Director of Communications and Public Relations

Reports to: Museum Director

Department: Director’s Office

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Benefits: Full museum benefits

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Mission: The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.

The DMA will:

• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Scope of the Position:

The position works in concert with the Director's Office and Director’s team to communicate the Museum's mission, key message(s) and positioning to an external audience including local, regional, national and global media, as well as community and civic leaders, and the North Texas community. They lead strategic planning related to positioning the Museum as a leading arts institution through public relations, while establishing and maintaining a positive public image of the Dallas Museum of Art. They will also manage all internal and external communications; and oversee the communications team, along with coordinating with supporting agencies/consultants.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Communication 

• Lead the museum's public relations strategy to position the museum as a leading arts institution, with direction from the Museum Director and Director's team.
• Primary point of contact for all museum public relations needs related to projects, exhibition promotions, earned revenue events, educational and public programs, new acquisitions and loans, rotating installations, institutional information, and other press worthy events.
• Develop institutional messaging, press materials, and other communication methods, to be delivered through the appropriate channels.
• Work with the Curatorial, Education and Arts and Letters Department to develop press materials for upcoming exhibitions and programs.
• Work with the Directors Office and supporting departments to build and deliver regular stakeholder communication touchpoints (Board of Trustees e-newsletters, quarterly Community Impact e-newsletters, etc.).
• Manage Annual Member’s Meeting. Work with various departments to develop programs and support materials.
• Compose press releases, fact sheets, story ideas, background information, etc.
• Work with Curators, Education and the Design and Interpretation teams to select key images for media reproduction.
• Develop strategic and tactical experience plans for media relations associated with special exhibitions held at the Museum in concert with the Director of Marketing, Director of Earned Revenue and Director of Art and Design.
• Serve as a primary contact for media inquiries related to exhibitions, public programs, events, acquisitions, and institutional initiatives.
• Connect with the media to manage timely communication for the highest visibility of the Museum.
• Communicate frequently and effectively with the media to maintain good relations.
• Assist in developing content for Museum publications, member communications, annual reports, newsletters, and promotional materials.
• Support copywriting for Museum annual publications/reports, exhibition flyers, postcards, passes and other promotional material when needed.
• Assists in the protection of the Museum's copyright and visual quality standards.
• Attend community meetings and various cultural organizations.
• Plan strategy for and coordinate promotional events held at the DMA.
• Attend exhibition planning meetings, curatorial meetings, marketing, education and development meetings as necessary to stay on top of Museum activities.
• Act as spokesperson for the Museum in the direction of the Museum Director.

Public Relations  

• Support and coordinate the museum’s government affairs strategy and activities, operating under the direction of the museum director and alongside the museum external affairs stakeholders, to advance institutional priorities, strengthen relationships with public sector stakeholders, and support advocacy and policy alignment efforts.
• Manage all public relations consultancies and supporting agencies.
• Support Museum leadership with briefing materials and external and internal communications, as needed.
• Support community engagement and civic outreach efforts, including coordination with representatives from the City of Dallas, local arts organizations, and community partners.
• Manage communication consultants.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, or Public Relations or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in public relations, art museum experience preferred.
• 3+ years of managerial experience preferred.

Key Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to synthesize a great deal of information and “target messaging” to a wide variety of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and managerial skills.
• Strong computer and Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work well under pressure.
• Ability to manage time effectively, problem solve and use analytical skills.
• Ability to work with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work with volunteers, the public, the press, trustees, and coworkers professionally, and tactfully.
• Ability to attend Museum functions in the evenings and weekends.

Our Core Values 

• Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical.
• Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong.
• Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives.
• Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven.
• Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals.
• Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge.
• Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning.

Our Commitment to Equity and Diversity

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.