Communications Assistant

The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is accepting applications for a full-time Communications Assistant position. Regular hours will take place at WCLS Administrative Services, 5205 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA DUTIES The Communications Assistant works as part of the communication and design team to create high-quality marketing and communications materials for the library system. This work includes creation, production and distribution of content for various channels, including collection materials and operational signs, event posters, and graphics for digital, social, web, video and print. This position also maintains communications archives such as photo releases, photos and news stories. The Communications Assistant works with the Community Relations Manager to track and coordinate project requests from branch and administrative staff and will perform other duties as assigned. WORKING HOURS Average of forty (40) regular scheduled weekly hours. Typical schedule would be Monday - Friday, approximately 9am - 5pm, may include some evening and weekend hours due to special projects, events or programming. Successful candidates may be required to adapt to future schedule and/or worksite changes depending on library needs. QUALIFICATIONS Excellent interpersonal skills required: Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Whatcom County Library System's policies and procedures as well as departmental practices Upholds the Whatcom County Library System's commitment to intellectual freedom, as described in the American Library Association's "Library Bill of Rights" and "Freedom to Read Statement," and the Washington Library Association's "Intellectual Freedom Statement" One or more years of experience working as part of design/communication team, including gathering information, producing materials and ensuring projects are delivered on time Knowledge of principles and practices of graphic design Thorough knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation Ability to follow the Library's graphic and editorial standards as defined by the WCLS Identity Handbook and Style Guide Ability to design promotional materials that meet the needs of the Library and staff and appropriately reach target audiences Ability to operate relevant networked computer systems, including hardware and software Solid understanding of and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) CSS and HTML skills are also desired Proficiency in Microsoft Office in a networked environment, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint Familiarity with and ability to create/post content to social media platforms Basic knowledge of copyright issues as they pertain to images and materials created for print and online use Ability to use Teams as a project management system Ability to take creative feedback, execute and iterate quickly and efficiently Ability to maintain and operate office machines and equipment, including copiers, printers, folding machines and paper cutters Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to meet independent and team deadlines Ability to maintain and operate office machines and equipment, including copiers, printers, folding machines and paper cutters Strong attention to detail Ability to act as a representative of Whatcom County Library System to the public Ability to maintain tact, courtesy, confidentiality and strict discretion in dealing with the public Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse staff to accomplish library and department goals and objectives. A sense of humor. A passion to learn new things continuously Requires an Associate degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field; and one (1) or more years of related experience Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience Requires physical and visual ability to utilize reference sources and to manipulate equipment or materials of up to 30 pounds VALUES The Whatcom County Library System values diversity and inclusion and we are interested in hiring candidates that are representative of the communities and patrons we serve. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION New employees are subject to a CRC (criminal records check) per RCW 43.43.832. #J-18808-Ljbffr