Public Communications Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to Vice President of Marketing and Communications, the Public Communications Manager is responsible for promoting the CHM’s collection, programs, events, exhibitions, resources, and experts to local and national media through earned media placements.

The Public Communications Manager will position CHM as a thought leader and source for expert information and resources on the history of the city of Chicago to facilitate audience and visitor growth in support of the Museum’s mission and goals.

The Public Communications Manager is responsible for building ongoing public interest and support for the Museum through community partnerships and collaborations. They will perform research and conduct outreach for speaking engagement and guest author opportunities for Museum leadership during conferences, panel discussions, webinars, blogs, etc.

To expand public and industry awareness of the achievements and innovative work created by the Museum, the Public Communications Manager will research and maintain a calendar of award opportunities and will work with internal teams on award submissions.

In addition, the Public Communications manager will partner with the Marketing Manager to develop a social media influencer strategy through outreach and relationship building that is in alignment with the earned media strategy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Media Engagement and Relations

• In alignment with the communications strategy, develops and executes short and long-term public relations plans for CHM, its exhibitions, programs and offerings. 
• Secure local and national media coverage of CHM’s exhibitions, collections, programs and events, and other initiatives. 
• Develops plans and personalized pitching strategy to media and social media influencers for CHM initiatives. 
• Evaluate and report on the reach and impact of media activities through regular media monitoring. 
• Develops and handles crisis and emergency communications. 

Press Resource Development

• Ensure press releases and media materials are appropriate, accurate and are delivered to targeted media in a timely manner to meet editorial deadlines. 
• Utilize media software to proactively maintain targeted media lists. 
• Manage web-based online newsroom and digital press materials. 
• Collaborate with communications team to ensure that media appearances are incorporated into social media, and digital calendar where appropriate. 

Strategic Asset Management

• Develop and implement periodic media training for Museum and event spokespeople. 
• Create resource materials for Museum leadership and spokespeople including biographies. 
• Author media messaging and briefing talking points. 
• Develop editorial calendars based on news cycle coordination with CHM offerings and resources. 
• Provide on-site logistics and coordination with internal CHM staff for media interviews and media filming. 
• Oversee and determine allocation of collection images for media request. Identify opportunities for trade when working with Museum assets, specifically image licensing with regard to media usage. 

Constituent Communications

• Review and respond to feedback left by visitors and guests on review sites including; Yelp, Google, TripAdvisor and Facebook. 
• In collaboration with the Editorial and Content team, develop messaging for internal staff to use for exhibitions and Museum programming. 
• Develop boilerplate descriptive Museum language to be used for job descriptions and recruiting materials, Museum listings, and other standardized communications.

REPORTS TO:

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position regularly works CHM leadership, colleagues across the Museum, and sits on several cross-departmental teams. The Public Communications Manager develops and manages relationships with media representatives and editorial staff, social media influencers, and community partners.

• Preferred: BS or BA in Communications, Journalism, or related field
• Three to five years of experience in public relations, communications, or journalism. 
• Agency experience preferred 
• Ability to work with diverse departments and professionals 
• Superior oral and written communication including editing and proofreading 
• Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven projects 
• Understanding of social media, blogs, and digital content 
• Expertise in AP & Chicago Manual of Style 
• Experience using Meltwater preferred 
• Experience with Hubspot and Wordpress a plus 
• Belief in the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum