Director of Communications - ART - Non-Profit - Phifer & Company : Job Details

Director of Communications

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Communications plays a pivotal role in shaping and elevating the regional, national, and international image of the Art Institute. This executive-level position leads a comprehensive communications strategy encompassing public relations, marketing, institutional messaging, digital platforms, print production, graphic design, and audience development. The Communications Office is responsible for cultivating public awareness, sustaining brand integrity, and engaging diverse constituencies through compelling and consistent messaging.

Strategic Communications & Brand Stewardship

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan to build public interest and support for the Art Institute's mission and programs.
• Position the Art Institute as a thought leader in the museum and research fields through strategic media outreach and expert commentary.
• Oversee all ephemeral publications and ensure alignment with brand standards, visual identity, and institutional aesthetics.
• Serve as editorial lead for institutional messaging across all key publications and platforms.

Media Relations & Public Engagement

• Cultivate relationships with national and international media to secure high-quality coverage across print, broadcast, and digital channels.
• Act as a spokesperson and ambassador, representing the Art Institute in civic, cultural, and tourism-related organizations.
• Advise the CEO on publicity opportunities, emerging trends, and strategic positioning within the museum field.
• Lead emergency communications and serve as an active member of the Art Institute's emergency response team.

Departmental Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage staff across public relations, marketing, graphic design, and web functions; oversee relationships with external contractors.
• Mentor and support professional development of Communications Department team members.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally to ensure excellence and consistency in all written and visual communications.
• Participate in senior leadership groups to provide strategic input on institutional messaging and public-facing initiatives.

Digital Strategy & Innovation

• Oversee all digital communications, including advertising, website content, and social media platforms.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and advise on adoption of new communication tools and platforms.
• Ensure editorial quality and brand consistency across all digital and print communications.

Tourism & Community Engagement

• Promote travel and tourism initiatives to enhance audience development and regional visibility.
• Partner with cultural venues, hospitality providers, civic leaders, and tourism organizations to advance collaborative marketing efforts.
• Represent the Art Institute on boards and committees of community organizations as appropriate.

• Develop and manage departmental budgets for marketing and communications.
• Ensure operational efficiency and alignment with institutional goals.
• Maintain high editorial standards and oversee quality control for all outgoing communications.

Required Experience & Skills

• Proven leadership in communications, marketing, or public relations within cultural, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in media relations and brand management.
• Strong editorial judgment and attention to detail.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and external vendors.

Personal Characteristics

• Strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset.
• High integrity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in communications and public engagement.
• Ability to thrive in a collegial, fast-paced, and interdependent environment.