The Montclair Public Library is hiring our first full-time Marketing & Communications Lead -- a creative powerhouse who can design, build, and visually express the spirit of our library.
We’re looking for someone who can see and shape how the library looks, feels, and connects -- someone fluent in both visual design and strategic messaging, who can bring ideas to life through layout, branding, digital content, photography, and public space design.
This is a hands-on, art-forward, tool-in-hand role…ideal for someone who finds deep joy in making things that are both beautiful and useful, and who feels energized by engaging directly with the community.
About You
- You have strong design instincts and a well-developed visual style ... but you can also adapt to brand needs and community tone
- You’re highly skilled with design software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, etc) and eager to use those skills daily
- You’re hands-on: you might sketch a layout, paint a sign, build a paper mache model or style a street fair booth
- You’re confident talking to strangers, making cold introductions, and building partnerships through creativity
- You see every interaction, online or face-to-face, as a chance to invite someone into the library’s world
- You're an artist who thrives in community
About the Role
This position is a department of one (for now) -- but a core part of the library’s leadership team. You’ll set the visual and public tone for our institution, working closely with staff, local businesses, schools, and community partners to bring ideas to life across print, digital, public-facing spaces, and in-person outreach settings -- from a bookstore window to a street fair booth. Your work will shape not only how we’re seen, but how we show up -- visually, socially, and relationally.
This role requires at least five years of hands-on marketing experience in a public library setting (exception might be made for an exceptionally strong candidate). We’re looking for someone who knows how to navigate the unique dynamics of library work…who understands public service, community partnership, and the creative opportunities (and limits) of working in a mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Visual Design & Branding
- Own the library’s visual identity from big-picture branding to daily graphics
- Design original materials: posters, flyers, banners, brochures, digital signage, and promotional assets
- Produce high-quality visual campaigns to promote library services, events, and initiatives
- Maintain a consistent, polished aesthetic across platforms and formats
- Create templates and style guides for staff to use -- but also take on complex, high-skill design work yourself
Content Creation
- Create and curate engaging content for social media, digital signage, and the website
- Capture photos and videos at events and throughout the community
- Use visual storytelling to build awareness and connection
Public Space & Display Design
- Oversee signage and wayfinding aesthetics
- Style indoor and outdoor spaces with seasonal and thematic displays
- Plan and design eye-catching bulletin boards, program installations, and visual merchandising
Community Outreach & Presence
- Serve as the library’s visual and human ambassador at community events like street fairs, festivals, and school nights
- Create beautifully designed, on-brand tabling experiences that reflect the library’s energy and offerings
- Confidently walk into a business or community organization and pitch a display, collaboration, or promotion
- Coordinate and style offsite displays (e.g., a themed book display in a coffee shop or storefront window)
- Build relationships with local business owners, nonprofits, and schools through a visual, hands-on approach
Internal Collaboration
- Support library staff in communicating more clearly and creatively with the public
- Develop shared messaging and visual tools staff can use for outreach and promotion
- Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment on language, image, and voice
- Partner with staff to plan outreach strategies and visuals that feel rooted in the community, not just the building
This Job Is Not For Someone Who...
- Prefers to work behind a desk all day
- Only wants to write or edit PR materials
- Would rather stay behind the scenes than represent the library publicly
- Isn’t excited by the idea of rolling up their sleeves at an outdoor event
- Avoids software, cameras, hands-on design, or public speaking
- Can’t show a portfolio of visual and/or community-facing creative work
Qualifications
- Demonstrated artistic ability and a strong visual portfolio (required at time of interview)
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, digital media, or related field -- or equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in marketing, communications, or visual design work in a public library setting (required, but negotiable if other criteria is met)
- Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Canva, and similar tools
- Experience designing for both print and digital formats
- Comfortable with photography and basic video editing
- Familiarity with event-based outreach, tabling, and hands-on creative production
- Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills
- Strong writing/editing skills a plus, but this is a visual-first, people-forward role
Details
- Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours/week. Some evening and weekend hours required
- Reports to: Library Director
- Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, pension, professional development support
Application Process
- Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references to jobs [at] montclairlibrary.org (jobs[at]montclairlibrary[dot]org). Please put “Marketing Lead – [Your Name]” in the subject line.
- Applications accepted until position is filled
Montclair Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations available during application/interview processes per ADA. NJ residency required per State Law.
Starting at $55,000+ a year