Public Relations Specialist

Title: Public Relations Specialist

Location: 230 State Street, Cultural Building

Full time

Job Description:

Grade / Admin Unit: 20 / Professional/Technical  

Job Class Code: 0824
Salary: $20.68 - $28.88/Hourly
Position Number: 014700631

Location: Augusta

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. 

OVERVIEW:

This position informs and engages the public, Maine’s library community, the Maine Legislature and congressional delegation, and other stakeholders about the programs, services, resources, policies, and events of the Maine State Library (MSL), an independent state agency. Serving as MSL’s media liaison, this position delivers clear, consistent, and compelling communications that increase awareness and support for library services statewide. Work is performed under limited supervision. Occasional evening, weekend, and statewide travel is required. Hybrid work option is available after initial 6-month period.

DESCRIPTION:

This key position leads and coordinates the Maine State Library’s communications, marketing, and public relations efforts to increase awareness, engagement, and support for MSL programs and services statewide. Responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic communications plans; cultivating relationships with library staff, state agencies, legislators, media, partners, and the public; and overseeing content development across print, digital, social media, and event platforms.

The position manages public relations initiatives, supports website and digital communications, designs promotional materials and exhibits, and serves as a spokesperson, model, and resource for effective public relations practices throughout Maine’s library community. The incumbent works independently while collaborating closely with staff across MSL and partner organizations.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

• Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy aligned with MSL’s mission, strategic plan, and core values.
• Develops, implements, and maintains MSL branding standards and messaging guidelines.
• Ensures consistency in messaging, voice, templates, taglines, and logo usage across all communications.
• Cultivates positive relationships with state agencies, the Governor’s Office, legislators, congressional staff, and other stakeholders to promote awareness of MSL and Maine library services and initiatives.
• Oversees MSL’s website, content management systems, and social media platforms, ensuring content is accurate, current, accessible, and responsive to public inquiries.
• Writes and edits press releases, talking points, speeches, reports, newsletters, and other communications materials, including MSL's quarterly e-newsletter.
• Plans and implements events, campaigns, and outreach activities that promote MSL programs and services.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports communications and program metrics to assess effectiveness and inform future strategies.
• Leads and coordinates MSL’s social media strategy and content development.
• Provides guidance, training, and models effective public relations practices for library staff statewide.
• Develops and maintains strategic partnerships at the local, state, and national levels.
• Produces and edits photography and video content to promote MSL programs, services, and events.
• Coordinates media relations activities and represents MSL at press conferences and public events.
• Designs, develops, and maintains portable exhibits and displays promoting MSL and Maine libraries.
• Creates promotional materials, including infographics, brochures, flyers, presentations, and other print and digital communications.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Principles and practices of public relations, communications, and marketing.
• Organizational social media strategy and management.
• Building and fostering strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• Project management in both independent and collaborative environments.
• Team leadership and facilitation.
• Graphic design and visual communications, including photography and photo editing software.
• Media production, dissemination methods, and emerging communications trends.
• Data collection, analysis, and performance measurement.
• Knowledge of website accessibility standards, including WCAG requirements.
• Developing and presenting reports and public information materials.
• Assisting in planning and implementing workshops, meetings, conferences, and public events.
• Designing and constructing portable exhibits and displays.
• Using artificial intelligence tools to support communications, marketing, and public relations activities effectively and responsibly.
• Working effectively both independently and collaboratively.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in outdoor education, public relations, or program management.  Education in other fields must be supplemented by two (2) years of work experience which provides knowledge of professional outdoor education, public relations, various media, and/or information dissemination techniques.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills or experience:

• Library, community development, and/or public sector experience
• Experience with web design
• Masters degree in a related field

Benefits of working for the State of Maine: 

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: 

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.  

• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.   

• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.  

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).  

• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.   

• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.  

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.  

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.  

• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. 

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.   

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.