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Chicago Historical Society

Public Communications Manager

Chicago Historical Society, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


JOB TITLE: Public Communications Manager

DEPARTMENT: Communications

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY :

Reporting to Vice President of Marketing and Communications, the Public Communications Manager is responsible for promoting the CHM’s collection, programs, events, exhibitions, resources, and experts to local and national media through earned media placements.

The Public Communications Manager will position CHM as a thought leader and source for expert information and resources on the history of the city of Chicago to facilitate audience and visitor growth in support of the Museum’s mission and goals.

The Public Communications Manager is responsible for building ongoing public interest and support for the Museum through community partnerships and collaborations. They will perform research and conduct outreach for speaking engagement and guest author opportunities for Museum leadership during conferences, panel discussions, webinars, blogs, etc.

To expand public and industry awareness of the achievements and innovative work created by the Museum, the Public Communications Manager will research and maintain a calendar of award opportunities and will work with internal teams on award submissions.

In addition, the Public Communications manager will partner with the Marketing Manager to develop a social media influencer strategy through outreach and relationship building that is in alignment with the earned media strategy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Media Engagement and Relations

In alignment with the communications strategy, develops and executes short and long-term public relations plans for CHM, its exhibitions, programs and offerings.Secure local and national media coverage of CHM’s exhibitions, collections, programs and events, and other initiatives.Develops plans and personalized pitching strategy to media and social media influencers for CHM initiatives.Evaluate and report on the reach and impact of media activities through regular media monitoring.Develops and handles crisis and emergency communications.

Press Resource Development

Ensure press releases and media materials are appropriate, accurate and are delivered to targeted media in a timely manner to meet editorial deadlines.Utilize media software to proactively maintain targeted media lists.Manage web-based online newsroom and digital press materials.Collaborate with communications team to ensure that media appearances are incorporated into social media, and digital calendar where appropriate.Strategic Asset Management

Develop and implement periodic media training for Museum and event spokespeople.Create resource materials for Museum leadership and spokespeople including biographies.Author media messaging and briefing talking points.Develop editorial calendars based on news cycle coordination with CHM offerings and resources.Provide on-site logistics and coordination with internal CHM staff for media interviews and media filming.Oversee and determine allocation of collection images for media request. Identify opportunities for trade when working with Museum assets, specifically image licensing with regard to media usage.Constituent Communications

Review and respond to feedback left by visitors and guests on review sites including; Yelp, Google, TripAdvisor and Facebook.In collaboration with the Editorial and Content team, develop messaging for internal staff to use for exhibitions and Museum programming.Develop boilerplate descriptive Museum language to be used for job descriptions and recruiting materials, Museum listings, and other standardized communications.REPORTS TO: Vice President of Marketing and Communications WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: This position regularly works CHM leadership, colleagues across the Museum, and sits on several cross-departmental teams. The Public Communications Manager develops and manages relationships with media representatives and editorial staff, social media influencers, and community partners.

The Museum expects all employees to contribute to and promote a positive culture and collegial atmosphere at CHM in three main ways:

Embracing the CHM’s mission to share Chicago’s stories, serving as a hub of scholarship and learning, inspiration and civic engagement.

Modeling the values that the CHM seeks in all of its staff including:

Collaboration: We honor all lived experiences, skills, and goals, weaving them into our work to collectively share stories of history and culture.

Integrity: We conduct all business and build internal and external relationships on the foundation of honesty, camaraderie, and professional fellowship.

Respect: We listen to understand, and we affirm other people’s perspectives and contributions. We show up for others and treat them as they want to be treated.

Curiosity: We invite questions and celebrate investigation, encouraging meaningful connections with history and a sense of wonder about our complex city.

Innovation: We anticipate the need to adapt and evolve, embracing new ideas that will propel the Museum to increased success.

Service: We actively cultivate a responsive and supportive culture where all people are valued and respected.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Preferred: BS or BA in Communications, Journalism, or related field

Three to five years of experience in public relations, communications, or journalism. Agency experience preferred

Ability to work with diverse departments and professionals

Superior oral and written communication including editing and proofreading

Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven projects

Understanding of social media, blogs, and digital content

Expertise in AP & Chicago Manual of Style

Experience using Meltwater preferred

Experience with Hubspot and Wordpress a plus

Belief in the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum

CHM has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy requiring COVID-19 vaccination(s) for all employees.

This decision was made in accordance with CHM's duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is as safe as possible during these uncertain times. We believe that adopting this policy safeguards the health of our employees and their families, our customers and visitors, and the community at large from infectious diseases that may be reduced by vaccinations.

To Apply: Please submit the following as a single document: cover letter and resume. Online submissions with incomplete information may not be considered. E/O/E D/V/M/F. No Phone Calls please.

This job description is not intended to be an express or implied contract between CHM and any employee. CHM employees are employees at will. CHM reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position as necessary to meet changing business needs. CHM is an equal opportunity employer