Library Communication and Events Coordinator

American University; United States; Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

American University is seeking a Communications and Event Coordinator for the University Library to coordinate and implement internal and external communications, library-wide events, and promotional materials that align with the Library’s mission and brand.

The role serves as a liaison across campus, supervises student assistants, manages budgets and vendor coordination, and supports the Office of the University Librarian.

Qualifications

• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in writing communications, donor relations, event management, or related field.
• Experience in managing short- and long-term projects, with the ability to coordinate across departmental lines, and produce products on time.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement signature library events (e.g., exhibits, speaker series, special celebrations) and annual programs.
• Coordinate messaging and branding across the Library's communications; contribute to annual report & donor materials.
• Lead social media planning and content development across platforms; monitor engagement data.
• Design and produce promotional materials (flyers, digital signage, banners, brochures) aligned with the Library’s brand and accessibility standards.
• Supervise student staff and assist with budget tracking, vendor coordination, and documentation for events and outreach.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Social media management

Graphic design

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Tools

Canva

Database

Spreadsheet software

Word processing

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

Learn more about American University Department: University Library Administrative Support

Time Type: Full time Job Type: Regular FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week) Union: SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Summary:

The Communication and Event Coordinator is responsible for the coordination and implementation of internal and external communications and library-wide events that enhance the visibility, engagement, and reputation of the University Library. This position serves as a communication liaison for all library units and manages the development and execution of creative brand strategies, promotional materials, and digital content in alignment with the Library’s mission and values. Under the supervision of the Office Manager for Library Administration and the guidance of the Library Leadership Team, the incumbent manages signature events, builds collaborative relationships across campus and with external vendors, and supervises student assistants supporting events, communications and the Office of the University Librarian.

Essential Functions:

• 1.) Program Implementation Coordinates and implements signature library events (e.g., exhibits, speaker series, special celebrations) and annual programs. Contributes to event initiatives that align with the Library’s mission, strategic plan, and values of inclusive excellence, engagement, and intellectual curiosity. Serve as the primary contact for coordinating event logistics, including scheduling, set-up, vendor management, and campus liaison coordination.
• 2.) Internal and External Communications Management and Coordination Implements the Library’s communication strategy across the content lifecycle, including messaging, content creation, publishing, and analysis. Serve as a communications liaison across all library units, ensuring consistency of messaging and branding. Lead the production of major communication deliverables, including the Library's annual report and donor-related materials. Analyze user engagement data (e.g., attendance, feedback, digital analytics) to evaluate and improve communication and outreach strategies. Participates in the University Communications and Marketing (UCM) collaborative working group as needed.
• 3.) Social Media Management Manages and implements the Library’s comprehensive social media strategy. Create, curate, and schedule engaging content for multiple platforms in alignment with institutional goals and audiences. Monitor analytics and trends to optimize performance and engagement. Coordinate with staff/faculty contributors and student assistants in content development.
• 4.) Marketing and Outreach Design and produce promotional materials including flyers, digital signage, banners brochures, and branded graphics for print and digital media. Ensure all marketing content adheres to the Library’s brand identity and accessibility standards. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to amplify programming, resources, and initiatives to appropriate campus and external audiences.
• 5.) Supervision and Administrative Support Recruit, train, and supervise student staff supporting communication, events, and the Office of the University Librarian. Assist with budget tracking, vendor coordination, and documentation related to events, communication, marketing, and outreach. Manage a p-card for library communication, events, marketing, and outreach. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: Supervises student staff only.

Competencies:

• Serving Customers.
• Displaying Creativity.
• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
• Supporting Coworkers.
• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
• Driving Continuous Improvement.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time. 35 hours per week. Evening and weekend work required as needed. Work modality is hybrid (on campus 3 - 4 day per week) after probationary period, or sooner, as determined by the department director based on progress towards understanding core job functions.

Salary Range: $26.11 - $34.80 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in writing communications, donor relations, event management, or related field.
• Experience in managing short- and long-term projects, with the ability to coordinate across departmental lines, and produce products on time.
• Experience in visual and graphic design.
• Experience in managing various social media platforms.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree or equivalent.
• 2 - 4 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Highly developed project management skills, including strong written and verbal communication ability and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent organizational ability with attention to detail and strong time management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to deal with planning and coordinating several different events simultaneously.
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines to achieve results.
• Sound judgement with the ability to handle confidential information and use discretion.
• Proven organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize daily tasks without losing sight of longer-term projects.
• Ability to work within a set budget and manage the events budget across the fiscal year.
• Proficiency with word processing, design tools such as Canva, database and spreadsheet applications, and project management software.
• Creative, analytical, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with graphic design.
• Familiarity with style guidelines.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package.

Other Details:

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university. Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us:

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail].

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

American University is a student centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.