines, slogans, calls to action, messaging, etc.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of content strategy methods and execution.
  • Experience communicating with a diverse population to gather feedback, foster discussion, instruct, and document complex issues.
  • Ability to influence and inspire cross-functional groups.
  • Ability to assess audience needs and develop content to meet those specific needs.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Desired Qualifications
  • At least five (5) years of experience with social media, web content strategy, or creating/writing content for digital and traditional media.
  • Experience with Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, BlueSky, YouTube, and other blogs and social media channels.
  • Experience working in both agency and high-volume in-house marketing environments.
  • Experience with AP Style Guides.
  • Experience with analytic tools, Google Analytics, Sprout Social, etc.
  • Experience with email marketing tools, such as OrangeBoy, Constant Contact, MailChimp.
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Familiarity with the changing landscape of SEO best practices.
  • Experience working with Web Content Management Systems such as Ingeniux and WordPress and/or other web publication technologies, and experience with HTML, CSS, and web accessibility standards.
• Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrates tact and diplomacy under pressure.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent customer service and a positive and enthusiastic commitment to public service.

Schedule

Hours include weekdays, and occasional evenings and weekends. Hybrid work schedule available; minimum of two (2) days a week in-office. This schedule is subject to change based on the Library’s current operational need. A pay period is two weeks in length, starting on Wednesday and ending on Tuesday.

Pay

Salary range: $111,749.76 - $135,866.16 annually.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website.