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Title

Director of Communications 

About the Organization Strathmore is a multidimensional creative anchor in the community, where everyone can connect with the arts and artists can explore their full potential. We present nearly 400 performances, exhibitions, and education programs annually for diverse audiences on our Montgomery County Maryland campus and throughout the community.



Based one-half mile outside the Capital Beltway in North Bethesda, Maryland, we serve the entire Washington, DC region and the state of Maryland with exceptional artistic experiences and opportunities to learn and connect. Our work is based on our mission to amplify distinctive and diverse artistic voices and curate experiences to enrich every life and shape stronger communities.



We are actively assessing how systemic inequities impact our organization's work at all levels and how best to address those inequities in a way that is consistent with our mission. This commitment is made within the broad context of Strathmore's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) goals to expand access and diversity, promote inclusion, and build equity for all. With these daily actions, Strathmore intends to become an actively anti-racist, anti-discrimination, and inclusive organization. You can read more about Strathmore on our website, including information about our mission and values.


 
Position Director of Communications  
Open Date 11/18/2022  
Close Date 2/28/2023  
Description

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The Director of Communications drives strategic messaging and storytelling for the institution through a variety of channels. The Director helps to bring life to important aspects of the institution’s work—distilling complex information and framing initiatives in a way that facilitates understanding and broadens awareness and around key ideas. This position will pay particular attention to bringing light to education programs, community engagement, artist development, and major artistic initiatives. Through skillful content creation and expert oversight of print and digital platforms, the Director will strengthen the institution’s image and build meaningful connection with the public. The Director will also utilize earned media channels to further the brand—developing strong relationships with members of the media, writing, and distributing press materials regularly, pitching stories, preparing staff for interviews, and advising on messaging. The Director of Communications is a leadership member of the Communications & Marketing team, reporting to the Vice President of Communications & Marketing and overseeing the work of other team members.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to:

 

Brand Management and Storytelling (50%)

  • Promote a positive and intentional public image for Strathmore, carefully weaving together programming and storytelling to shape awareness of the institution.
  • Provide strategic direction to the institution around message prioritization, framing, and communications strategy.
  • Drive institutional voice and messaging and the use of brand components and ensure consistent use of language and style.
  • Provide oversight, story ideas, and content for a variety of channels including Strathmore’s printed newsletter, our enews, website, social media, and more.
  • Oversee a broad strategy for Strathmore and its sub-brands on important social channels and drive our strategic use of video and multimedia.
  • Prepare well-researched institutional or leadership statements in response to important initiatives, crises, or national conversations.
  • Participate in discussions about institutional strategy, programming, and partnerships with a comms and brand management perspective.
  • Liaise with the Advancement team on fundraising messaging to strengthen major public appeals and develop consistent and meaningful approaches to building support.
  • Guide all spokespeople and content contributors in the institution on messaging priorities and language to ensure consistency and potency of our words.

 

Media Relations (40%)

  • Serve as the main contact for national and local media for Strathmore-presented events and priorities, which include Music Center concerts, Mansion and AMP performances, exhibitions, education programs, and other initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with key members of the press and keep up with changes to the local and national arts media landscape.
  • Develop press strategy, PR calendar, and story pitches in coordination with overall Strathmore and specific Marketing and Communications department goals and objectives.
  • Coordinate media interviews, live web chats, photo opportunities, and TV and radio appearances.
  • Meet and take care of covering press at Strathmore presented events and programs.
  • Write and distribute press releases, calendars, and media advisories.
  • Pitch stories to appropriate media with the goal of gaining the most positive exposure for Strathmore programs and events.
  • Update institution’s press contact list as necessary.
  • Collect and maintain Strathmore’s press clip files and archives.

 

General Duties (10%)

  • Attend weekly marketing meetings and provide input into marketing and communications strategy, goals, and objectives.
  • Edit & improve Strathmore materials.
  • Book and manage photographers and videographers and guide their work.
  • Cover Strathmore events and festivals in rotation with other staff.
  • Help to set Customer Service strategies for the institution to align with brand goals.
  • Provide yearly budget request for Communications.
  • Supervise Social Media Manager and freelance writers and designers.
  • Oversee and guide all staff in tasks related to Communications.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends.

 

ACCOUNTABILITIES
Satisfactory completion of this job will include:

  • Successfully driving communications strategy for the institution
  • Generating positive media for Strathmore
  • Appropriate handling of negative press
  • Thoughtful storytelling in a variety of channels that helps the public or specific audiences better understand Strathmore & its work
  • Building and maintaining good working relationships with media, partners, and colleagues
  • Maintaining a deep knowledge of Strathmore’s work – particularly in the areas of education and community engagement
  • Ensuring positive momentum and effective strategy on Strathmore’s social channels
  • Providing clear, detailed, supportive oversight to key staff members and contractors
  • Keeping excellent records of press clips for future use
 
Position Requirements

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

  • Employs superior written and verbal communication skills
  • Displays excellent leadership skills and comfort with managing complex cross-departmental projects
  • Exhibits creativity in approach and is willing to try new things
  • Stays in tune with arts media coverage and the work of our peers and other leaders in the arts
  • Successfully manages multiple demands, prioritizing and problem solving to make the best use of time and space
  • Creates effective, error-free work
  • Manages time effectively
  • Displays a high degree of dependability
  • Contributes ideas to improve Strathmore’s work and public image

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum 7-10 years of experience in communications
  • BA or equivalent certification
  • Familiarity with DC media
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to process complex information and extract core messages and takeaways
  • Experience with oversight of social platforms including Facebook and Instagram
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Experience with Photoshop, web content management software (Umbraco specifically), Tessitura CRM, or email automation software is a plus

Desire to grow, learn, and contribute to a team

 
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt  
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time  
Salary This is an exempt, salaried position. Salary is commensurate with experience, in the range of $70,000-80,000 annually with a competitive benefits package.  
Location Strathmore  
EOE Statement Strathmore is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, Strathmore provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, genetic status or information, military or veteran status or status in any status protected by federal, state, or local law.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Strathmore will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under any circumstances.

We are eager to cultivate a broad and inclusive field of applicants. Strathmore is committed to building a diverse community of staff, volunteers, and interns. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.  

This position is currently not accepting applications.

To search for an open position, please go to http://StrathmoreHallFoundationInc.appone.com



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