Director Communications

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The Director of Communications drives strategic messaging and storytelling for the institution through a variety of channels. The Director helps to bring life to important aspects of the institution’s work—distilling complex information and framing initiatives in a way that facilitates understanding and broadens awareness and around key ideas. This position will pay particular attention to bringing light to education programs, community engagement, artist development, and major artistic initiatives. Through skillful content creation and expert oversight of print and digital platforms, the Director will strengthen the institution’s image and build meaningful connection with the public. The Director will also utilize earned media channels to further the brand—developing strong relationships with members of the media, writing, and distributing press materials regularly, pitching stories, preparing staff for interviews, and advising on messaging. The Director of Communications is a leadership member of the Communications & Marketing team, reporting to the Vice President of Communications & Marketing and overseeing the work of other team members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to:

Brand Management and Storytelling (50%)

• Promote a positive and intentional public image for Strathmore, carefully weaving together programming and storytelling to shape awareness of the institution.
• Provide strategic direction to the institution around message prioritization, framing, and communications strategy.
• Drive institutional voice and messaging and the use of brand components and ensure consistent use of language and style.
• Provide oversight, story ideas, and content for a variety of channels including Strathmore’s printed newsletter, our enews, website, social media, and more.
• Oversee a broad strategy for Strathmore and its sub-brands on important social channels and drive our strategic use of video and multimedia.
• Prepare well-researched institutional or leadership statements in response to important initiatives, crises, or national conversations.
• Participate in discussions about institutional strategy, programming, and partnerships with a comms and brand management perspective.
• Liaise with the Advancement team on fundraising messaging to strengthen major public appeals and develop consistent and meaningful approaches to building support.
• Guide all spokespeople and content contributors in the institution on messaging priorities and language to ensure consistency and potency of our words.

Media Relations (40%)

• Serve as the main contact for national and local media for Strathmore-presented events and priorities, which include Music Center concerts, Mansion and AMP performances, exhibitions, education programs, and other initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with key members of the press and keep up with changes to the local and national arts media landscape.
• Develop press strategy, PR calendar, and story pitches in coordination with overall Strathmore and specific Marketing and Communications department goals and objectives.
• Coordinate media interviews, live web chats, photo opportunities, and TV and radio appearances.
• Meet and take care of covering press at Strathmore presented events and programs.
• Write and distribute press releases, calendars, and media advisories.
• Pitch stories to appropriate media with the goal of gaining the most positive exposure for Strathmore programs and events.
• Update institution’s press contact list as necessary.
• Collect and maintain Strathmore’s press clip files and archives.

General Duties (10%)

• Attend weekly marketing meetings and provide input into marketing and communications strategy, goals, and objectives.
• Edit & improve Strathmore materials.
• Book and manage photographers and videographers and guide their work.
• Cover Strathmore events and festivals in rotation with other staff.
• Help to set Customer Service strategies for the institution to align with brand goals.
• Provide yearly budget request for Communications.
• Supervise Social Media Manager and freelance writers and designers.
• Oversee and guide all staff in tasks related to Communications.
• Other duties as assigned.

40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends.

Compensation

$70,000-80,000 annually with a competitive benefits package.

Visit https://www.strathmore.org/about-us/employment-internship-and-volunteer-opportunities/employment-opportunities/ for more information.