Communcations Specialist

About the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is the oldest institute of its kind in the country. Our mission is to collect, preserve and display artifacts and objects that promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions and experiences of African Americans, through exhibits, programs, and activities that illustrate African and African American history, culture and art.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position requires dynamic leadership and entrepreneurial spirit and skills needed to lead an important and iconic cultural institution. The Communications Specialist’s The Communications Specialist will support the museum’s external communications efforts, assisting in the execution of public relations strategies that align with the museum’s priorities.

We’re looking for a skilled communicator with strong writing abilities and existing local/national media relationships to partner with the museum and help amplify its offerings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with internal stakeholders to align on annual priorities and assist in executing PR plans accordingly.
• Support the PR agency in facilitating communications strategies and creative projects, ensuring alignment with senior stakeholders.
• Draft and distribute communication materials, including press releases, talking points, and external-facing content.
• Leverage local and national media relationships to share priority projects (e.g., exhibit openings) with the goal of increasing museum visits and raising awareness.
• Assist in developing social media content and contribute to platform strategy.
• Serve as a key point of contact for media inquiries, helping to coordinate interview requests and providing relevant information.
• Maintain and update media lists with targeted contacts for each initiative.
• Provide on-site support for media at events, exhibition openings, and other activations.
• Track and report on campaign performance to measure the effectiveness of communications initiatives.
• Support relationship-building efforts with local institutions and companies for sponsorship and partnerships.
• Conduct regular media monitoring to identify news cycle opportunities for the museum.
• Assist in managing communications budgets.
• Support internal communications efforts as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in a museum or cultural organization preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in digital marketing tools.
• Familiarity with B2B and B2C advertising campaigns
• Hands-on experience with web content management tools, like WordPress
• Knowledge of SEO and Google Analytics
• Strong writing and editing experience and skilled with the ability to maintain an appropriate voice for different audiences and to write about art, public history and culture in an intelligent but accessible way.
• Strong graphic design skills (i.e. Desygner, Adobe Photoshop, etc)
• Working knowledge of all social media platforms

Preferred Skills

• Experience in media relations with an ability to build and maintain media relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in AP Style and creative writing.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently

Salary Range: $55,000-$70,000

Please email resume and cover letter to [email protected]

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer