Communications & Engagement Coordinator - Library

Communications & Engagement Coordinator - Library

Salary

$92,267.00 - $135,688.00 Annually

Location

Rochester Public Library, 101 2nd Street SE, Rochester MN 55904, MN

Job Type

Regular FT

Job Number

20260059

Department

Rochester Public Library

Opening Date

07/30/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The City of Rochester invites applications for the position of:

Communications & Engagement Coordinator

Rochester Public Library

The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.

It takes us all working together

Communications & Engagement Statement of Intent

Consistently engage and clearly communicate news, opportunities, and information to community members in an inclusive, transparent, and thoughtful way that allows their voices to be heard and incorporated into the work of the City of Rochester.

Nature of Work

The Communications & Engagement Coordinator plans, implements, and leads communications and community engagement activities supporting Rochester Public Library.

Under the direction of the Library Director, this position serves as a lead consultant to the Library and supports coordinated communications, public information, and community engagement efforts. The Communications & Engagement Coordinator works closely with library divisions to develop, maintain, and implement effective short- and long-range communication strategies, policies, and practices.

This role helps build proactive, clear, and consistent two-way communication between the library and residents, businesses, organizations, visitors, and other stakeholders. Responsibilities include developing processes and tools that support transparent communication, accessible information sharing, and meaningful community engagement. The position supports direct community engagement by developing and implementing an annual marketing plan to promote library services, resources, and strategic initiatives identified in the Library Master Plan and Strategic Plan.

Work includes supporting communications and engagement for a range of often includes amplifying messaging from city and county government, supporting organizations, and community partners.

Pay: 2026 salary is $92,267 to $108,550 based on qualifications, with advancement to $135,688.

Schedule: The typical work schedule 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday with evening and weekend work based on the timing of community events. This is a mostly in - person role, with occasional remote work available.

To have your application considered for the first round of interviews, please apply by Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, develop and implement marketing, communications and public awareness strategies.
• Develop and implement departmental and division communication plans in alignment with strategic goals and objectives.
• Create and implement effective communication/awareness campaigns that have wide-ranging or long-lasting impacts on the community.
• Establish and cultivate channels of communication between the Library, residents, businesses and community stakeholders that provide a better understanding of the community's wants, needs, and interests related to the City.
• Develop communication material (news releases, website content, enewsletters, PowerPoint presentations, publications, special articles, scripts, newsletters, social media content, etc.)
• Provide support to the Data and Outcomes Supervisor with survey projects that collect pertinent library user information about community behaviors, needs and opinions that can further inform Department activities, including the City's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
• Utilize data and analytical tools to strategically market to and engage with community members, particularly those from often underrepresented groups and evaluate effectiveness of marketing and communication plans.
• Create and maintain a positive public image for Departments and divisions through preparing communications, making presentations and serving on various groups within the community.
• Act as one of the primary contacts for the media and conduct interviews on behalf of the Department. Coordinate interviews with subject matter experts as necessary.
• Within the community and organization, ensure increased understanding and support for Departmental and division programs, services, and policies.
• Represent the library at community events and presentations.
• Plan, develop and disseminate information designed to keep the community informed of the Librarys value, programs, services, and accomplishments.
• Work with teammates to coordinate consistent branding for the City and its partners.
• Ensure materials produced by the Department meet standards for appropriateness, readability, quality, digital accessibility and plain language.
• Prepare annual library marketing budgets, securing marketing services and manage contract services.
• In collaboration with Departments and divisions, develop a budget for annual marketing, communications and engagement efforts.
• Develop solicitations and/or Request for Proposals (RFP) for marketing and communication services.
• Oversee the creation and/or procurement of various media including, but not limited to: print, broadcast and social media advertising.
• Act as the administrator for library tools, including but not limited to: the library website (GovStack), calendar software (Library Market), and email marketing software (OrangeBoy).
• Provide guidance to library divisions and projects for communications and equitable engagement activities.
• Serve as the communications and engagement liaison and project manager for library divisions and supporting organizations (Rochester Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Rochester Public Library).
• Ensure relationships with teammates and key organizational stakeholders are developed and maintained and in a way that fulfills Library Master Plan, Strategic Plan, and Action Plan goals.
• Serve as a connector between Departments and divisions with other communications and engagement teammates.
• Advise teammates on organizational best practices and make recommendations.

Serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO)

• Serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO) during an activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and/or the Joint Information Center (JIC).
• Participate in educational and training opportunities.
• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

A Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or closely related field and three (3) years of full-time, progressive experience performing public relations, community engagement, marketing, or similar duties.

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered.

If this work interests you but you are unsure if you meet all the job requirements listed above, please apply anyway! Your experience is likely more applicable to the role than you think, and the City is interested in candidates who can bring not only technical expertise but a variety of lived experience to the team.

Licenses

A valid drivers license

Desirable Qualifications

Ability to coordinate the preparation of educational materials for non-English speakers.

Ability to use the following software products or their equivalent: Savannah OrangeBoy, GovStack, CMS, InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.

Fluency with a second language, particularly with Spanish or Somali.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as: Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

Continuous demands: sitting; simultaneous use of hands, wrists and fingers in working with a computer.

Frequent demands: fine dexterity

Occasional demands: standing; walking; lifting; carrying; pushing/pulling; reaching; handling; bending; twisting

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing and touch.

Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:

NONE (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY

01

The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application and resume. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your preferred name?

03

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

04

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
• Completion of a 2 year program or degree
• Completion of a 4 year program or degree
• Completion of a Masters degree or higher
• None of the above

05

Other than your High School diploma/GED, which of the following best describes the field of study for your degree?

• Marketing
• Communications
• Public Relations
• Journalism
• Digital Media
• A field of study closely related to the above
• My degree is in an area NOT RELATED to any of the above
• N/A - I do not have a degree

06

Which of the following best describes your years of work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, community engagement, or related field?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years, but less than 7
• More than 7 years, but less than 10
• More than 10 years

07

Which of the following best describes the setting where you gained your work experience in public relations, community engagement, or marketing?

• Public Library
• Music or arts organization
• Business/Corporation
• Government
• Education
• Non-profit
• Medical
• N/A - None of the above

08

Which of the following best describes your overall skill level with social media marketing as part of your job?

• No experience
• Beginner - I have 1-3 years of experience
• Intermediate - I have 4-6 years of experience
• Advanced - I have 6+ years of experience

09

Which of the following best describes your experience with media relations, publications, and advertising outlets?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years

10

Tell us how your professional, educational and lived experiences would help you be successful in this role.

11

Please indicate the current versions of software that you are PROFICIENT in using: (select all that apply)

• Website CMS
• Savannah OrangeBoy or similar email marketing tool
• Microsoft Office Suite/ Outlook
• Microsoft Planner
• SmartSheets or similar planning tool
• Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or similar email marketing and analytics tool
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe InDesign
• None of the above

12

Do you have experience working with diverse populations and/or individuals with backgrounds different than your own?

• Yes, I have extensive experience in this area.
• Yes, I have limited experience in this area.
• No, I do not have experience in this area.

13

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

14

Are you able to understand and speak fluently a language other than English?

• Yes
• No

15

Please list which language other than English you are able to understand and speak.

16

Relationships are often the foundation for progress in public service. In 150 words or less, describe how you've used relationship building to move a project, initiative, or partnership forward.

17

In 150 words or less, tell us what public libraries mean to you.

18

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, drivers license record and a criminal history?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Rochester

Address 201 4th Street SE

Rochester, Minnesota, 55904

Phone (507) 328-2555

Website https://www.rochestermn.gov/employment