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.

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

Assist in the development and execution of the museum’s earned media strategy, including driving press coverage, writing and editing press releases and media advisories, overseeing filmings and photo shoots, developing relationships with relevant members of the press and managing media inquiries, collaborating with colleagues across the museum, and serving as the departmental administrator.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Press management: Lead press strategy for select exhibitions. Write, edit, and proofread museum press materials, including but not limited to press releases, pitch letters, media advisories, and fact sheets. Fulfill media requests for information, images, access to exhibitions, interviews, and general museum activities.

Filmings and Image Requests: Evaluate filming and photo shoot requests, and coordinate execution with internal departments, including security, physical plant, and other relevant museum departments. Supervise film crews and photo shoots, often before or after museum hours. Create and maintain online press rooms and image banks.

Media tracking and administration: Managing media monitoring system to identify ongoing press coverage of museum exhibitions, leadership, and key strategic issues. Capture, share, and archive digital files of all press coverage of the museum. Compile and write exhibition and museum media highlights for a diverse range of internal stakeholders. Manage initiation, renewal, and account processes for all public affairs subscriptions to print and digital press outlets. Send media invitations, access coordination, and participation in museum activities including but not limited to public affairs, membership, development, and special external events.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. or equivalent experience required
• One year public affairs experience preferred
• Strong 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.
• Have a demonstrated interest in the visual arts.
• Pay close attention to details, but 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.

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.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• 5+ weeks of 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

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Vaccination Expectation

Becoming vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 is the most important contribution we as individuals can make to ensure our own safety and the safety of our museum and school community. All employees must complete an attestation and provide proof of their vaccination and booster status, or request a medical or religious exemption within the first week of employment.

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.