Communications and Publications Associate - JR26321-3800

at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

• Implements the marketing of Museum exhibitions and programs, as well as symposia, lectures, tours, artist talks, and other recurring museum events to campus and public audiences. Creates and oversees mailing schedules, enforces timelines and deadlines, reviews plans to ensure target audiences are adequately addressed, and researches new marketing outlets and contacts. Works with the Director, Deputy Director, museum curators, and education staff to produce both written and visual content for these marketing pieces. Gathers information and other resources as needed, drafts and revises all written content.
• Drafts and sends press releases for key announcements related to Museum exhibitions, programs, hiring and other special initiatives. Works closely with Director, Deputy Director, and external contacts as needed to coordinate messaging and timing for announcements. Actively seeks outlets for press coverage and works with Deputy Director to identify relevant press opportunities for Museum updates.
• Coordinates the design, production, and distribution of standard marketing pieces, including the Museum's quarterly calendar, invitations, postcards, brochures, guides, and flyers. Updates and/or revises design templates and occasionally work with staff and graphic design vendors to create new templates for special projects.
• Works closely with education and curatorial staff to format exhibition and special project wall labels and vinyl graphics. Coordinates production and installation with vendor.
• Manages relationships with design, printing, and mail house vendors, including communicating the Museum's marketing priorities and graphic identity needs, securing and reviewing necessary price quotes, sending jobs to print, and ensuring timely delivery.
• With Deputy Director, reviews and updates Museum's institutional style guide as needed.
• Coordinates photographer, videographer, and/or press for the Museum's exhibition or program events.
• Collects and organizes photographs of events and exhibitions.
• Collects and organizes data from visitor services and education team about attendance and other assessment of events and programs.
• Collaborates with relevant staff to produce annual impact report for museum.
• Manages production of Smart publications, including exhibition catalogues, and other published materials as needed. Works with publishers and vendors to manage extensive production timelines. Collaborates with internal staff and external partners to ensure all publications content is finalized and delivered according to schedule. Supports the distribution of Smart publications internally and with UChicago Press.
• Partners with director's office and development to produce updated staff and Board of Governors handbooks and business cards for team.
• Maintains and updates the Museum's website. Coordinates website needs with University communications office as needed.
• Creates content for and manages all of the Smart's social media platforms, creating a schedule of regular posts customized for each platform.
• Ensures all outlets representing the Smart are updated and include timely graphics and messaging, including digital screens on campus, located in Smart's entrances, neighboring courtyard, and parking garage.
• Plans, develops and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction.
• Accomplishes assigned duties through two or more of the following: written communications; visual/graphic media, which may include Web site development and maintenance; speeches and personal contact. The incumbent is still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills.
• Performs other related work as needed.

• An undergraduate degree in communications or a related field from an accredited college or university.

• Three years of experience working in marketing and/or communications.
• Prior experience working in an art museum or gallery.
• Background developing brands, public relations, and building audiences for the arts and/or University campus programs.
• Writing press releases, pitching media, and communications crisis management.
• Administrative and project management experience.

• Computer proficiency, including graphic design (Adobe InDesign and/or Canva), web administration (Squarespace and CSS/HTML), email applications (MailChimp), and social media management (Facebook, Instagram).
• General knowledge of patron marketing strategy, campaign execution, branding, website development, social media, and email campaign strategies.
• Intermediate graphic design skills (Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva) to aid in the creation of visual communications.
• Understanding and capacity to manage printed collateral, signage, and promotional materials.
• Open to learning new technologies and marketing software applications.

• Clear, effective, and tactful oral and written communication and editing skills.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills.
• Work on multiple tasks simultaneously, within deadlines and allocated budget.
• Contribute ideas and creative solutions to increase brand awareness, digital engagement, and visibility among target audiences.
• Work and coordinate tasks and projects with vendors, service providers, and staff.
• Solid understanding of marketing and branding best practices, follow established brand guidelines, and create unified pieces that reflect the museum's brand and voice.
• Artistic and detailed oriented.
• Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Work in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Work independently, flexible, and manage multiple priorities.

• Considerable stationary office work, including using computers for 6 to 8 hours daily.
• Work a flexible schedule.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)