Director of Engagement

Under the direction of the Library Director, the Director of Community Engagement provides strategic leadership for KDL's community engagement, marketing communications, and reputation management. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director cultivates community partnerships, enhances awareness, trust and advocacy of the Library, and ensures engagement efforts align with KDL's mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to equitable access for all residents.

1. Provides strategic leadership for community engagement, marketing communications, , and public relations initiatives that support KDL's mission, strategic plan, and organizational goals.

1. Serves as a member of the Leadership Team and participates in organizational planning, budgeting, policy development, and system-wide initiatives.

1. Advises library leadership on community trends, stakeholder relationships, public perception, and issues that may affect library services and operations.

1. Develops and implements strategies that increase awareness, engagement, and use of library services, programs, and resources.

1. Builds and maintains relationships with community organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, businesses, elected officials, foundations, and other stakeholders.

1. Identifies and develops partnerships that expand community engagement and advance organizational priorities.

1. Visible and highly engaged ambassador for KDL with community groups, professional organizations, government agencies, and the media.

1. Oversee integrated marketing communications efforts across print, digital, web, social media, and emerging communication channels.
2. Monitors community sentiment, media coverage, social media conversations, and emerging issues that may affect public perception of KDL and develop strategies to strengthen trust and mitigate reputational risk.

1. Leads communication planning and messaging during organizational issues, emergencies, service disruptions, or other situations requiring coordinated public communication.

1. Ensures consistent messaging, branding, and communication standards across the organization.

1. Provides strategic oversight of KDL's website and digital engagement platforms to ensure accessible, user-centered experiences.

1. Leads media relations, executive communications, public awareness campaigns, and communication planning for major initiatives.

1. Oversee research, surveys, community feedback, and performance measures to assess engagement efforts and inform decision-making.

1. Prepares and presents reports, recommendations, and outcomes to the Library Director, Leadership Team, and Library Board.

1. Directs, develops, evaluates assigned staff, and establishes departmental goals, priorities, budgets, and performance expectations.

1. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Bachelor’s degree required preferably with a focus on communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, public administration, business administration, community development, or related field experience in public library services and operations required. Master's degree preferred.
2. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, community engagement, public affairs, or a related field, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience. Experience developing strategic initiatives, managing budgets, and building community partnerships required.
3. Demonstrated leadership, team building, and staff development skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and achieve organizational goals.
4. Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with staff, community partners, elected officials, media representatives, Library Board members, and the public. Must be comfortable networking, engaging with unfamiliar audiences, and representing the Library in public settings.
5. Knowledge of marketing communications, public relations, digital engagement, and brand management principles and practices.
6. Ability to think strategically, exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities, analyze data, and develop effective solutions that support organizational objectives.
7. Ability to work independently under general administrative direction and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
8. Ability to travel between KDL locations and community meetings as required.
9. Visual acuity necessary to view a computer screen and written materials.
10. Hearing ability to answer telephone and inquiries from staff and patrons.

1. Generally, will work within a normal office environment, with minimal discomfort due to extreme temperatures, dust, and noise.

1. Will require frequent travel between KDL locations and may include out of county travel for meetings and conferences.

1. Work hours may be varied, including evenings and weekend hours.

1. Occasional sitting/standing in one position for extended periods of time.

The library employment environment typically requires extensive computer keyboard and mouse activity, in-person, electronic and telephone communication skills. Meeting attendance at various branch and service center locations is expected; self-identified mode of transportation is required. The preparation, loading and carrying or moving of materials is commonly required for all KDL positions. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. 

 

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified. 

• KDL provides library services to our local communities seven days per week.
• While this position is currently assigned to the above location, KDL reserves the right to require employees to be available for assignments at any KDL location.

Kent District Library has received the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given for making significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Kent District Library was one of five public library award recipients, representing institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service to bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.  
Kent District Library is committed to the use of evidence-based selection hiring practices to ensure the recruitment of highly qualified candidates. As part of this commitment, we utilize pre-employment assessments that are scientifically validated and job-related. These assessments are designed to objectively evaluate candidates' skills, abilities, and potential for success in specific roles.
Legal Compliance:

1. Non-Discrimination: All pre-employment assessments used by our organization comply with federal anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). We ensure that these assessments do not disproportionately exclude individuals based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or age.
2. Job-Relatedness: Our assessments are developed and validated to measure skills and traits that are directly related to the job requirements. This alignment with job duties is in accordance with the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (UGESP), which provide interpretive guidelines to ensure equitable and non-discriminatory hiring practices.
3. Objectivity and Fairness: By using professionally developed and validated assessments, we enhance the objectivity and fairness of our hiring process. This reduces the likelihood of unconscious bias and increases the accuracy of hiring decisions.

Evidence-Based Approach:

1. Data-Driven Decisions: Our selection process relies on measurable data, such as performance metrics and structured interview results, rather than intuition. This approach ensures that hiring decisions are based on objective, verifiable evidence.
2. Continuous Improvement: We regularly review and update our assessment tools to ensure they remain valid and reliable. This ongoing evaluation helps us maintain high standards in our hiring practices and adapt to evolving job requirements.

By adhering to these principles, our organization strives to create a fair, equitable, and legally defensible hiring process that attracts and retains top talent.