JOB DESCRIPTION: Public Information Officer position - Albany Public Library

Public Information Officer

Albany Public Library is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, experienced professional for the position of Public Information Officer. In this position, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for creating, implementing and maintaining the Library’s public information, marketing, and organizational communication programs. The Public Information Officer will report to the Library Director and
work closely with all levels of the Albany Public Library organization, and will also be a key member of the Library’s leadership team.

Albany Public Library is an urban library serving a population of 95,000 in the Capital Region of New York State and has a publicly funded budget of $6.4 million and a staff of approximately 75 FTE. Albany Public Library’s $29.1 million Branch Improvement Plan will see the opening of five new or renovated branch library facilities by 2010.

Minimum qualifications:

a) Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations or a related field and two (2) years of fulltime paid experience writing public announcements, newsletters, news and/or feature articles, and preparing and presenting informational materials and reports; OR

b) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s Degree in Communications, Liberal Arts, Business-Marketing or a related field and four (4) years of fulltime paid experience writing public announcements, newsletters, news and/or feature articles, and preparing and presenting informational materials and reports; OR

c) Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of a) and b) above.

Additional desired qualifications include a familiarity with the operations, activities, and organization of public libraries; experience with organizational advocacy efforts and/or community networking activities; experience using new and emerging technologies in public information/communications activities.

The salary for this position is $45,000 and includes an excellent benefit package. This is a provisional Civil Service position. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application review will begin on December 15, 2008. To apply send resume, letter of interest, a professional writing sample, and the names and contact information for three professional references to:

Marjorie Reinhart, Human Resources/Finance Manager
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12210
reinharm@uhls.lib.ny.us