Manager of Marketing and Communications

**Position Summary**

The Manager of Marketing and Communications functions as a key member of the exempt management team and is responsible for leadership, development and oversight of strategic marketing and communication initiatives. This position leads all aspects of marketing and corporate communications, drives impactful marketing campaigns and brand initiatives, and serves as a key decision maker, accountable for ensuring strategies are aligned with both strategic priorities and operational goals.

Reporting directly to the Chief Librarian, this position also partners with library management, City staff, media, vendors, consultants, suppliers, library customers and community groups to support and advance the Library’s marketing and communications objectives.

This is a dynamic leadership role with responsibilities that may evolve in response to organizational needs.

**Who should apply**:

- A University degree with specialization in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related discipline
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership and people management capacity in the area of marketing and communications, preferably in a unionized, non-profit or public sector environment.
- Minimum 3 years experience supporting executive-level leadership.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and oral, with proven experience in representing an organization in terms of marketing, communications and stakeholder relations.
- Demonstrated ability to be a creative force behind strategic marketing campaigns and lead brand-building initiatives.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Strategic Leadership and Planning**
- Leads the development and execution of integrated corporate communications and marketing strategies, including internal and external communication strategies; brand and style guidelines; digital marketing; campaign execution, and stakeholder relations.
- Partners with the Chief Librarian to develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans aligned with organization priorities.
- Oversees the designs and delivers integrated content and marketing plans for paid, earned, and owned media (e.g., social media platforms, SharePoint site).
- Provides strategic counsel to senior leaders and Board stakeholders to align marketing and communications strategies with organizational objectives.
- Monitors and evaluates campaign performance, making adjustments to optimize outcomes.
- Establishes and maintains effective and strong relationships with the Library Board, City staff, and external partners to optimize resources, develop aligned communication, and joint initiatives.
- Strengthens existing external communication partnerships and proactively identifies and develops new strategic partnerships, while responding to trends and public interest.
- Represents RPL at community events and on varieties of external committees and organizations.
- Develops the library’s brand to reflect Richmond’s growing and diverse community.
- Explores and leads initiatives that position RPL as high-value destination.
- Leads media relationship and public messaging strategies, ensuring consistency and responsiveness.
- Lead the marketing and communication team, monitoring media and social platforms for potential issues and brand reputational risks.
- Acts as a change agent to positively manage communication through changes and evolving situations.
- Maintains confidentiality and privacy of information at all times.
- Performs related work as required.

**Organizational Leadership & Team Management**
- Provides effective leadership to the marketing and communications Team, including hiring, coaching, evaluation, and performance management.
- Oversees the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to marketing and communications.
- Manages project briefs, issue RFPs, manage vendor relations, and procurement.
- Oversees team intake of organization-wide marketing and communications requests, supports staff in prioritizing projects, and ensures alignment to project briefs and timeline.
- Establishes performance benchmarks, set targets, and provides accurate and actionable marketing performance reports to management team.

**Editorial & Content Strategy**
- Oversees editorial standards, ensuring consistent corporate communication style and brand alignment across all communications.
- Manages internal and external communication channels, announcements and SharePoint site, RPL Website and social media channels.
- Provides corporate communication support to the Board of Trustees which includes, but is not limited to, Board of Trustee recruitment, new Trustee orientation, supporting meeting logistics when necessary.

**Qualifications and Skills**
- University degree with specialization in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related discipline
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership and people management capacity in the area of marketing and co