Communications Coordinator, Colby College Libraries

Job Description

Department:

Communications and Strategic Initiatives - Staff

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Employee Type:

Job Summary:

The Communications Coordinator supports the development, execution, and day-to-day management of communications for Colby College Libraries. Reporting to the Associate Director and Head of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, the position coordinates messaging across the Libraries' primary digital and print channels, including social media, websites, newsletters, digital signage, and promotional materials.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Libraries and campus partners, the Communications Coordinator creates engaging, accessible, and user-centered content that promotes library services, collections, programs, and initiatives. The position plays an important role in maintaining consistent messaging, strengthening community engagement, and communicating the value of the Libraries to the Colby community.

The hiring range for this position is $24 - $27 per hour.

Essential Functions

To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Communications and Digital Content Management

• Support the planning, writing, editing, scheduling, and distribution of library communications across digital and print channels, ensuring consistent, accurate, and engaging messaging.
• Maintain and update content on the Libraries' website, news feeds, blogs, and public policy pages in alignment with established communications priorities and content strategies.
• Manage the Libraries' official social media accounts, including developing and publishing regular posts, stories, event announcements, and other promotional content.
• Produce and distribute newsletters, email announcements, promotional messaging, and storytelling content that highlight library services, programs, collections, and initiatives.
• Maintain digital signage and physical bulletin boards throughout Miller and Bixler libraries to ensure timely, relevant, and accurate information.

Visual Communications and Outreach Support

• Design and produce promotional materials, including graphics, flyers, posters, digital assets, and other visual content for library programs, workshops, exhibits, and events.
• Ensure communications and promotional materials align with Colby College brand standards, established library guidelines, and applicable accessibility practices.
• Maintain an organized collection of digital media assets, photographs, templates, and promotional materials to support consistent and efficient communications.
• Collaborate with library colleagues and campus partners to promote public events, academic resources, special collections, digital exhibits, open access initiatives, and other library offerings.
• Coordinate the development and distribution of public-facing signage, informational guides, and other materials that support library outreach and user engagement.

Collaboration and Communications Effectiveness

• Work closely with the Associate Director and Head of Communications and Strategic Initiatives and library colleagues to identify communications needs, coordinate priorities, and support departmental initiatives.
• Collaborate with campus partners, including Information Technology Services and College Communications, to coordinate messaging and share relevant library news and stories with the broader campus community.
• Monitor and track communications performance metrics, including social media engagement, newsletter participation, and website traffic, to assess effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with library colleagues, campus partners, and professional peers to support effective communications and outreach.

Position Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, graphic design, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience writing, editing, and developing content for multiple audiences and communications channels.
• Proficiency with graphic design, visual layout, and desktop publishing tools, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, or Canva.
• Experience managing professional or organizational social media accounts and familiarity with website content management systems and digital communications platforms.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, establish priorities, and meet deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgment within established guidelines, and maintain consistent communications standards.
• Creative, flexible, and enthusiastic approach to communications, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, consultative approach to working with colleagues and campus partners.
• Experience working in an academic library, higher education institution, or cultural organization preferred.
• Familiarity with visual accessibility standards, web design principles, and basic HTML/XML preferred.
• Experience with email marketing platforms, digital signage management systems, and web analytics tools preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop inclusive, accessible, and audience-centered communications that support engagement across a diverse community.

Physical/Mental Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
• This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
• In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
• This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
• Daily work will involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
• Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds.
• Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
• The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills..
• The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.

Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application.