Chief Marketing Officer

Chief Marketing Officer

Reports to : Chief Executive Officer

Team : Communications

Supervisory : Supervisory Position

FLSA Status : Full-Time, Exempt

Location : Washington, DC

Telework : Yes

Timeline : The review process of applications will begin on September 30, 2025.

Salary Range : $180,000 - $225,000

Location : This position is based in Washington, DC.

Who We Are

Americans for the Arts (AFTA) strengthens the arts from the ground up – supporting advocacy that empowers communities, develops arts leadership, and produces field-informed research. We shape national arts policy to reflect the realities and aspirations of artists, organizations, businesses, and communities nationwide. We champion the arts as a unifying and essential force in American life.

An Overview of the Communications Team

Led by the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), the Communications team ensures a cohesive and impactful marketing and communications strategy across all platforms. This includes overseeing media relations, content development, and assisting with advocacy messaging, working closely with our government affairs, programs, research, and development teams and the Arts Action Fund (AAF) to craft compelling narratives. Communications is integral in our brand promotion, audience engagement, and digital outreach, ensuring our online presence and marketing campaigns align with advocacy initiatives.

An Overview of the Role

The Chief Marketing Officer plays a critical leadership role in developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that advances AFTA’s advocacy goals, policy priorities, and brand positioning. This role ensures that AFTA’s messaging is clear, compelling, and strategically aligned with its mission to unite the arts and culture ecosystem and influence national arts policy.

The CMO leads crisis communications, oversees brand management, and drives integrated campaigns that engage policymakers, local arts agencies, media, and the public. This position works cross-functionally with Government Affairs, Programs, Research, Development, and our affiliate 501(c)4 organization, AAF, to amplify AFTA’s impact at the national level.

The CMO is responsible for supervising all members of the Communications team : Director of Communications, Web Developer, and Digital Communications Manager.

Division of Labor between 501c3 and 501c4

This role is considered a matrixed role, responsible for duties that support both Americans for the Arts (501c3) and the Arts Action Fund (501c4), which are legally two separate entities. You will be responsible for tracking your time worked across both organizations, with some responsibility associated with collaborative mission-driven fundraising between AFTA and the AAF (within legal and tax parameters). Approximately 30-40% of your hours worked will be allocated to the 501c(4).

The Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Advocacy Alignment

• Develop and implement a proactive communication strategy that supports AFTA’s policy priorities and advocacy initiatives.
• Ensure consistency in messaging across all platforms to position AFTA as the leading voice in arts advocacy.
• Work closely with the Government Affairs team to craft compelling narratives that influence legislative and policy outcomes.
• Oversee the development of talking points, op-eds, policy briefs, and messaging toolkits for arts advocates and policymakers.
• Develop targeted communications plans for key advocacy initiatives, including legislative fly-ins, funding negotiations, and national arts campaigns.
• Perform similar duties, approximately 30% of the time, dedicated to assisting with communications for the AAF.

Crisis Communications & Reputation Management

Media Relations & Public Affairs

Brand Management & Digital Strategy

Leadership & Team Management

The Experience and Skills That Matter Most

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation range for this position is $180,000 - $225,000 and will be commensurate with the scale and scope of experience. The total compensation package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b employer contributions, and a generous time-off package, including paid parental leave. Employees are also eligible to participate in short- and long-term disability, life insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and professional development opportunities.

Work Hours & In-Office Requirements

AFTA is open weekdays, operating on a 37.5-hour work week (7.5-hour day), with core hours 10 : 00 – 4 : 00 pm ET. In-office requirement : DC office at least 1 day per week.

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