Public Relations Manager or Director

KENTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Job Posting: Public Relations Manager or Director
Reports To: Executive Director
Department: Public Relations
Branch: Administration
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

The Library is seeking a skilled communications professional to serve as its next Public Relations Manager or Director, with the final title and compensation based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Join a Team That Transforms Lives Through Learning

Public Relations Manager or Director – Kenton County Public Library

Are you a compelling storyteller, strategic communicator, and relationship-builder ready to make a meaningful impact? The Kenton County Public Library is looking for an experienced Public Relations Manager or Director to elevate our brand, expand our reach, and engage the community in supporting our mission.

About the Library

The Kenton County Public Library serves as a vital community resource, offering access to information, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities. With a strong commitment to public service and innovation, the Library is recognized as a leading institution in the region.

As a cornerstone of the Northern Kentucky community, our Library is more than books — we are a vibrant, innovative institution dedicated to learning, connection, and inclusion. This is your opportunity to help shape an organization where culture, equity, community engagement and employee development are top priorities.

Position Summary

The Public Relations Manager or Director is responsible for managing and overseeing the Library’s public relations, marketing, and coordinating with the Foundation Board on fundraising, stewardship, and grants to enhance public awareness, engagement, and financial support. This role ensures clear, consistent, and effective internal and external communications that reflect the mission and values of the Kenton County Public Library (KCPL), while also providing guidance and strategic direction to the Kenton County Public Library Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to securing funding for Library initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Media

• Oversee media relations, brand and reputation management, and crisis communications to ensure the Library remains a trusted and valued community resource.
  
• Oversee earned, owned, and paid media to ensure consistent messaging, visibility, and engagement.
  
• Serve as the Library’s spokesperson and primary media contact.
  
• Develop and implement strategic public relations and marketing initiatives to promote Library services and programs.
  
• Manage media efforts including press releases, social media, website content, email marketing, and ad campaigns.
  
• Secure earned media coverage by building relationships with media and pitching Library stories.
  
• Direct the Library’s owned media including blogs, social media, and video storytelling.
  
• Optimize paid media strategies across all platforms to maximize reach and impact.
  
• Ensure compliance with First Amendment guidelines in all public-facing communications.
  
• Monitor trends and best practices in public relations and marketing.

Branding & Public Image

• Ensure consistency in messaging, branding, and visual identity across all communications.
• Develop and maintain branding and style guidelines for internal and external use.
• Manage the crisis communication strategy to protect and enhance public trust.
• Assist in the creation of communication-related policies.

Community Engagement & Promotion

• Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and stakeholders.
  
• Organize and execute special events, including grand openings and milestone celebrations.
  
• Support and promote the Friends of the Kenton County Public Library.

Promote the Library’s services, programs, and initiatives through strategic campaigns including:

• 25 essential library services
  
• 400 monthly programs
• 115 online databases
• Thousands of e-resources
• Airport Library
• KCPL Foundation
• Friends of the Library
• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
• 4 physical branches
• Empowered Tools
• Outreach Branch
• Digital Branch
• Internal/external Library projects

Fundraising & Development

• Support and collaborate with the Foundation Board to enhance fundraising efforts.
  
• Help secure vital resources through donor relations, grant opportunities, and advocacy supporting long-term library growth.
  
• Develop and implement annual marketing and board engagement plans.
  
• Coordinate donor stewardship and grant-seeking efforts.
  
• Work with Library and Foundation Boards to increase philanthropic engagement.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and mentor staff members within the department.
  
• Serve as liaison to the Kenton County Public Library Foundation and align goals with Foundation leadership.
  
• Collaborate with branch managers and department heads to align messaging, promote programs, and support system-wide initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
  
• Public Relations certification preferred.

Leadership & Communication

• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
  
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with media, donors, and community partners.

Marketing & Outreach

• Experience with digital marketing, social media management, and media outreach.
  
• Understanding of First Amendment considerations related to public sector communications.

Fundraising & Development Skills

• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising strategies.
• Experience with donor stewardship and grant writing.
  
• Background in nonprofit development preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Canva, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media scheduling tools.
  
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms and marketing technologies.

Physical & Other Requirements

• Ability to stoop, bend, climb, and lift/carry boxes up to 35 pounds over short distances.
  
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation to perform job duties as required.

Salary Range

Public Relations Manager (Library Leadership I): $62,940 to $94,432 annually

Public Relations Director (Library Leadership II): $76,689 to $115,044 annually

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid base medical health insurance plan for employee only coverage
• Voluntary insurance: Spouse/Children Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Legal, and Pet
• Generous leave accrual with vacation, holidays, personal (sick) days
• Participation in Kentucky Retirement System (KRS), administered by Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA)
• Access to professional development and training opportunities

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're a communications professional who thrives on storytelling, strategy, and community connection, we want to hear from you.

The Kenton County Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply today at kentonlibrary.org/work-at-the-library

Posted: 08/11/2025
Closing Date: 08/25/2025