Job Opening: Communications Manager at the Museum for African Art
Organization Background
The Museum for African Art is the nation’s leading institution dedicated exclusively to fostering understanding and appreciation of the arts, culture and people of Africa, both past and present. Through exhibitions and publications of the highest aesthetic and scholarly merit, and engaging programs of the widest possible audience, the Museum offers the public multiple perspectives from which to appreciate African art and understand the lives of the people who create it. As the Museum for African Art approaches its 27th year and the realization of its capital campaign to construct a 90,000 square foot facility in Manhattan we are expanding our staff in preparation for the Museum’s opening in Fall 2011. Until Summer 2011, staff will continue to work from offices in Long Island City. Museum employees across all departments are dedicated, hard working professionals engaged in planning for the opening of the new building, and creating and overseeing a roster of traveling exhibitions and programming for diverse audiences. Position Summary
Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Communications Manager will lead the implementation of a communication strategy that raises awareness for the Museum for African Art, its mission, exhibitions and public programming for the inaugural year and beyond. Working closely with key senior staff members the Communications Manager will guide the positioning for public relations, online and print collateral to ensure message consistency across varying media to a broad range of stakeholders. The goal is to elevate the Museum’s position as 1) the leading presenter of African art within the cultural landscape of New York City and 2) around the world as the premier destination for dialogues about Africa African art and culture. Responsibilities
The Museum for African Art is the nation’s leading institution dedicated exclusively to fostering understanding and appreciation of the arts, culture and people of Africa, both past and present. Through exhibitions and publications of the highest aesthetic and scholarly merit, and engaging programs of the widest possible audience, the Museum offers the public multiple perspectives from which to appreciate African art and understand the lives of the people who create it. As the Museum for African Art approaches its 27th year and the realization of its capital campaign to construct a 90,000 square foot facility in Manhattan we are expanding our staff in preparation for the Museum’s opening in Fall 2011. Until Summer 2011, staff will continue to work from offices in Long Island City. Museum employees across all departments are dedicated, hard working professionals engaged in planning for the opening of the new building, and creating and overseeing a roster of traveling exhibitions and programming for diverse audiences. Position Summary
Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Communications Manager will lead the implementation of a communication strategy that raises awareness for the Museum for African Art, its mission, exhibitions and public programming for the inaugural year and beyond. Working closely with key senior staff members the Communications Manager will guide the positioning for public relations, online and print collateral to ensure message consistency across varying media to a broad range of stakeholders. The goal is to elevate the Museum’s position as 1) the leading presenter of African art within the cultural landscape of New York City and 2) around the world as the premier destination for dialogues about Africa African art and culture. Responsibilities
- Identify and prioritize communications opportunities and execute strategies to support them;
- Develop, integrate and implement of broad range of communication activities to increase awareness of the Museum;
- Engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage for Museum exhibitions, public programs, special events, public announcements and other initiatives;
- Oversee activities and develop priorities for external public relations consultant and graphic designer;
- Coach senior staff members as spokespersons for the Museum;
- Prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed;
- Lead the generation of online content;
- Coordinate webpage maintenance to ensure new and consistent information is posted regularly;
- Coordinate the overall communication strategy;
- Use social networking platforms to create momentum and awareness;
- Manage media contacts;
- Develop and refine key messages to ensure consistency;
- Identify media and policy issues that can be leveraged to support the Museum’s mission and fundraising goals;
- Serve as editor for the website;
- Respond to press inquiries about the Museum;
- Develop a budget for the annual communications plan;
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the communications strategy and plan necessary revisions or improvements to guarantee alignment with institutional goals.
Qualifications
- Degree in marketing, communications or journalism;
- Demonstrated experience in developing a comprehensive strategic communications and marketing program to advance mission and goals;
- Track record of positioning an organization to raise awareness for maximum visibility;
- 10 years experience in management or senior communications role at a nonprofit organization, preferably in a museum setting;
- Significant communications experience that includes advocacy and media relations;
- Extensive writing and editing experience;
- Commitment to work collaboratively with staff and board members;
- Demonstrated skills in relationship building and with top tier reporters, editors and successfully positioning subject matter;
- Thoughtful application of new media technologies;
- Innovative thinker;
- Stature and confidence to gain credibility and respect of peers and
- board;
- Self-starter who succeeds in a fast paced environment.
The Museum for African Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision benefits, 403b plan participation and paid annual leave.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume and to careers@africanart.org with the subject “Communications Manager.”
