Position Title: Director of Communications
Department: Communications + Marketing
Reports to: Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
Position Status: Full Time, Salaried, Exempt
Overview: The Director of Communications develops and executes communications activities to enhance awareness and visibility of the ICA among a broad range of local and national audiences. The Director works collaboratively across the museum to identify, plan, and implement cross-platform communications strategies to advance institutional objectives and goals. The Director of Communications reports to the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer (CCMO) and is responsible for the development of a comprehensive public relations plan, managing day-to-day relationships with the media, social media, and developing departmental and institutional writing. This position oversees the Communications Coordinator and the Marketing Associate, Content and Digital, to collectively effectuate greater audience development and awareness of ICA’s exhibitions, programs, and activities.
The Director of Communications contributes to a culture of collaboration, community, and respect while embodying the principles of ICA’s Quality of Service and centers the work of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging in all areas of their work.
WORKING AT THE ICA:
- All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within commuting distance from our Seaport location as of the first day of work.
- The ICA offers the flexibility of a hybrid work week, which averages three days a week onsite for employees who are eligible to work remotely (subject to change, and at managers discretion).
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute strategic communications campaigns across PR and social media to increase visibility and public awareness of the ICA and its activities (e.g., exhibitions, performances, programs, acquisitions, events, leadership profiles)
- Write, proof, and copyedit press materials, pitch letters, social media posts, and other promotional content; proactively reach out to and follow up with press and social media influencers; respond to media inquiries; manage relations with artists and institutional partners.
- Provide media relations counsel to the museum director, leadership, and colleagues, including talking points, FAQ, and guidance on crisis management.
- Manage and train the Communications Coordinator and public relations consultants to augment ICA coverage and output, reviewing and editing press materials, and ensuring adherence to institutional promotional strategies, talking points, and best practices
- Maintain and build professional relationships with the press, media, and social media influencers.
- Oversee the maintenance and build effective contact lists of international, national, regional, and local press and social media influencers.
- Working with the communications team, fulfill media requests and coordinate requested additional media needs, including scheduling interviews, TV and photo shoots, escorting photographers, sending requested images, and providing appropriate information.
- Develop, produce, and execute press previews and other special events for the media and influencers; hire photographers; coordinate with Marketing, Special Events, and other ICA staff as needed.
- Working with Marketing and Communications colleagues, share reports on ICA coverage with ICA colleagues and leadership; monitor, track, and archive ICA media coverage.
- Write copy, proof, and project manage a variety of institutional communications projects, including annual reports and other publications as needed, ensuring accuracy and adherence to ICA style and brand.
- Produce or oversee production of compelling content (text, interviews, images, videos) about all aspects of the ICA, including exhibitions, the collection, programs, performances, donors, members, and staff, to engage audiences and increase online engagement and followers
- Collaborate across the institution to develop, coordinate, and assess initiatives for onsite engagement with ICA content (onsite videos, brochures, etc.) to enhance the visitor experience
- Supervise Marketing Associate, Content and Digital in the development, maintenance, and growth of ICA social media and other digital platforms as relevant; collaborate with institutional partners and influencers; track and analyze performance to increase engagement and followers.
- Supervise the Marketing Associate, Content and Digital in developing and executing content ideas across social media, eNews, and other platforms as relevant, ensuring adherence to ICA brand, voice, and messaging.
- Collaborate with CCMO and Senior Marketing Manager on campaign ideas and the intersection of digital content with marketing initiatives and goals.
- Manage the strategy, calendar, and workflow system for social media, collaborating with the CCMO, Senior Marketing Manager, and Marketing Associate to identify key messages, create compelling content that aligns with marketing goals, and maintain clear, effective, and on-brand communications.
- Work with Marketing and Communications colleagues to manage ICA image and video needs, hiring photographers/videographers as needed, and working with galleries/artists to establish reproduction rights across all communication platforms, including advertising, web, magazine, and editorial opportunities.
- Oversee partnership for Bloomberg Connects: Develop and execute strategies for onsite visibility and engagement with the content; ensure ICA information and content is uploaded and accurate; track and assess audience usage and engagement, implementing changes and improvements accordingly; keep on top of trends in onsite mobile experiences to drive further development.
- Working with the CCMO and other Marketing and Communications colleagues, track and manage relevant marketing budget line items (e.g., photography, video, consultants, events, travel, and entertainment for media visits)
- Other duties as assigned
- Occasional weekend and evening hours as needed to facilitate media, special events, and content production requests.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, or other relevant areas, with a minimum of 7 years of related Communications experience.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral.
- Strong, established relationships with media organizations, reporters, and editors; familiarity with deadlines and news cycles.
- Strategic thinker with experience in leveraging institutional goals through communications platforms.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, often under tight deadlines.
- Knowledge of and interest in contemporary art and culture.
- Candidates should be prepared with a portfolio of writing samples, including press releases and relevant news stories.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of remaining stationary working on a computer, or standing during events, photo shoots, and media coverage.
- Possess mobility to work in an office setting and use office equipment; move throughout museum, in the gallery spaces to work with media outlets, and travel between different building locations.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
- Ability to see, listen and talk for extended periods in person, over the telephone and computer to exchange accurate information with departments, vendors, staff, media and other constituents, and to understand printed materials
This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of position-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While the above is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.
The ICA offers an excellent benefit package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, disability/life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement plan, and paid time off.
Starting Salary: $115,000.00 Annual
Starting compensation is based on meeting minimum qualifications.
Each ICA position has a job grade based on the position’s evaluated job responsibilities, required education and experience, needed skills to perform the job, and professional knowledge.
The position’s grade and respective compensation range is determined by the position’s overall responsibilities, including decision making, supervisory/management requirements, resource management and budgeting duties.
Compensation is ultimately determined by the scope of the position and responsibilities, the candidate’s relevant experience, and internal equity, with starting salaries typically falling in the lower half of the compensation range.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to jobs@icaboston.org. When applying, please include “Director of Communications” in the subject line.
The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, and is accessible by public transportation (Red and Silver Line).
Other Locations:
Seaport Studio
100 Pier 4 Blvd, Second Floor
Boston, MA 02210
ICA Watershed
256 Marginal Street
Boston, MA 02128
The ICA values building a pluralistic workforce to foster a culture of collaboration, community and respect. We are committed to hiring talented, creative and qualified candidates from all backgrounds.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the ICA is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are dedicated to fair employment practices for all individuals, adhering to all non-discrimination laws. The ICA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.
To request reasonable accommodation (as defined by the ADA) to participate in the job application or interview process, contact HR-EOE@icaboston.org or 617-478-3171.