Senior Publicist [The Jewish Museum, New York, NY]

Description

The Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum is the only art museum in the world that focuses on the dynamic interplay between artistic practice (both contemporary and historical) and an unparalleled collection of art and artifacts reflecting global Jewish identity and tradition from ancient times to the present day. It is recognized around the world for the quality of its collection, exhibitions and scholarship. The museum is shaping a new vision for its future that builds on its unique history and values, and propels its mission into the 21st century. The Jewish Museum is internationally recognized as a distinctive hub for art and Jewish culture – the essential “go to” cultural destination for Jews and people of all backgrounds.

The Position

The Jewish Museum seeks a talented, strategic, and enthusiastic publicist with experience in media relations to join our Communications team during an exciting period of change and growth. Working closely with Curatorial, Education, Marketing, and Digital departments, the Senior Publicist is responsible for planning and executing promotional campaigns for exhibitions, programs, and institutional initiatives, with an emphasis on programming related to contemporary art.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Work closely with other members of the Communications Department, the Marketing Department, and outside consultants (when applicable) to develop strategic and proactive press and media relations for the Jewish Museum and its exhibitions, with the ultimate goal of raising the profile of the institution as a destination for potential audiences and as a leader among peer museum and contemporary art organizations.
• Plan and execute strategies for long-lead publicity campaigns for select exhibitions; work closely with Curatorial and Marketing teams to develop key messages; write press materials and pitch letters; proactive outreach and follow-up with press; respond to selected press inquiries; manage relations with artists and guest curators.
• Attend evening and weekend events, as necessary.
• Maintain and build professional relationships with press, media, and art world influencers. Contribute to building effective contact lists of international, national, regional, and local press.
• Coordinate TV and photo shoots for journalists and media outlets in collaboration with other Communications staff.
• Help plan, produce, and execute press previews and other special events for the media; hire photographers; coordinate with Special Events teams.
• Provide media relations counsel to the Museum Director and senior staff, including on site during Museum events.
• Assist in monitoring, tracking, archiving, and reporting on earned media coverage.
• Draft weekly status reports on current and upcoming press outreach, placements, and strategy, including updates to tracking spreadsheets identifying specifics of media commitments. Assist in preparing reports on Museum’s press activities and publicity for Board and Committee meetings.
• Provide information on exhibitions, programs, and special events, as well as museum policies, to journalists.

Requirements

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Exceptional skills in writing, public speaking, proofreading, fact checking, and telephone marketing, as well as administration.
• Passion for and interest in contemporary art.
• In-depth knowledge of and relationship with the media, specifically contemporary art and culture media (key writers, editors, producers).
• Creative, strategic and entrepreneurial thinker able to execute accurately and resourcefully in a demanding environment with tight deadlines. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Sound judgement and ability to interact professionally and productively with a wide range of constituents (press and media, museum staff, trustees, artists, community and government leaders, the general public).

REQUIREMENTS

• B.A. Degree in Art History, Communications, English or the humanities.
• Minimum of 3-4 years of significant professional public relations and communications experience, preferably in the visual arts. Agency experience a plus.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering print, broadcast and online media results. Must enjoy and be effective at pitching to journalists.
• Flexibility, positive attitude, and excellent interpersonal skills essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Outlook, Cision, and Mailchimp is required.
• Basic knowledge of art history from ancient to contemporary.
• Knowledge of and interest in Jewish culture preferred.

Send Resume with Cover Letter To:

Director of Human Resources

The Jewish Museum

1109 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10128

Email: jobs@thejm.org

Fax: 212.423.3232

The Jewish Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.