Communications & Public Relations Manager [Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center]

Posted: November 4, 2014

Organization:         Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center and Marfa Contemporary

Website:      http://oklahomacontemporary.org/

http://www.marfacontemporary.org/

Location:     Oklahoma City, OK

Country:      United States

Sector:                  Communications/PR

Position:      Manager/Director

Education:   4-Year Degree

Position Type:       Full Time Permanent

Come join a team of dedicated staff at an exceptional time in the history of Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center and Marfa Contemporary, as we implement a new comprehensive strategic plan, expand exhibition and educational programming and outreach, and begin Oklahoma Contemporary’s first capital campaign to raise funds for a new building, to be located in downtown Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center encourages artistic expression in all its forms through education and exhibitions. We endeavor to instill in the public a lifetime appreciation of the arts and enthusiasm for creative practice. Marfa Contemporary is the first regional extension of Oklahoma Contemporary. Exhibitions at Marfa Contemporary are free to the public year-round and feature recent works by regional, national, and international artists. Education programs for all generations are offered throughout the year free of charge.

In planning for the new capital campaign, Oklahoma Contemporary is building a model Communications and Public Relations department, one that will meet the growing needs of this unique organization. The Communications and Public Relations Manager will make a significant impact on the future of Oklahoma Contemporary and Marfa Contemporary.

Position Summary

The Communications and Public Relations Manager is responsible for developing and implementing the communications strategy and the maintenance of the organizational brand, in order to grow the stature, reach, and effectiveness of Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center and Marfa Contemporary with its various audiences (internal and external). The Manager serves as a member of leadership staff and works closely with peer stakeholders to develop messaging for Exhibitions, Education, Development, among other organizational initiatives, serving as a marketing and communications expert to advise department leaders on outreach activities.

This position reports to the Artistic Director and Chief Curator.

Responsibilities Include

• Imagine and create a comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations program that will enhance the reputation of Oklahoma Contemporary and Marfa Contemporary.

• Oversee development and implementation of efforts to increase awareness of programmatic and fundraising initiatives.

• Ensure consistent articulation of Oklahoma Contemporary’s and Marfa Contemporary’s desired image and messages through print and digital platforms, administering the tools and guidelines to maintain a unified graphic identity and voice style.

• Guide editorial direction and design of all Oklahoma Contemporary and Marfa Contemporary publications and communication tools, drafting and editing written and visual content.

• Manage the production of print pieces, including brochures, announcements, and development promotions.

• Set strategy for digital content, including the organization’s websites, social media, and newsletters, to engage key audiences and expand the organization’s reach.

• Manage and coordinate the timely updates of all digital media, collaborating with internal staff and external vendors to implement.

• Develop and monitor production calendars and annual budgets for the communications program.

• Maintain extensive and positive relationships with local, regional, and national media and serve as Oklahoma Contemporary’s and Marfa Contemporary’s media contact and spokesperson.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years supervisory experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or journalism, with demonstrated success at a for-profit or not-for-profit entity with a visual and/or performing arts focus.

• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.

• Proven effective team management and mentorship abilities, with attentiveness to collaboration with staff, Board members, volunteers, donors, artists, and other involved parties.

• Ease handling multiple projects concurrently, with best-quality results, and leading these diplomatically and energetically.

• Self-directed style and ambition to make a contribution to the greater community.

• Knowledge of the latest advances in effective use of digital and social media including online communities, search engine optimization and other digital marketing tools.

• Experience with photo-editing and document design software, in order to oversee staff and vendor production.