Description
The Nasher Museum of Art seeks a Director of Communications and Marketing to lead the museum’s overall marketing and communications strategy, amplifying the museum’s mission, reputation, and identity. This position conceptualizes, develops, and implements marketing campaigns to increase visibility and build upon the museum’s international reputation. Under the direction of the museum Director, this position will devise and implement strategies to promote the museum, its exhibitions, collection, public programs, and educational initiatives, as well as engage and amplify Duke University and the greater Durham community.
The Director of Communications and Marketing supervises a team of two full-time staff, along with interns and occasional contract employees. The department’s goals include increasing brand awareness, expanding audience engagement, and cultivating institutional loyalty through compelling storytelling.
As a member of the museum leadership team, this position contributes to strategic planning efforts, participates in key events and meetings, and provides leadership on communications initiatives across all museum departments.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy and Editorial Direction
Develop a strategic marketing plan to increase the museum’s visibility, promote its exhibitions and programs, and ensure alignment with the museum’s mission and values
Plan, execute, and manage marketing strategies intended to grow and attract new audiences
Define and oversee the content and tone for digital platforms
Ensure consistency and clarity in the museum’s voice across all channels
Management
Lead, develop, supervise, and evaluate department staff, encouraging professional growth and collaboration
Set clear departmental goals and devise strategies to meet the needs of all museum departments
Writing and Editing
Write and edit a wide range of content, including press releases, advertising copy, content for the museum website and e-newsletter, calendar listings, feature stories, public letters from the director, the annual report (online) and other writing projects as needed.
Media Relations
Serve as primary media contact for the museum, acting as spokesperson or coaching others as needed
Pitch feature stories to local, national, and international press; organize and host media visits
Collaborate with Duke University Communications and campus partners to cross-promote programs, build partnerships, and refine messaging from Duke University to the campus community and public. Create content for distribution on Duke channels.
Marketing
Plan and implement marketing campaigns for all museum initiatives, including exhibitions, public programs, fundraising initiatives, and earned revenue streams
Track, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of advertising, signage, messaging, and social media strategy, ensuring that content is fresh and relevant
Budgeting
Develop and manage annual and project-specific budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources while tracking expenses and maintaining financial accountability
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Work requires communication, analytical and organizational skills acquired through the completion of a bachelor’s degree program.
Experience
Work requires a minimum of four years of experience in publications, public relations, marketing or a related field in order to direct and coordinate a comprehensive marketing and communications program.
Preferred Experience:
Five to seven years of experience; demonstrated track record of success in writing and editing, developing and executing community partnerships, communications, project management, video production, media relations, outreach, and advertising/marketing initiatives in or for private, public and nonprofit organizations required; fluent in Spanish preferred; experience in leading teams and staff management required.
