External Affairs Associate

GENERAL PURPOSE STATEMENT

The External Affairs Associate provides essential support to the Director of External Affairs across two key areas: marketing & PR and partnerships development. This dual-focused role helps implement marketing strategies and public relations initiatives while simultaneously supporting the cultivation and management of corporate and donor partnerships. The position serves as a vital bridge between the museum's public presence and its key stakeholder relationships, ensuring cohesive messaging and effective partnership management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Marketing & PR Support Content Development & Media Relations

• Assist with drafting and editing content for press releases, newsletters, and media communications
• Support the PR team in outreach to local and regional press contacts
• Help prepare media kits and press materials for exhibitions and events
• Track media coverage and maintain press clippings archive
• Assist with coordinating media visits and interview requests
• Support crisis communications preparation and response as needed

Digital & Social Media

• Help manage social media content calendar and posting schedule
• Assist with website updates and content management
• Draft social media copy and coordinate approval processes
• Monitor social media engagement metrics and prepare reports
• Support digital marketing campaigns and email newsletters

Marketing Administration

• Manage marketing and PR calendar with timeline of deliverables
• Track marketing and press metrics and prepare regular analytics reports
• Coordinate with external marketing consultants, PR firms, and vendors
• Assist with developing marketing budgets and tracking expenses
• Schedule and coordinate marketing/PR team meetings, taking detailed notes and tracking action items

Brand & Visual Assets

• Maintain digital asset library and organize photography/video resources
• Assist with coordinating photoshoots and video production
• Help ensure brand consistency across all communications
• Support the production of printed marketing materials
• Coordinate approvals for external communications from relevant departments

Partnerships Support  Corporate & Donor Relations

• Support the Director in managing relationships with existing corporate partners and donors
• Assist with scheduling and preparing for partnership meetings and donor visits
• Help track partnership deliverables and ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits
• Support the creation of tailored partnership proposals and presentations
• Maintain accurate records of partner communications and follow-up items

Partnership Administration

• Maintain detailed database of current and prospective partners
• Assist with processing partnership agreements and donor acknowledgments
• Track partnership renewals and help prepare renewal materials
• Support the Director in monitoring partnership goals and metrics
• Coordinate interdepartmental communication regarding partnership activities

Business Council Support

• Assist with managing the Business Council membership program
• Help coordinate Business Council events and networking opportunities
• Support membership renewal and acquisition efforts
• Prepare materials for Business Council meetings and presentations
• Track Business Council member engagement and participation

Fundraising Support

• Assist with donor research and prospect identification
• Help prepare materials for National Council meetings and communications
• Support the coordination of ArtCrush and other fundraising initiatives
• Assist with tracking fundraising goals and preparing progress reports
• Help maintain accurate donor records and acknowledgment processes

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, arts administration, or related field
• 2-3 years of experience in marketing, PR, corporate partnerships, or arts administration
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to craft compelling content
• Experience with media relations and press outreach preferred
• Familiarity with partnership development and corporate sponsorship processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Experience with social media management and basic website content management
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Collaborative team player who can work effectively across departments
• Self-motivated with ability to take initiative and work independently
• Creative problem-solver with strong critical thinking skills
• Adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced environment
• Passionate about the arts and cultural sector

Salary and Benefits 

The salary for this position is $70,000-$75,000 per year. Aspen Art Museum offers a competitive package of benefits inlcuding fully covered medical & dental premiums with HSA contribution, paid holidays, vacation & sick time, 401k match and discounted ski pass.

Hours and Work Schedule

This is an hourly position requiring availability generally from Monday through Friday, with an occasional weekend, evening, and holiday work. The Curatorial Assitant position is non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and will receive overtime pay for all hours worked in excess of forty in a seven-day workweek or over twelve hours in a day. 

Location

This position is located in Aspen, Colorado.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Aspen Art Museum and the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

All inquiries will be held in confidence.

Salary : $70,000 - $75,000