Manager, Communications

The Lee County Library System seeks an experienced and strategic communications professional to serve as Communications Manager. This on-site leadership role is responsible for directing the development and execution of comprehensive internal and external communication strategies that advance the Library’s mission, services, and community impact.

The Communications Manager leads a team of four staff members and oversees branding, marketing, media relations, digital platforms, print promotions, and support of engagement efforts across the system.

About the Community

Located in Southwest Florida along Interstate 75, Lee County is a vibrant and growing region spanning approximately 811 square miles and serving more than 800,000 residents. The county seat is Fort Myers and includes the communities of Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Sanibel, Estero, and Fort Myers Beach. The area offers a dynamic economic climate and exceptional quality of life.

What You’ll Do

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, supervise, and develop a high-performing communications team.
• Develop and implement comprehensive branding, marketing, public relations, and internal communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Serve as the Library’s official representative and primary liaison to Office of Community Engagement.
• Provide strategic direction to Library leadership and department managers on communications initiatives.
• Manage department communications policies, procedures, and budgets.

Media & Public Relations

• Direct department media relations efforts, including press releases, media advisories, interviews, and public statements.
• Coordinate proactive and crisis communications, including emergency messaging.
• Facilitate library representation in media interviews.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Office of Community Engagement.

Marketing & Branding

• Ensure consistent brand identity and messaging across all platforms and locations.
• Oversee development and distribution of promotional materials, including print, digital, multimedia, and social media content.
• Lead system-wide marketing campaigns promoting services, collections, and signature events such as Reading Festival, Vet Fest, Summer Reading, and Fandom Fest.
• Analyze market and demographic data to inform targeted engagement strategies.
• Produce and publish the Library’s Annual Report.

Digital Communications

• Oversee management of the public website, staff intranet, and social media channels with a focus on user experience and accessibility.
• Administer the Library’s online event calendar and room reservation system (Library Market).
• Supervise multimedia production, including photography and video.
• Monitor emerging technologies and trends to enhance digital engagement.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Partner with Programming and Outreach staff to promote system-wide initiatives.
• Coordinate surveys.
• Travel to branch locations to evaluate marketing and promotional efforts.
• Provide staff training on communications tools, systems, presentations, and best practices.
• Serve as liaison to Office of Community Engagement.

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a closely related field AND
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Communications, marketing, or public relations
  • Library services, community engagement, or public-facing program coordination
  • Supervising staff or leading project teams
  • Developing and implementing marketing or communication strategies
  • Producing digital content, social media, or multimedia materials
  • Managing media relations, branding, or crisis communications

OR

Equivalent Combination

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to the above qualifications

Such as:

• Eight (8) or more years of full-time experience in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or library services may substitute for the degree
• Experience supervising or leading staff in communications, marketing, or a related field
• Experience developing strategic communication plans and branding initiatives
• Experience with digital media, social platforms, or multimedia content development
• Experience coordinating public-facing events, campaigns, or community engagement initiatives
• Experience managing web content, user experience, or content management systems

Additional Requirement (Required for All Applicants)

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants with one or more of the following are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Experience in public sector, nonprofit, or library communications
• Strong editing, proofreading, and content-development skills
• Experience with SharePoint, HTML, and web content management systems
• Background in marketing strategy and organizational communication
• Experience creating digital content, social media campaigns, or multimedia projects
• Ability to learn and implement emerging technologies effectively

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Principles and best practices of marketing, public relations, branding, journalism, and strategic communication.
• Media relations and crisis communication strategies.
• Digital marketing, social media trends, and website optimization.
• Graphic design, photography, and multimedia production fundamentals.
• Effective supervisory and project management techniques.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to inform strategy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to change.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects with accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to see the big picture and establish a vision for the team.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Full-time position (80 hours bi-weekly); schedule may include evenings, Saturdays, and occasional Sundays.
• Travel to branch locations throughout the county is required.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds and operate standard office equipment.
• Flexibility to respond to emergency situations and organizational needs, including temporary reassignment to other locations if required.

The Lee County Library System is committed to serving a diverse and growing community through innovative services, strong community partnerships, and dynamic public engagement. We seek a communications leader who is strategic, creative, and dedicated to strengthening the Library’s visibility and impact.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.