Director of Communications and Marketing

We are looking for a Director of Communications and Marketing to help shape and execute the brand and narrative for the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The selected candidate will have a proven history of leading successful marketing plans and strategies, dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and ability to establish connections and build relationships with various PAFA stakeholders and community members. 

ABOUT PAFA

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America's first school and museum of fine arts.  Located in center city Philadelphia, PAFA is intimate in scale with a strong sense of community.  PAFA’s undergraduate degree offerings include a BFA in Studio Art and a coordinated BFA with the University of Pennsylvania. Graduate programs include an MFA and Low-Residency MFA degree, and a Post-Baccalaureate certificate. PAFA’s museum has an outstanding collection of American art, and the museum actively collects and exhibits contemporary art, including work in new media.  Additionally, PAFA is home to the BRODSKY Center, a print and papermaking center focused on the creation of innovative editions by contemporary artists.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Because we were the nation’s first art museum and art school, we believe PAFA has a moral obligation to ensure that every member of our community can study and work in an environment where they feel a sense of belonging.  We have the additional obligation of ensuring that our community reflects that rich tapestry of beauty and diversity that surrounds our world.  We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire arts, cultural and educational sector, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.  PAFA is committed to maintaining an inclusive learning environment, and a diverse community of students, faculty and staff.

PAFA is an equal opportunity employer. Women and diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to work in our pluralistic community.

POSITION: Director of Communications and Marketing

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Communications and Marketing will help shape the brand and narrative for the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) to increase awareness of the organization locally and nationally, enhance its reputation, and expand its audiences and revenue streams for America’s first museum and art school. The Director will work across the institution with various stakeholders in order to identify target audiences and markets as well as the strategies to reach them, develop stories and content, and identify opportunities that will help PAFA achieve the business objectives of the organization; to increase enrollment in all educational programs; to boost contributed income; to grow attendance to the Museum; and to support other revenue streams such as event rentals and retail sales.

This position will be expected to execute upon a marketing communications plan including strategy, goals, budget and tactics. They will be expected to secure high-level national and regional placements in print, broadcast and online media, and to maximize the potential of social media channels. The position will be responsible for developing and executing multi-platform communications strategies to build awareness and amplify the work and reputation of PAFA with various stakeholders, within and outside of the organization.

Primary functions of this position will include overseeing marketing and public relations strategy and implementation, managing communications across all channels, managing media inquiries and interview requests, creating content for a variety of audiences and purposes, and conducting market research and evaluation of results. They will evaluate opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising on an on-going basis. This role will need to build relationships with thought leaders, traditional media outlets and influencers to grow PAFA’s awareness, and maintain a keen understanding of the arts and culture sector, as well as higher and continuing education trends, and make appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy surrounding them.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Marketing and Social Media

• In collaboration with members of the senior staff, establish a 21st century strategy and marketing plans, including the use of traditional marketing techniques as well as social media and other forms of cutting-edge tools to achieve institutional objectives.
• Develop and execute comprehensive short-term and long-term marketing plans and programs to support PAFA’s enrollment, visitor, public programs, and revenue goals.
• Determine target markets and create the strategies to reach them.
  • Researches, analyzes and monitors demographics and other factors to maximize market opportunities and minimize effect of competitive activity.
  • Regularly conduct market research to identify opportunities and challenges.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key business, community, strategic and cultural partners; serve as liaison with outside organizations to develop marketing and promotional opportunities.
• Plan and oversee advertising and promotional activities including print, online, electronic media and direct mail.
• Oversee development and production of marketing, promotional and collateral materials.
• Measure results of marketing and promotional programs, take corrective action to insure achievement of marketing goals within designated budgets.

Public Relations

• Seek out and cultivate media relationships; schedule interviews with media; reach the media in a timely fashion; organize and execute media events resulting in significant targeted coverage.
• Write and distribute media releases and media press kits for exhibitions, college gallery openings, degree programs, education programs, Board/staff appointments, capital projects, galas and other special events.
• Organize and execute media events, maintain media files and databases and interface with clipping/media measurement service.
• Provide strategic input on media matters affecting PAFA.
• Field and direct responses to all media-related inquiries; availability to media request at a moment’s notice.
• Partner with cultural, arts, tourism, convention, and hospitality service organizations.
• Foster and maintain network of contacts with public relations and advertising counterparts in museums and educational institutions.

General Communications

• Ensure that brand and style guidelines are adhered to across the institution.
• Create content and write for the President’s Office, internal and external collateral and communication vehicles and development publications.
• Work with internal stakeholders/colleagues while providing focus and consistency across the organization for defining and elevating PAFA’s profile and raising broader awareness and engagement across constituencies and targeted audiences.
• Prepare departmental activity reports and present to senior staff and Board of Trustees.
• Provide staff support for Marketing Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Develop and manage departmental budget.
• Work with and manage relationships outside vendors and consultants as needed.
• Manage the production of materials and closing dates to ensure deadlines are met.
• Proof electronic and print materials.
• Contribute to content for website.
• Ad hoc duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications or related field. Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 8-10 years of management experience in marketing.
• Proven experience in the marketing and support of enrollment management.
• Editorial experience in all forms of media: print, electronic and internet.
• Experience with all forms of institutional publishing and communications.
• Experience in managing website content.
• Financial skills appropriate for management of budget, financial projections, and research purposes.
• Computer literacy – Microsoft Office products, Constant Contact or other email marketing software, Adobe Creative Suite, Muck Rack, Buffer or comparable programs and Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or similar CRM/Development databases.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Understanding of art and cultural marketing preferred.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts accepts digital applications only. A complete application should include the following:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Information for three professional references

When submitting your application online, please save your documents as Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) or PDF (.pdf) files. To help us process your applications as efficiently as possible, please save your files with the following filename format:

• LastName_FirstName_Resume
• LastName_FirstName_CoverLetter
• LastName_FristName_References

*Due to the amount of potential applicants, we do not respond to voice calls or messages about the status of your application. Based on the criteria for the position, the most qualified candidates will be contacted directly. Thank you for your interest in PAFA.