Director of Communications & Media Relations (Full-time, Hybrid)

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Position Summary :

The Director of Communications and Media Relations drives the organization's internal and external communications efforts, including interfacing local, national, and international press and media.

Success in this role requires critical thinking, ability to prioritize an ever-changing roster of projects and react quickly to time-sensitive events, excellent writing skills, and creative problem solving.

This position will be responsible for engagement among Chicago's media, business, political, architecture and design communities as well as internal stakeholders including the board of trustees, staff, and volunteers.

The role will draw upon and develop a deep network of communications partners to amplify CAC's mission, programs, and impact.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities :

• Seek and develop industry and media partnerships, collaborations with civic organizations to expand CAC's brand footprint and maximize earned media value.
• Drive strategic efforts to build public awareness of CAC's mission-based work and full portfolio of offerings, shifting public perception to align with the goals of our strategic plan.
• Be a constant consumer of all relevant media, monitoring news outlets, staying on top of issues and news items where there's opportunity for CAC involvement through advocacy or programmatic efforts, and advising on organizational points of view on current issues in the fields of architecture and design.
• Connect and share best practices and identify communications partnership opportunities with mission-driven arts and cultural organizations similar to CAC.

Media Relations

• Create press releases, thought leadership presentations and stories about the CAC's body of work; pitch to local, national and industry media, building relationships with key media partners.
• Coordinate with internal program experts to schedule media interviews; prepare briefing documents and prep team ahead of media appearances.
• Draft messaging points and briefs for use across all external marketing and partner communications for key organization initiatives including exhibition openings, programs, and major events.
• Answer incoming requests from Media outlets for interviews, quotes and usage of CAC assets or expertise.

Internal Communications

• Prioritize efforts around promotion of CAC offerings to maximize public interest and manage expectations of key stakeholders with regards to those priorities.
• Draft communications to Board of Trustees, Volunteers / Docents and Staff to keep apprised of current initiatives.
• Growth of KPIs (earned media mentions, value, sentiment) steadily and YoY; share media successes with CAC staff and board as appropriate.
• Draft talking points for leadership team speaking engagements.
• Develop copy and provide direction on informational hierarchy for CAC reports including executive team LinkedIn posts, Annual Report, Quarterly President's Report, Education and Sponsorship output reports (2-3x / year) and Open House Chicago report (1x / year)

Be the guardian of the CAC's style guide for writing and tone of voice

• Review copy for consistency in messaging across media platforms.
• Proofread and fact-check all marketing department communications prior to their release.

Requirements

Education & Experience :

• B.A. or B.S. Degree or equivalent experience in Marketing, Public Relations, English, Writing or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in public relations, business writing or content development.
• Experience managing external agency partners and holding them accountable to deliverables and quality standards.
• Knowledge of local Chicago media, national trade media, and niche publications within the architecture and design communities.

Knowledge, Skills & Ability :

• Passion for Chicago's architecture, the built environment and / or the architecture and design industry. Knowledge of Chicago's city government as it relates to topics such as the built environment, historic preservation, cultural affairs, and events.
• Relationship expert, building rapport and understanding communications priorities of media / journalists, partner organizations, and internal stakeholders.
• Highly organized self-starter with the ability to multitask and function effectively under pressure; highly resourceful and works gracefully under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple internal clients.
• Excellent writing and storytelling experience in a professional setting, as well as exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Creatively passionate; able to present and defend ideas that contribute to organization goals.
• Very hands-on with tactics, can-do approach and unwavering focus on business results.
• Must be willing to travel within the Chicagoland area.
• Periodic evening and weekend work is required to assist with on-site production and promotion of events, media interviews and coordination.

The Chicago Architecture Center values the diversity of our community and the neighborhoods around it. We strive for a sense of belonging and empowerment at work.

We welcome everyone to join us on our tours, educational programs, and exhibitions, as well as to apply for our job openings.