Director of Communications

Director of Communications

Position Profile

About the Opportunity

Glenstone seeks a collaborative, strategic, and creative Director of Communications to lead all communications, marketing, and branding initiatives for the organization, ensuring that all facets align with the unique and exciting vision of Glenstone at a time of growth and excitement for the organization. As the leader of the Communications department, the Director of Communications role is a rich opportunity for an innovative and results-driven collaborator who is adept at both external and internal communications, and nimble in responding to both opportunities and challenges. As a member of the core management team (CMT) at Glenstone, the Director will work closely with leadership to contribute to conversations about critical institutional issues that have a lasting impact on the organization, while also building a communications and marketing program that effectively supports the immediate and long-term ambitions of the organization.

An Introduction to Glenstone Museum

Founded with the mission to seamlessly integrate art, architecture, and landscape, Glenstone is an art museum located on nearly 300 acres of rolling hills and unspoiled woodland in Potomac, Maryland. The museum, opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, offers nearly 60,000 square feet of exhibition space to showcase its collection of more than 1300 works by 200 contemporary artists. With its expansion, Glenstone now has the ability to welcome 130,000 visitors each year. Glenstone is open to the public year-round Thursday-Sundays, admission is always free.

The work culture at Glenstone is dynamic and team oriented. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we are proud to foster a workplace where associates feel valued, respected, and accepted. We leverage our collaborative and enriching culture to provide abundant opportunities for all associates to develop new skills, feel connected to our mission, and actively participate in advancing their careers.

About the Position

The Director of Communications & Marketing is responsible for developing and implementing innovative communications strategies to advance Glenstone's mission. Reporting to the Senior Director of Public Engagement, the role is integral to fulfill the organization’s commitment to expand public access to the museum and raise brand awareness through traditional local, national and international press, public relations and digital marketing. The position supports the museum Director and the leadership team with internal communication and is a spokesperson for the museum. As the leader of the Communications department oversees a high performing team that includes the Digital Content Coordinator and Communications Specialist and collaborates with all departments across the organization, including Curatorial, Visitor Services, Human Resources and Community Engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the Communication Department and developing communication strategies short and long term to advance the museum’s mission.
• Manage up to three direct reports.
• Anticipating the communication needs of the organization based on the vision and strategic plan.
• Managing the implementation of the Glenstone brand guidelines, voice and tone, and editorial style guide across all communication channels.
• Developing and managing a communication strategy and timeline for content distribution across all communication platforms.
• Leading the implementation of the strategic plan goals focused on sharing Glenstone’s story with existing and new audiences.
• Developing communication plans designed to raise awareness of programs, exhibitions, and events.
• Overseeing newly developed website updates and maintenance.
• Work closely with the leadership team to support robust internal communications structures.
• Develop communication plans and messaging for associates to share internally and externally when representing Glenstone.
• Develop marketing plans to increase audience outreach while supporting the goals of the institution.
• Overseeing the current website and implementation of communication strategy through social media.
• Developing and managing analytics (KPIs) for the communications strategy.
• Overseeing the creation and implementation of all external visitor communication in collaboration with the Director of Visitor Services.

To ensure the following:

• That the communication needs of the organization are clearly outlined short and long term.
• The communications department is adequately staffed and has the necessary resources to meet their performance goals.
• Provide clear expectations and regular feedback for performance improvement.
• That there is a clear timeline for communication across all platforms.
• That all press, email marketing, newsletter, website, social, and digital communication is systematically distributed with coherent messaging.
• That public awareness is measured and improved as required.
• That strategic design is agreed by stakeholders with the nominated vendor within the required timeframe.
• That there is a clear project plan in place.
• That there are regular meetings to discuss appropriate adjustments and amendments and confirm revised specifications.
• That the website is fully implemented according to the project plan within the required timeframe with a sustainable maintenance plan.
• That internal communications structures are adjusted to continuously improve effectiveness.
• That the internal communications committee has clear direction, meets every quarter, and there are clear minutes and measurable actions.
• That internal communications support all associates in developing a positive and inclusive workplace.
• That the analytics (KPIs) for the communications strategy measure success and inform ongoing decisions.
• That visitors receive clear, timely and accurate information that enhances their visit to Glenstone.

Press/Media

• Creating and managing communications and marketing strategies at the local, national, and international level, as well as with targeted industry contacts in collaboration with the consulting firm (Finn).
• Writing and/or reviewing all Glenstone press releases, statements, message points and visitor communications for the organization and tailoring messaging to different audiences by liaising with the internal stakeholders in other departments.
• Organizing and managing all Glenstone press previews and other media events.
• Serving as a spokesperson for Glenstone Museum.
• Managing a media relations consulting firm to achieve maximum impact and results.

To ensure the following:

• That there is a quarterly report specifying communications and marketing initiatives at the local, national, and international level.
• Glenstone press releases have the intended outreach impact and are agreed by the relevant stakeholders.
• That press previews and media events run smoothly and are as well attended as possible and result in media coverage for Glenstone.
• That news segments and interviews about Glenstone are professional, credible, and polished.
• That the consulting firm is provided with direction and support to meet their contractual obligations.

Digital

• Overseeing a high-performing digital and social media strategy.
• Expanding the museum’s digital presence, including the museum website, digital marketing and social media.
• Review and approve all digital content implemented across all channels to ensure the tone and voice are aligned with other communication channels.

To ensure the following:

• That Glenstone’s digital engagements support raising brand awareness to grow in-person audiences and online leveraging content across the entire organization.
• That we maximize digital outreach to highlight emerging focal points of audience development and community engagement.
• That the website is up to date and accurately reflects current policies and programming.
• That we have consistency of tone, voice, and content alignment with all other forms of communication.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of communications and/or public media relations experience with knowledge of digital communications.
• Experience leading a multi-disciplinary team.
• Strong cultural competence, interpersonal communication, planning, and organizational skills.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field, from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Excellent writing and copyediting skills.
• Exceptional listening skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Knowledge of museum operations, the arts industry, and digital marketing for the arts.
• Strategic and tactical understanding of digital media, including website user experience and best practices for key social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
• Professional integrity and the ability to handle sensitive issues and situations with discretion.
• Ability to work independently and effectively, and with great attention to detail.
• COVID-19 vaccination and up to date on all boosters.

Compensation

This is a full-time position. Glenstone offers a competitive salary of 130,000-150,000 and provides a total benefits package that helps you manage your health, protect your income, and prepare for the future. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, long-term disability and AD&D insurance, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA); a 401(k)-retirement account with a matching contribution; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and tuition reimbursement.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you're returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

Application Instructions

The Director of Communications search is being conducted on behalf of Glenstone Museum by Tom O’Connor Consulting Group, a New York-based executive search and consulting firm specializing in the arts and culture industries. The search is being led by VP of Executive Search, Cynthia Fuhrman.

To apply, visit the online application and submit your materials, which should include a cover letter, your resume, and a writing example from relevant work history. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume.

We encourage you to apply by December 9, 2024 for best consideration. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration. While we will still accept and consider applications after this date, we encourage you to apply as early as possible for the best chance at being considered for the position. Please note that meeting the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview.