Assistant Communications Manager

Johnson County Library is a 14-branch suburban library system with a long history in our community. A suburb of the Kansas City metro area, our county is growing and diversifying. We serve neighborhoods ranging from urban to suburban to on-the-edge-of rural. We prize innovation and commitment to learning. We are a fun, forward-thinking organization with a mission to enrich people's lives.

Johnson County Library is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Communications Manager. This position oversees and manages the Library's internal communication functions and staff. It also serves as backup to the Marketing and Communications Manager. The successful candidate will need to be able to perform with poise under tight deadlines and shifting priorities and can successfully navigate a complex, fast-paced organization. This posting will be open through 5:00 pm on October 9, 2023. Duties include:

• Oversees Library’s internal communication functions and relationships with all stakeholders; manages staff intranet web content and staff website communications; writes and approves staff news releases and featured articles; delivers presentations at internal organizational events; produces and evaluates messages that communicate internal activities and important information to staff; drafts messages, talking points, communication materials, and scripts for senior administration presentations to employees in written or spoken form; directs graphic designer, communications specialist, and web content employees' production of content and weekly, monthly and annual reports; oversees internal information management procedures including the internal shared drive; maintains and oversees all Johnson County Library policies and procedures and coordinates updates of Johnson County policies as applicable; participates in developing and managing an internal editorial calendar to facilitate the delivery of timely and relevant internal news and information that supports employee engagement; ensures messaging consistency with the Brand Book.
• Establishes and maintains all Johnson County Library internal communication policies and ensures collaboration with Countywide communication policies; collaborates with the Marketing and Communications Manager to ensure external communication messages are synergistic with internal communication messages; maintains familiarity with multiple communications channels as a means of message dissemination; works closely with the Library's Learning and Development department in coordinating required staff communications training and importance of professional development; collaborates with internal Library departments and external county departments in managing content contributions.
• Develops and implements plans for short- and long-term internal communications strategies; supports the development and implementation of external communications strategies; supports creation and implementation of the Library’s strategic goals through collaboration with Cabinet and Marketing and Communications Manager on development of communication strategies, department goals and associated budgets; implements strategic goals with limited oversight.
• Participates in the budget planning process to determine and oversee the allocation of the Library’s internal communication resources; assists with the management of the overall Communications budget in excess of $650,000 annually; works with vendors to develop and renew contract proposals and ensure compliance with contracts; reviews and submits reports to communicate the status of budget and operational results.
• Serves as backup in the absence of the Marketing and Communications Manager, to include developing and implementing Johnson County Library’s short- and long-term communication strategies including public and media relations, community engagement, marketing, and public information (PIO) efforts in partnership with senior management.

Johnson County offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement programs, tuition reimbursement, and various discounts and incentives. Click here to review our awesome benefits package! JohnsonCounty2023NewHireGuide (dcatalog.com)

Minimum Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or relevant field is required. Five (5) years of experience with public communication and/or development of strategic communications plans or relevant experience and two (2) years leading, directing, supervising, or coordinating the work of others are also required.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

Experience may substitute for education and education may substitute for experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

A master's degree in Library Science, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or relevant field and one (1) year library or public sector experience are preferred.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:
All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments/agencies in a declared emergency situation.