Communications Director

The Communications Director is the voice for the Bemis Center brand. This role requires creativity and strategy to develop and promote messaging that communicates the mission and values of this artist-centric nonprofit and its role in the local, national, and international arts communities. The Communications Director will have the opportunity to imagine and implement innovative marketing strategies to build engagement, awareness, and support for Bemis Center programming. This position is responsible for developing and managing organization-wide communication plans for all Bemis initiatives, cultivating and stewarding relationships, and working with local media and community partners. The Communications Director leads all Bemis Center marketing and communication efforts, works collaboratively across all departments, and manages Bemis’s Community Experience and Engagement Manager. The position reports directly to the Executive Director.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

• Develop and implement strategic communications plan including local and national partnerships to share the organization’s mission, engage audiences, and garner support for Bemis programs.

• Create and execute high-level strategies to present a clear, consistent message that effectively promotes Bemis Center’s story.

• Manage Bemis’s brand consistency across all print and digital marketing materials and channels.

• Direct the strategy and development of content for all Bemis Center electronic communications and online presence including website, email, and social media.

• Establish strong relationships with local and national media, create and disseminate press releases, and serve as media liaison for the organization.

• Manage the design and production of all printed materials, including exhibition and residency brochures; promotional mailings; membership brochures; and all support materials for the Bemis Center’s annual Benefit Art Auction.

• Guide the relaunch of Bemis’s quarterly journal, Time + Space

• Lead and manage cross-departmental communications to effectively and efficiently advance communication efforts internally and externally.

• Establish internal systems to collect, manage, evaluate, and report on audience demographics and feedback in order to help guide short- and long-term strategies on communicating mission impact and relevance.

• Develop and manage annual communications budget including negotiating contracts with related vendors.

• Manage, inspire, and mentor a full-time Community Experience and Engagement Manager, full-time Communications Assistant, and department interns (as needed).

REQUIREMENTS

• A genuine interest in brand management that permeates through personality, thinking, relationships, interacting with stakeholders, storytelling, and implementing strategy

• Ability to tailor communications to effectively connect with diverse audiences

• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, supervisory, and organizational skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities simultaneously and navigate complex situations, helping to resolve ambiguity 

• Demonstrated experience envisioning and implementing organization-wide communications/marketing plans

• Understand and promote Bemis Center’s mission in a clear, spirited manner

• Good listener who includes and engages others and can modify their approach to any particular audience

• Flawless command of written language and an editor’s attention to detail

• Outstanding verbal communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including Board Members, strategic partners, media, and the public

• Strong command of digital and traditional media platforms and media trends

• Informed aesthetic sensibility regarding print and digital design

• A keen eye for detail, tone, and style

• Creative and strategic thinker with the capacity to take initiative and to work independently and as a team player in a fun, yet demanding arts organization

• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat), social media, and online/digital communication platforms required (experience with open source web hosting, Ticketleap, Mailchimp preferred)

• Knowledge of SEO (search engine optimization) and online analytic tools

• Must be able to respond to fast-paced social media environments and to evolving conversations online in real-time

• Ability to have a flexible work schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends

• Minimum 5 years experience as a communications professional, preferably in an arts organization or other nonprofit organization

• Photography and intermediate-level video production/editing skills are desirable

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field

• A successful reference check

COMPENSATION
The starting salary range for this position is $70,000–$80,000. Hard and soft benefits provided include the following: 

• 100% employer paid $15,000 life and accidental death/dismemberment insurance

• 50% employer paid health and dental insurance

• Accrued PTO and “Flex” time

• 12 paid holidays including a floating holiday and a paid two week year-end winter break 

• Flexible working schedule and ability to work from home on occasion  

• Pet-friendly office environment 

• Access and use (when available) of Bemis’s facilities, including tools, equipment, and fabrication spaces

• Memberships + discounts with partner organizations

• Fun team building and bonding activities 

• Exposure to a constant influx of diverse artists, ideas, and forms of creative expression

• Work directly with art + artists, helping them realize their vision and goals 
   

For immediate consideration, please submit a one-page cover letter, resume, a brief writing sample, and the contact information for three professional references to jobs@bemiscenter.org with “Communications Director” in the subject line.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.