Design and Communications Specialist (FT)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Design and Communications Specialist (FT)

🔹 Company: Live Oak Public Libraries

🔹 Location: Savannah, Georgia

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Admin - Clerical

🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Designing and creating various library communication materials
• Managing digital and print content for effective communication
• Executing social media strategies and engaging with patrons
• Maintaining and updating library websites for a user-friendly experience
• Analyzing communications activities and reporting on media coverage and engagement
• Collaborating with library staff to promote programs and services
• Attending and photographing library events for high-quality visual documentation
• Identifying and implementing new communications opportunities to further LOPL’s mission

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a creative, detail-oriented, and highly motivated professional with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a natural drive to exceed expectations.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Support the Communications Manager in designing, creating, and distributing various library communication materials, including brochures, flyers, posters, calendars, newsletters, reports, press releases, and signage, using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Canva, and other design applications.

✅ Create and manage digital and print content that effectively communicates the library’s mission and impact.

✅ Execute social media strategies, including content creation, post scheduling, and engagement on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

✅ Maintain and update the library’s patron and staff websites, always ensuring accuracy and a visually appealing, user-friendly experience.

✅ Compile, develop, and edit presentation materials in various formats as needed.

✅ Analyze communications activities by preparing reports on media coverage, social media engagement, and marketing effectiveness.

✅ Collaborate with library staff to promote and publicize programs and services effectively.

✅ Attend and photograph library events, ensuring high-quality visual documentation.

✅ Track, analyze, and report marketing and engagement data to improve outreach strategies.

✅ Take initiative to identify and implement new communications opportunities to further LOPL’s mission and strategic goals.

✅ Perform other related duties as assigned.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate should be self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving, goal-driven, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple time-sensitive projects both independently and collaboratively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Communications, Journalism, or a related field with two (2) years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: Two (2) years of relevant work experience in graphic design, communications, or a related field.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of CSS, WordPress, and HTML for web design
• Experience creating professional print-ready and digital media
• Experience in a library, education, or nonprofit setting is preferred

Preferred Skills:

• Experience using web-based analytics tools such as Google Analytics
• Expertise in digital photography and video editing and production

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of CSS, WordPress, and HTML for web design, as well as experience creating professional print-ready and digital media. Experience in a library, education, or nonprofit setting is preferred.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $21.19 - $33.91 Hourly

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 40-hour workweek. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting. However, the industry standard for a Design and Communications Specialist in the library sector typically falls within this range.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Libraries

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 1916

Company Description:

• Live Oak Public Libraries is a system of 16 library locations serving a 3-county region in southeast Georgia
• Each year, the Library checks out almost 1.3 million items, answers in excess of 650,000 questions, registers more than 450,000 computer sessions, and presents programs to nearly 80,000 patrons in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties

Company Specialties:

• Public Libraries
• Community Services
• Education
• Nonprofit

Company Website: http://www.liveoakpl.org

ASSUMPTION: Live Oak Public Libraries is a well-established nonprofit organization that plays a crucial role in providing community resources and services through its network of library locations.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Communications Manager

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time, with occasional evening or weekend hours

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a senior communications role within the organization
• Opportunities to expand skills in digital marketing, social media management, and web design
• Possibility to transition into a management role within the communications department

ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth opportunities for the right candidate, with potential advancement to senior communications roles or management positions within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Bull Street Library Administrative Offices

Office Location(s): 2002 Bull St, Savannah, Georgia 31401-8564, US

Geographic Context:

• Savannah, Georgia, is located in the southeastern part of the state
• The city has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers
• The cost of living in Savannah is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the United States

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 40-hour workweek. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is typical for a library setting, with periods of elevated noise levels during events and potential high-stress periods due to multiple simultaneous deadlines. The office is located in the Bull Street Library Administrative Offices in Savannah, Georgia.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the Communications Manager
• Final interview with the Library Director
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Design and communication skills
• Social media management and content creation
• Web design and maintenance
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Cultural fit and team dynamics

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Include a portfolio or samples of your design work, if available
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and experience with communication and design projects
• Research the library system and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the organization’s mission and values

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Communications, Social Media Management, Web Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Project Management, Content Creation, Editing, Photography, Video Editing, Analytical Skills, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, HTML

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, so it is essential to tailor your application materials and prepare thoroughly for interviews to demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the position.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Canva
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace
• Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite)
• Video editing software
• WordPress
• HTML
• CSS
• Google Analytics

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable learning and utilizing new software as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-focused
• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Respectful
• Accountable

Work Style:

• Creative and detail-oriented
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Goal-driven and results-oriented
• Strong communication and project management skills
• Adaptable and able to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic work setting

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your design and communication skills align with the Live Oak Public Libraries mission and values?
• How do you approach managing multiple time-sensitive projects, and can you provide an example of a successful project you’ve managed?
• How do you stay organized and adaptable in a fast-paced work environment, and can you share an example of a time when you had to pivot or problem-solve quickly?

ASSUMPTION: Live Oak Public Libraries values candidates who are customer-focused, collaborative, innovative, respectful, and accountable. The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate these values through their work style and experiences.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple time-sensitive projects with tight deadlines
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with periods of high stress
• Adapting to changes in priorities or workflows
• Balancing the demands of multiple stakeholders, including patrons, staff, and management
• Ensuring consistent branding and messaging across various communication channels

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate should be able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and manage multiple time-sensitive projects effectively. They should also be adaptable and able to balance the demands of multiple stakeholders.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to related roles in marketing or communications agencies, this role may offer less client-facing work but more focus on internal communications and library-specific projects
• In comparison to in-house communications roles in larger organizations, this role may have a broader scope of responsibilities due to the smaller size of the communications team in a library setting
• Career path comparison: This role can serve as a stepping stone to more senior communications or management positions within the library system or related organizations

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of communications, design, and project management responsibilities, with the potential for growth and career advancement within the library system or related organizations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Designing and implementing a new library website with improved user experience and accessibility features
• Developing and executing a social media campaign to promote a new library program or service, including creating engaging content, scheduling posts, and analyzing engagement metrics
• Creating a comprehensive marketing plan for a library event, including designing promotional materials, coordinating with vendors, and managing event logistics

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives the Design and Communications Specialist may undertake to support the library’s mission and strategic goals.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the communications department?
• How does this role fit into the organization’s long-term communications strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this position?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the library system currently, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does the library system support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the expectations for remote work and flexibility in this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, and helps you better understand the work environment and expectations.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=355259&clientkey=D4EF329357A7889FE3C33C8C5CE08F14
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a portfolio or samples of your design work, if available
• Research the library system and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the organization’s mission and values
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.