Responsibilities

• The Director of Media and Public Relations will be responsible for media strategy and execution to include working with the Chief Communications Officer/Deputy Director for Communications on developing and implementing annual PR plans and other initiatives to raise the brand, visitation of programs, audience diversification, revenue generating goals, and the quality and quantity of media coverage.
• The position will identify, plan and coordinate targeted communications to local, regional, national and international media; write and manage the production of press releases and other public announcements; generate and identify stories and initiate contact for story placement and other publicity elements; collect content for press releases, blog posts, media pitches, and other uses; oversee the process for calendar listings and other publicity related placements; coordinate appropriate staff responses to media inquiries; organize media site visits and manage arrangements for interviews with staff as well as media coverage of events.
• The Director of Media and Public Relations will also work with the CCO/Deputy Director to handle sensitive or controversial issues; prepare talking points, presentations and other supporting material as needed by the CCO/Deputy Director, the Director of the Museum, and/or other senior leadership; provide media training to management and staff as needed so they have the skills and confidence to deliver appropriate messages; analyze and regularly report on the effectiveness of communication efforts; develop and maintain strategic relationships with media throughout the state, nationally and internationally; develop and maintain media contact lists; and respond to requests from external media.
• The Director of Media and Public Relations will also plan and write internal communications for key museum initiatives as needed.
• This position may be eligible for hybrid telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration will be in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Teleworking policy on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

• - Considerable knowledge of the principles of public relations, publicity, electronic and print media, and advertising; of local, state, and national media contacts; and of the programs and activities of the museum.
• - Considerable skill in the use of technology, media management and reporting applications, project management applications, image editing tools, website CMS applications, social media and other media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, and the ability to incorporate new media as appropriate.
• - Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate media relations and advertising programs; to develop creative concepts for the promotion of exhibitions, programs, and events; to develop audio and video materials; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of media representatives; and to maintain a high level of productivity while working under tight deadlines.
• - Demonstrated ability to negotiate effective media partnerships that generate quantifiable dollar and/or coverage benefits for the museum.

Preferred

• Experience in non-profit public relations and/or journalism, preferably in the arts. Demonstrated skill in written and verbal communication, media relations, and content development. Background in journalism or communications practices (including reporting, editing, storytelling, or public-facing messaging).

Benefits

• The Commonwealth of Virginia offers a comprehensive total compensation package that includes health benefits, paid leave, and flexible work schedules. The following benefits are available to classified employees: • Vacation and Other Leave • 12 Paid Holidays • Health Benefits • Sickness and Disability Program • Deferred Compensation with Cash Match • Group, Optional Life, and Long-term Care Insurance • Employee Assistance Program • Wellness Program • Retirement Plans • State Employee Resources Additional information relating to the benefits available to eligible state employees can be found online at:  https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits