Jobs
Title: Director of Communications and Audience Development
Reports to: Jason T. Busch, Becky and Bob Alexander Director & CEO
Supervisor to: Social Media and Communications Manager
Overview
The Director of Communications and Audience Development is experienced in all facets of the internal and external strategies required to increase the reach, relevance, and revenue of the American Folk Art Museum (AFAM).
Skilled in media relations, visual communication, integrated marketing, brand strategy, public affairs, design and editorial, audience development, revenue generation, paid and earned media, and digital engagement, this role requires a patient, energetic, and empathetic leader with deep and broad experience and ability to lead the Museum and individuals to positive, on-mission outcomes.
Project management experience across teams is essential. The role will oversee completion of the new Museum website in collaboration with a contracted firm. The position also oversees the Profile and Audience Commitments in AFAM’s Strategic Plan.
Reporting directly to the Museum’s Director & CEO, this role requires a high level of professionalism, a spirit of collaboration and generosity, and a focus on ensuring that all work done is conducted at the highest possible level. The ideal candidate is a creative leader who will develop and implement new and diverse strategies to engage and expand audiences through the Museum’s national and international profile.
Key Responsibilities of the Position
– Administers and directs the strategy and all facets of marketing and public relations, including media relations, marketing, advertising, digital engagement, tourism promotion, branding, and positioning of the Museum and its leadership.
– Supervises the Social Media and Communications Manager as well as relevant external consultants.
– Acts as on-the-record spokesperson for the Museum and oversees institutional messaging.
– Leads in part or whole the meetings of the Board of Trustees to share plans and updates on media relations, marketing, branding, and digital and audience engagement initiatives and strategies.
– Manages the Audience and Profile Commitments and Action Steps of the Strategic Plan.
– Fosters relationships with and ensures timely responses and materials to journalists, advertisers, and promotional partners.
– Oversees AFAM’s media efforts by developing, managing, analyzing, and optimizing all paid amplification in both traditional and digital media.
-Manages all content on AFAM website, including exhibitions homepage, visitor information, and other pages requiring regular updates and maintenance.
-Project manages the ongoing development of a new AFAM website with a web development and design agency. Coordinates with team leaders and AFAM Staff to manage project deliverables and information flow, in addition to editing and rewriting content across the site.
-Supports Museum revenue goals with communications planning for exhibitions, programs, events, sponsorships, retail activities, and other initiatives.
– Collaborates with members of the Advancement team to support digital and traditional fundraising initiatives through strategic content planning and assisting with funding applications.
– Writes remarks, newsletters, institutional announcements, and related material on behalf of the President of the Board of Trustees and the Director & CEO.
– Develops and manages the Marketing and Communications budget in a strategic manner.
– Acts as an accessible and available senior leader to all Staff of the Museum.
– Presence at evening and weekend events and programs may be required, as needed.
Qualifications
– Bachelor’s Degree and 5-7 years of commensurate experience in communications, marketing, public affairs, and audience development, ideally in a museum, cultural and/or arts organization.
– Established relationships and network with major local, regional, national, and ideally international media and nonprofit organizations, and a record of major media placements in the arts and/or cultural sector.
– Proven track record of developing, implementing, and maintaining an effective press strategy and tactics that result in editorial coverage as well as increasing visitor attendance and/or similar metrics which demonstrate successful campaigns (e.g., marketing, digital, and social).
– Intellectual curiosity to become well-versed in AFAM’s history and development, successes, and challenges.
– Understanding of operational and infrastructure and technology needs of museums, arts, and/or cultural organizations.
– Possesses and actively develops a working knowledge of AFAM’s competitive set of artistic institutions, locally, nationally, and internationally, both current and aspirational.
– Ability to understand and lead strategies, as well as Staff and consultants, tied to marketing, branding, communications, and revenue generation, and a keen sense of events that touch the Museum internally and externally.
– Experience managing muti-faceted and diverse teams and individuals.
– Strong analytical, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
– Detail oriented and the ability to meet multiple deadlines.
The Museum anticipates a starting compensation of $100,000.00 – $125,000.00 depending on qualifications and experience.
Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@folkartmuseum.org. No phone calls, please.
The above statements of this job description contain the general duties and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. They do not claim to describe all of the functions of the position. The Employee may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions may change or be changed from time to time.
This senior management position is not eligible to be part of the UAW 2110 Union that represents many other Staff.
The American Folk Art Museum is located at 2 Lincoln Square in midtown Manhattan. The Administrative Office for the museum is in Long Island City, Queens. The position requires in-person attendance several days per week.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The American Folk Art Museum provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and any other category protected by Federal, State, and City employment law.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are vital to the success of the Museum, contributing countless hours to visitor services, education projects, administrative assignments, and special events. The Museum is always seeking energetic and committed volunteers interested in folk art and self-taught artists. While each opportunity requires specific skill sets, every qualified candidate must be dedicated, communicate effectively, possess basic computer skills—including familiarity with the internet—and have a valid email address.
To apply: Please complete the volunteer application form here.
If your skills and qualifications meet our immediate needs, you will be contacted for an interview. If not, your application will be kept on file and you will be contacted if an appropriate position becomes available. Only individuals authorized to work for the museum in the United States will be accepted into the internship program. The museum will consider expressions of interest in providing volunteer services to the museum from non-work-authorized individuals.
Internships
The Museum offers internships for college and university students, graduate students, and emerging professionals interested in museum careers. The goal of an internship is to provide practical experience as well as a general understanding of the role of an individual department within a larger museum setting. Academic internships are by semester or full year.
For general internship queries, send a résumé and cover letter to education@folkartmuseum.org, stating the departments you are interested in working in, the skills you bring, and how you hope to contribute to the department.
Fellowships
Visit the Fellowship page to learn about current opportunities.