Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, and responsible for helping to shape, enhance, and refine the regional, national, and international image of the Clark Art Institute, the director of communications oversees key activities related to public relations, promotion, institutional communication, marketing, website, social media, print production, graphics, and audience development. Designed to increase awareness of the Clark and engage a broad range of constituents, the Communications Office is responsible for creating and sustaining the Clark brand through public relations, media relations, marketing, advertising, website, social media, and all external communications and assists in developing messaging related to internal and external issues. 

The director oversees all ephemeral publications, supervises the work of the graphic design department, and provides oversight of the Clark’s brand standard, aesthetics, and appearance. The director works in a collegial, interdependent environment and collaborates regularly with colleagues in all departments, as well as with outside PR counsel as needed.

Major Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Implements a comprehensive communication plan for the Clark to build and sustain public interest, awareness, and support for the Institute’s mission and public programs.
• Develops strategies and relationships to ensure a high degree of national and international visibility and appropriate media coverage; obtains print, broadcast, and digital coverage that positions the Clark as a leading museum and research institute.
• Advises the Director regarding publicity opportunities and other Clark-related activities; provides insight and information on activities within the museum field to keep the director apprised of emerging trends, etc.
• Manages public relations, marketing, graphic design, and web staff and manages relationships with outside contractors.
• Positions the Clark as a leader in the museum field, and establish working relationships with journalists to underscore their perception that the Clark can be relied upon to provide expert opinions on museum-related matters.
• Develops and manages the departmental budgets for the Marketing and Communications Department.
• Works with the Marketing and Communications staff to coordinate overall public relations, marketing and advertising campaigns for the Clark’s special exhibitions, on-going brand awareness, tourism promotion, and in support of all major Clark-sponsored events and activities.
• Participates as a member of the Directors Group and the Management Group to provide input on all issues relating to the Clark’s public persona,  communications guidance on sensitive institutional matters, and leadership on all Clark management activities and decisions; serves on a number of other internal Clark committees to provide management-level oversight, shape messaging, etc.
• Manages all emergency communications to keep the public and the Clark’s staff apprised of any issues that may arise; plays an active role in the Clark’s emergency response team.
• Establishes and maintains a professional presence within the region to underscore the Clark’s role as a leader in the community and creative economy and serve as an ambassador for the Clark both regionally and nationally; represents the Clark through participation in a variety of civic and tourism organizations and acts as a liaison with fellow cultural organizations and local and regional leaders, and other related organizations.
• Responsible for ensuring that the Clark’s graphic brand identity and aesthetic is maintained in all printed material, signage, and other related projects.
• Responsible for editorial content and institutional messaging in all key publications produced by the department and provide input/advice to other departments on same. 
• Responsible for reviewing all outgoing print and digital communications and for ensuring highest levels of editorial quality for all content.
• Ensures that Communications Department team meets the highest standards for all written materials emanating from the department.
• Assists other Clark departments to ensure accuracy and excellence in all written communications.
• Coordinates all digital communications activities, including advertising, website, and social media platforms.
• Stays informed as to emerging technologies related to communications tools and advises/guides the Clark in decision-making regarding the Institute’s adoption/participation in these areas.
• Works to promote travel and tourism initiatives to raise awareness of the Clark and to encourage audience development; collaborates with other cultural venues, hotels, civic leaders, tourism destinations, and related community organizations to promote Berkshire County tourism.
• May serve as a Clark representative on boards of various community organizations that the Clark supports.
• As a team leader, works with all members of the Communications Department, serving as a mentor and encouraging their continued growth and professional development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, ideally within a museum, cultural, academic, or nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams and managing staff across multiple communications functions (PR, design, digital, marketing, etc.).
• Proven record of developing and executing strategic communications plans that increase visibility, engagement, and audience growth.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of media relations and experience cultivating relationships with local, national, and international journalists.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt tone and content for various audiences and platforms.
• Strong understanding of digital communications, including social media strategy, content management systems, SEO, and digital advertising.
• Experience overseeing brand identity, graphic design, and visual standards across diverse media.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to think strategically and act tactically, balancing high-level planning with hands-on execution.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy, particularly when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Financial acumen and experience developing and managing departmental budgets.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative, team-oriented approach and the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Familiarity with current trends and emerging technologies in communications, marketing, and public engagement.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in communications and institutional messaging.

Preferred

• Knowledge of and interest in art, art history, and the museum field.
• Experience with crisis communications and emergency response messaging.
• Familiarity with the cultural and tourism landscape of the Berkshires or comparable regional arts environments.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk/workstation and using a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and in museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

This search is conducted in partnership with Phifer & Company. Please submit resume and cover letter to hello@phifercompany.com.