Director of Communications and Branding

Reports to:
Director/CEO

Status:
 Full-time

Salary:
$95 - $110

General Description:
 As a member of the senior management team, the Director of Communications and Brand Strategy is responsible for developing and and shaping the local, regional and national image of the Farnsworth Art Museum. Managing key activities related to public relations including  institutional communication, marketing, social media, website, print production, graphics, and audience development, this individual seeks to increase awareness of the Farnsworth, build the institutional brand and engage and welcome a broad range of constituents. This position works in a collegial, interdependent environment and collaborates with colleagues in all departments, as well as with outside PR counsel as needed.

Responsibilities:

● Develops strategies and relationships to strengthen the museum's "voice" through memorable and engaging content, including written, video, and digital communications.

● Actively build strategies across the institution so all departments and staff are aligned and working together to strengthen the Farnsworth brand. Identify opportunities to strategically promote activity across communications channels.

● Optimize paid and organic social media and digital marketing initiatives to increase the museum's presence. Build the museum's online presence through a variety of strategies to create engaging connections with subscribers, members, and visitors.

● Manage the museum's website ensuring content is compelling, accurate, and current. Collaborate with the web developer to ensure an optimal user experience, perform ongoing site maintenance and provide SEO best practices.

● Cultivate relationships with the media, ensuring local and national coverage for the museum's exhibitions and programs. Respond to media requests for information and serve as the Museum spokesperson, as needed.

● Partner with Advancement, Learning and Engagement and Visitor Services colleagues to promote public programs, classes and events that convert visitors to members and build the base of support.

● Work with travel and hospitality partners to promote the Farnsworth Art Museum as a top cultural destination.

● Assist in developing relevant, meaningful institutional action steps, particularly those that welcome new and diverse audiences to the museum.

● Manage the Marketing and Creative department workflow using Asana project management software to record, track and bring projects to completion on time and on budget. Manage the department budget and prepare monthly and quarterly reports for leadership and board as well as sponsors and institutional funders.

● Lead internal and external teams in the production of content for key media and platforms, including freelance specialists, programmers, designers, and developers to execute projects.

● Use data insights to refine strategies, increase engagement, and drive contributed and earned revenue.

● Keep up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies as well as state, regional, and local tourism trends.

● Work in partnership with board Committees including the Marketing Committee to refine and strengthen FAM's communications strategy, messaging and brand.

Qualifications:

7-10 years of experience leading, developing, and implementing communications strategies across cultural, educational or corporate organizations. This position is on site, in person with some travel

obligations, as needed to perform this role.

Bachelor's degree essential. Masters degree in marketing/communications, museum studies, nonprofit management or equivalent work experience is preferred.

Excellent project management skills and ability to manage schedules, budgets, and resources. Prior experience with project management software helpful.

Ability to lead a creative, collaborative approach to marketing across the institution and to work independently.

Demonstrated ability to produce communications of the highest professional quality and platform-based best practices.

Excellent command of language with demonstrated writing, copyediting, and proofreading skills as well as competency in public speaking.

Strong knowledge and passion for museums, artists, community, and Maine.

Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with discretion.

Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and deep knowledge of digital tools and platforms including Google Analytics, Constant Contact, Instagram and social media platforms.

This position requires significant on site presence.

About the Farnsworth

Founded as a bequest of Lucy Copeland Farnsworth, the Museum opened its doors in 1948 in Rockland, Maine, with a singular mission to celebrate Maine's role in American art. The Farnsworth's primary purpose is to be a repository for American art objects related to Maine and a resource for all, including local and state residents, as well as tourists visiting from throughout the United States and abroad.

Throughout the Museum's history, it has championed the unique role that Maine plays in the larger story of American art. The Farnsworth's collection of approximately 15,000 works focuses on American art from the 18th century to the present, in all media, with a special emphasis on artists with deep connections to Maine. From purchasing works by a young Andrew Wyeth–becoming the first museum to do so–to collecting pieces by pivotal Maine artists such as Fitz Henry Lane, George Bellows, Rockwell Kent, Lynne Drexler, Lois Dodd, Daniel Minter, Ann Craven, and Jeremy Frey, the Museum has and will continue to represent the excellence of the arts in Maine. We are also broadening and diversifying collections to more fully reflect the breadth of Maine artists working today and the interests of our growing and multicultural audience.

The Museum also cares for two historic properties: the Farnsworth Homestead, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and the Olson House, joining the campus in 1991 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2011.

Welcoming approximately 75,000 visitors each year, the Farnsworth has a $58 million economic impact on the mid-coast and surrounding areas and has revitalized the creative capital of Rockland. It is the first art museum in Maine to receive accreditation by AAM.