Associate Director, Public Affairs

Associate Director, Public Affairs

Marketing and Communications

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

Part of the External Affairs division, the Marketing and Communications department is responsible for generating attendance and engagement through the development and implementation of a fully integrated marketing, Public Affairs, communications, and partnership plan, as well as strategic oversight of the museum’s brand.

The Public Affairs team is specifically focused on developing and executing the museum’s press strategy, which generates positive awareness of the museum, maximizes earned media, oversees crisis communications, and elevates the museum’s brand.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Responsible for driving media coverage through the development and implementation of the museum’s earned media strategy for major exhibitions and other museum projects and initiatives. Owns media measurement and reporting and serves as a departmental specialist on a variety of museum issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Press management:

Lead press strategy for major exhibitions and garner coverage in local, national, and international media outlets. Research exhibitions and write and edit museum press materials, including but not limited to press releases, pitch letters, media advisories, interview preparation, and fact sheets. Develop media relationships and manage requests for, and staff as needed, photo shoots and filmings, images, access to exhibitions, interviews, and other activities. Meet or exceed metrics related to press coverage.

Measurement and Tracking:

Establish and implement a measurement system for monitoring growth and progress of our press strategy. Build metrics to track exhibition coverage and success of outreach accordingly, and monitor and track thought leadership in specific topic areas. Partner with the Executive Director on quarterly reports, with support from Public Affairs Manager.

Communications specialist:

Become the department’s expert on a variety of museum issues. Collaborating with stakeholders across the museum, develop a deep, nuanced understanding of the history of the issue, the museum’s position, and other related context. Assess all media requests on the subject and advise leadership on proposed responses and direction. Assist with the execution of crisis response and be able to exercise discretion while working on confidential employment and labor topics.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 90% of the time.
• Occasionally moves about the office to access office machinery, around the building to attend meetings, and into the galleries.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. or equivalent experience required
• 5+ years Public Affairs or related experience preferred
• Expert interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to write and edit
• Ability to multitask, problem solve, and work on tight deadlines
• Desire to work in a mission-driven organization committed to equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
• The successful candidate should:
  • Be proactive, organized, results-oriented, and a strategic thinker with an enthusiasm for learning new things.
  • Be calm under pressure and comfortable managing confidential employment and labor information.
  • Have a demonstrated interest in the visual arts.
  • Pay close attention to details, and be able to see how efforts fit in the big picture.
  • Be a team player willing to pitch in wherever help is needed.
  • Be willing to work some late evenings and weekends.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.

Salary Grade 8

Benefits
We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions
• Want to stay abreast of the latest job openings at the Art Institute and the School of the Art Institute? Sign up for our Employment Opportunities E-announcements.

Closing Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.