Studio Museum in Harlem
Director of Media & Communications
Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, New York, us, 10261
About Our Organization
Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.
Job Summary
The Director of Media & Communications is a highly motivated professional responsible for planning and executing communications activities that enhance the Studio Museum in Harlem's visibility and credibility among diverse local, national, and global audiences. This role supports the Museum's revenue and audience goals while strategically advancing its brand. Reporting to the Chief Advancement & External Affairs Officer, the Director oversees the development of a comprehensive, integrated press strategy leading up to the opening of the Museum's new building in fall 2025.
Key responsibilities include managing day-to-day media relations, social media, digital strategy, and departmental and institutional writing. This position oversees a team of four direct reports: the Associate Director of Digital Marketing & Communications, Writer/Press Officer, Senior Graphic Designer, and Senior Coordinator of Digital Content and Social Media.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Work closely with the Museum's outside PR firm on planning, strategy, and execution of the Museum's PR initiatives including news releases, media interviews, tours by press, photo ops, and press events; selectively pitch and shape Museum coverage. Serve as Museum spokesperson and/or consult with other key spokespeople, including but not limited to Director and Chief Curator, in response to media inquiries; consult with other staff as needed to plan public relations strategies for programs and initiatives. Prepare the Director and Chief Curator and other spokespersons for media opportunities and presentations by providing key messaging, talking points, and background information, conducting briefing sessions, to ensure clear and effective communication aligned with organizational goals. Supervise the Writer/Press Officer with regard to the drafting and editing of speeches for Director and Chief Curator, as well as other writing projects. Oversee creation of media coverage reports for staff on a monthly basis, and Board on a quarterly basis. In partnership with the Associate Director, Digital Marketing & Communications, oversee strategy and planning of the Museum's digital media initiatives, including the Museum's website, exhibition or project-specific websites, social media, electronic communication, and video production. Responsible for strategizing, implementing, and monitoring the Museum's image, content and brand; oversee the production of high-quality written and visual content for promotional materials, website updates, social media, digital signage, didactics, newsletters, and other materials to engage audiences and boost brand recognition. Collaborate with Museum colleagues to strategize and execute clear and meaningful internal communication. Collaborate closely with Director of Marketing to ensure coordination of and consistency between communications and marketing plans. Implement and ensure adherence to the Museum's style guidelines across the organization. Manage Communications staff and external consultants. Oversee strategic planning and the day-to-day operations of the department; create, track and manage departmental budget. Other duties as assigned. Skills and Qualifications
Knowledge of event promotion, public relations, and community engagement strategies. Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies, ideally in non-profit, museum, or cultural institution settings. Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work within budget constraints. Agile, demonstrating a comfort level with ambiguity by acting/reacting with flexibility and approaches problems from different perspectives with a solution orientation. Strong interpersonal skills to foster effective working relationships at all levels. Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance, and professional growth. Sophisticated visual aesthetic appropriate to an art museum setting. Superb poise and communications, presentation and public speaking skills. Superior writing and editing skills, with a strong sense of narrative and storytelling. Ability to work collaboratively and cross-departmentally in a high volume, fast-paced environment. Ability to respond quickly to unexpected challenges and shifting priorities. Interest in and familiarity with global contemporary art and/or African - American art preferred. Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in related field required. Prior experience working with and building relationships with journalists and/or other members of the media required. 3+ years supervisory experience or team management. Physical Demands
This position does not have any physical demands.
Work Environment
This position is an exempt position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week and/or on weekends. Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present. Building Accessibility - office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.
Compensation
$120,000 - $130,000 annually
Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.
Application Instructions
Please upload your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.
Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.
The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.
Job Summary
The Director of Media & Communications is a highly motivated professional responsible for planning and executing communications activities that enhance the Studio Museum in Harlem's visibility and credibility among diverse local, national, and global audiences. This role supports the Museum's revenue and audience goals while strategically advancing its brand. Reporting to the Chief Advancement & External Affairs Officer, the Director oversees the development of a comprehensive, integrated press strategy leading up to the opening of the Museum's new building in fall 2025.
Key responsibilities include managing day-to-day media relations, social media, digital strategy, and departmental and institutional writing. This position oversees a team of four direct reports: the Associate Director of Digital Marketing & Communications, Writer/Press Officer, Senior Graphic Designer, and Senior Coordinator of Digital Content and Social Media.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Work closely with the Museum's outside PR firm on planning, strategy, and execution of the Museum's PR initiatives including news releases, media interviews, tours by press, photo ops, and press events; selectively pitch and shape Museum coverage. Serve as Museum spokesperson and/or consult with other key spokespeople, including but not limited to Director and Chief Curator, in response to media inquiries; consult with other staff as needed to plan public relations strategies for programs and initiatives. Prepare the Director and Chief Curator and other spokespersons for media opportunities and presentations by providing key messaging, talking points, and background information, conducting briefing sessions, to ensure clear and effective communication aligned with organizational goals. Supervise the Writer/Press Officer with regard to the drafting and editing of speeches for Director and Chief Curator, as well as other writing projects. Oversee creation of media coverage reports for staff on a monthly basis, and Board on a quarterly basis. In partnership with the Associate Director, Digital Marketing & Communications, oversee strategy and planning of the Museum's digital media initiatives, including the Museum's website, exhibition or project-specific websites, social media, electronic communication, and video production. Responsible for strategizing, implementing, and monitoring the Museum's image, content and brand; oversee the production of high-quality written and visual content for promotional materials, website updates, social media, digital signage, didactics, newsletters, and other materials to engage audiences and boost brand recognition. Collaborate with Museum colleagues to strategize and execute clear and meaningful internal communication. Collaborate closely with Director of Marketing to ensure coordination of and consistency between communications and marketing plans. Implement and ensure adherence to the Museum's style guidelines across the organization. Manage Communications staff and external consultants. Oversee strategic planning and the day-to-day operations of the department; create, track and manage departmental budget. Other duties as assigned. Skills and Qualifications
Knowledge of event promotion, public relations, and community engagement strategies. Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies, ideally in non-profit, museum, or cultural institution settings. Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work within budget constraints. Agile, demonstrating a comfort level with ambiguity by acting/reacting with flexibility and approaches problems from different perspectives with a solution orientation. Strong interpersonal skills to foster effective working relationships at all levels. Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance, and professional growth. Sophisticated visual aesthetic appropriate to an art museum setting. Superb poise and communications, presentation and public speaking skills. Superior writing and editing skills, with a strong sense of narrative and storytelling. Ability to work collaboratively and cross-departmentally in a high volume, fast-paced environment. Ability to respond quickly to unexpected challenges and shifting priorities. Interest in and familiarity with global contemporary art and/or African - American art preferred. Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in related field required. Prior experience working with and building relationships with journalists and/or other members of the media required. 3+ years supervisory experience or team management. Physical Demands
This position does not have any physical demands.
Work Environment
This position is an exempt position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week and/or on weekends. Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present. Building Accessibility - office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.
Compensation
$120,000 - $130,000 annually
Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.
Application Instructions
Please upload your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.
Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.
The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.