Director of Museum Communications

Description

The Director of Museum Communications is a strategic and visionary leader responsible for shaping and executing the museum’s comprehensive communications strategy. Reporting to the Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, this role is instrumental in enhancing the institution’s public profile, advancing its mission, and cultivating meaningful connections with diverse audiences through compelling storytelling and media engagement. 

As a key leader within the newly formed Marketing and Customer Experience Division—the engine behind the museum’s brand strategy, market positioning, and visitor engagement—this position plays a critical role in ensuring that communications reflect the museum’s values and delivers a cohesive, high-impact impression of the brand. 

The Director will steward the museum’s voice across all platforms, foster strong media and public relations, and guide a holistic editorial vision that elevates the institution’s presence locally, nationally, and globally. This position requires a skilled communicator with deep expertise in media strategy, content development, and stakeholder engagement, as well as a strong grasp of the unique communications needs within a cultural or nonprofit setting. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Public & Media Relations 

• Develop and implement integrated public relations strategies to elevate the museum’s visibility, thought leadership, and reputation. 

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, national, and international media outlets to secure ongoing, high-quality coverage. 

• Serve as a primary media contact and institutional spokesperson when appropriate, conveying key messages with clarity, confidence, and cultural sensitivity. 

• Produce and manage press materials, media kits, and targeted pitches to support exhibitions, programs, leadership initiatives, and institutional milestones. 

Editorial Strategy & Content Oversight 

• Lead the creation and execution of an annual editorial calendar aligned with institutional priorities and marketing objectives. 

• Oversee the development, editing, and quality control of written content across platforms—ensuring consistency of tone, accuracy, and adherence to brand standards. 

• Guide internal and external contributors to uphold a high editorial standard in all museum communications. 

Agency & Vendor Management 

• Manage relationships with external communications, PR, social media, and creative agencies—ensuring alignment with brand strategy, timely execution, and measurable outcomes. 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for contracted partners, fostering accountability and collaboration. 

Digital Content & Social Media Strategy 

• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to craft impactful digital and social media content that deepens audience engagement and supports institutional storytelling. 

• Monitor digital trends, analytics, and performance metrics to refine strategies and maximize reach, engagement, and relevance. 

• Ensure that all messaging across digital platforms remains consistent with the museum’s voice, mission, and values. 

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Work in close partnership with the Chief Marketing and Experience Officer to align communications with broader organizational goals and audience strategies. 

• Collaborate across departments—including curatorial, education, development, and executive leadership—to amplify institutional initiatives and ensure strategic message integration. 

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of communications professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusion. 

Supervisory Responsibilites: Yes.

Qualifications

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. 

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, with significant leadership experience in a museum, cultural institution, or nonprofit context. 

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with an ability to translate complex ideas into accessible and compelling narratives. 

• Demonstrated success in media relations and agency management. 

• Proficiency in digital strategy, social media platforms, content development, and performance analytics. 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of museum operations, cultural programming, or nonprofit marketing. 

• Experience working within the cultural, educational, or science sectors. 

• Familiarity with crisis communications and reputation management. 

• Experience with content management systems (CMS) and social media management tools. 

Essential Functions: 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee will be required regularly to: 

• Sit for extended periods of time while utilizing resource materials such as a computer and detailed spreadsheets.   

• Communicate by telephone; email other appropriate Perot Museum communication platforms (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom, etc.).   

While performing the duties of this position, the employee will occasionally be required to: 

• Lift and/or move light boxes and other materials of 20 lbs. or less.   

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified applicants and qualified employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.