Marketing Specialist

Whatcom County Library System; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whatcom County Library System is seeking a Marketing Specialist to support brand-consistent marketing across print and digital channels in Bellingham, WA. The role informs the public about library services and events, and advocates for the system through external communications.

The position requires an Associate degree in Marketing or Communications and 3+ years of related experience, with strong copy, editing, and social media skills. Regular hours are typically 9am–5pm on-site.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to represent the library to the public.
• Ability to follow the WCLS style guide and maintain brand consistency.
• Knowledge of marketing and advertising concepts, copy and news writing.
• Ability to conceptualize and produce print and digital promotional materials.
• Ability to operate office software and social media platforms.

Responsibilities

• In a manner consistent with brand, performs complex marketing duties to inform the public and advocate for WCLS.
• Facilitates external communication about library news, services and events.
• Serves on the Community Relations team and supports programs and special projects.
• Prepares internal communications related to community relations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Copywriting

Editing

Branding

Marketing concepts

Social media management

Project management

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Marketing or Communications

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

CRM software

Graphic design software

Job description

The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is accepting applications for a full-time Marketing Specialist position. Regular hours will take place at WCLS Administrative Services, 5205 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA

This posting will close at midnight on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

DUTIES

In a manner consistent with WCLS's brand and image, performs and assists in a variety of complex marketing duties to inform the public about library services and to inspire them to use and to advocate for WCLS; facilitates external communication about library news, services and events; serves as a member of the Community Relations team; creates certain internal communications as related to community relations; supports programs and special projects; and performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING HOURS

Average of forty (40) regular scheduled weekly hours. Typical schedule would be Monday - Friday, approximately 9am - 5pm, may include some evening and weekend hours due to special projects, events or programming. Successful candidates may be required to adapt to future schedule and/or worksite changes depending on library needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent interpersonal skills required: Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Whatcom County Library System's policies and procedures; Upholds the Whatcom County Library System's commitment to intellectual freedom, as described in the American Library Association's "Library Bill of Rights" and "Freedom to Read Statement," and the Washington Library Association's "Intellectual Freedom Statement"; Ability to act as a representative of WCLS to the public; Ability to write and edit with speed and accuracy, displaying a thorough knowledge of English language usage, grammar, and the ability to create clear, engaging, and informative text; Ability to follow WCLS Style Guide; Knowledge of principles and practices of marketing and advertising concepts, copy and news writing skills, and creating targeted marketing messages; Ability to conceptualize, design, layout, edit, and produce effective print and digital Library promotional materials and publications; Ability to be highly creative and accurately interpret staff's design and marketing needs; ability to serve as a technical expert in the area of marketing and promotion; Ability to gain a thorough understanding of the image that the Library wants to portray to the public; ability to conform to basic design standards and the Library's graphic standards as defined by the WCLS Identity Handbook; Knowledge of marketing and promotion as they pertain to creating appropriate promotional materials and basic promotional campaign plans; Basic knowledge of copyright issues as they pertain to images and materials created for print and web use; Ability to operate relevant networked computer systems, including hardware and software; Knowledge of and ability to use relevant office software, CRM software and social media platforms; Knowledge of and ability to use relevant professional graphic design and creative software, including Adobe Creative Suite; Working knowledge of how to maintain and operate office machines and equipment; Ability to effectively prioritize and multitask while paying attention to detail; Ability to effectively communicate with other staff members and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals; Ability to obtain a valid Washington Driver's License. A sense of humor. A passion to learn new things continuously. Requires the ability to speak, understand, and write English clearly and concisely. Requires an Associate degree in Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field; and three (3) or more years of related experience; Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience. Requires physical and visual ability to utilize reference sources and to manipulate equipment or materials of up to 30 pounds.

The Whatcom County Library System values diversity and inclusion and we are interested in hiring candidates that are representative of the communities and patrons we serve.

New employees are subject to a CRC (criminal records check) per RCW 43.43.832.