Salary : $95,000.00 - $165,000.00 Annually
Location : 814 West River Center NE, Comstock Park, MI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00743
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 11/13/2026
Closing Date: 11/29/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NU
Description Under the direction of the Library Director, the Director of Community Engagement provides strategic leadership for KDL's community engagement, marketing communications, and reputation management. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director cultivates community partnerships, enhances awareness, trust and advocacy of the Library, and ensures engagement efforts align with KDL's mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to equitable access for all residents.
Duties and Responsibilities - Provides strategic leadership for community engagement, marketing communications, , and public relations initiatives that support KDL's mission, strategic plan, and organizational goals.
- Serves as a member of the Leadership Team and participates in organizational planning, budgeting, policy development, and system-wide initiatives.
- Advises library leadership on community trends, stakeholder relationships, public perception, and issues that may affect library services and operations.
- Develops and implements strategies that increase awareness, engagement, and use of library services, programs, and resources.
- Builds and maintains relationships with community organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, businesses, elected officials, foundations, and other stakeholders.
- Identifies and develops partnerships that expand community engagement and advance organizational priorities.
- Visible and highly engaged ambassador for KDL with community groups, professional organizations, government agencies, and the media.
- Oversee integrated marketing communications efforts across print, digital, web, social media, and emerging communication channels.
- Monitors community sentiment, media coverage, social media conversations, and emerging issues that may affect public perception of KDL and develop strategies to strengthen trust and mitigate reputational risk.
- Leads communication planning and messaging during organizational issues, emergencies, service disruptions, or other situations requiring coordinated public communication.
- Ensures consistent messaging, branding, and communication standards across the organization.
- Provides strategic oversight of KDL's website and digital engagement platforms to ensure accessible, user-centered experiences.
- Leads media relations, executive communications, public awareness campaigns, and communication planning for major initiatives.
- Oversee research, surveys, community feedback, and performance measures to assess engagement efforts and inform decision-making.
- Prepares and presents reports, recommendations, and outcomes to the Library Director, Leadership Team, and Library Board.
- Directs, develops, evaluates assigned staff, and establishes departmental goals, priorities, budgets, and performance expectations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements - Bachelor's degree required preferably with a focus on communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, public administration, business administration, community development, or related field experience in public library services and operations required. Master's degree preferred.
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, community engagement, public affairs, or a related field, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience. Experience developing strategic initiatives, managing budgets, and building community partnerships required.
- Demonstrated leadership, team building, and staff development skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and achieve organizational goals.
- Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with staff, community partners, elected officials, media representatives, Library Board members, and the public. Must be comfortable networking, engaging with unfamiliar audiences, and representing the Library in public settings.
- Knowledge of marketing communications, public relations, digital engagement, and brand management principles and practices.
- Ability to think strategically, exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities, analyze data, and develop effective solutions that support organizational objectives.
- Ability to work independently under general administrative direction and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to travel between KDL locations and community meetings as required.
- Visual acuity necessary to view a computer screen and written materials.
- Hearing ability to answer telephone and inquiries from staff and patrons.
Additional Information - Generally, will work within a normal office environment, with minimal discomfort due to extreme temperatures, dust, and noise.
- Will require frequent travel between KDL locations and may include out of county travel for meetings and conferences.
- Work hours may be varied, including evenings and weekend hours.
- Occasional sitting/standing in one position for extended periods of time.
The library employment environment typically requires extensive computer keyboard and mouse activity, in-person, electronic and telephone communication skills. Meeting attendance at various branch and service center locations is expected; self-identified mode of transportation is required. The preparation, loading and carrying or moving of materials is commonly required for all KDL positions. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified.
- KDL provides library services to our local communities seven days per week.
- While this position is currently assigned to the above location, KDL reserves the right to require employees to be available for assignments at any KDL location.
Kent District Library
Full-time Employee Benefit SummaryMedical Insurance
PPO/HSA Plan - KDL pays 80% of the cost
Complimentary generic prescription drug program - KDL pays 100% of the cost
Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness & Hospitalization Plans - KDL pays 100% of the cost
24/7 Patient Advocacy Service provided to employee and their family for assistance in times of uncertainty and to save on the personal cost of healthcare services.
Dental Insurance
KDL pays 100% of the cost
Vision Insurance
KDL pays 100% of the cost
Paid Time Off
Vacation, Paid Holidays, Sick Leave and Floating Holidays
Retirement Plan
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan & 401(a) Match Plan
Student Loan Paydown Plan
Up to $3600 available to help pay down your student loans
Employee Assistance Center
24/7 assistance available to provide confidential mental health assistance
to employee at no cost
01
Do you have Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, community engagement, public affairs, or a related field, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience?
02
Please indicate your education/experience related to this role:
- Bachelors degree and experience in public libraries
- Masters degree
- None of the above
03
This is a full-time, exempt role. It requires the incumbent to be present primarily weekday business hours with flexibility required. Regular evening and occasional weekend commitments are expected to support Board meetings, community events, and organizational priorities. Are you able to work these hours?
04
What excites you about serving as Director of Community Engagement at Kent District Library, and how would your experiences help advance KDL's mission and strategic priorities?
05
Tell us about a partnership you developed that created meaningful value for the people you serve. How did you build trust, align goals, and measure success?
06
Describe a community engagement initiative you have led that strengthened relationships with the community. What was your role and what impact did it have?
07
KDL is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive organization where everyone can learn, connect, and belong. Share an example of how you have advanced belonging, inclusion, or equitable access in your work.
08
I have provided a valid email address for each person listed as a reference. References that do not have valid email addresses will not be contacted. Please note: References will not be requested unless you are asked to interview for this position. A minimum of 3 reference fee
