Communications Manager

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN

Founded in 1825, the National Academy of Design promotes art and architecture in America through exhibition and instruction. As the leading honorary society for visual artists and architects in the United States, we advocate for the arts as a tool for education, celebrate the role of artists and architects in public life, and serve as a catalyst for cultural conversations that propel society forward.

As it looks ahead to its 200th anniversary in 2025, the National Academy of Design is at an especially exciting moment of reinvention and possibility. Following the sale of its buildings on New York’s Museum Mile and the subsequent creation of a board-restricted endowment, the National Academy is refocusing on the artists and architects who are at the core of its mission and developing a vibrant schedule of exhibitions and programs that builds on the Academy’s extraordinary history to explore critical issues in contemporary art, architecture, and culture.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The National Academy of Design seeks a Communications Manager to join its growing staff. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Manager will help develop and implement a comprehensive and imaginative communications strategy, oversee day-to-day organizational communications, marketing initiatives, and social media, and act as the main point of contact with an outside strategic communications firm. The ideal candidate will have proven experience writing persuasive, engaging content for various audiences, excellent time-management and organizational skills, and a collaborative and proactive approach to their work. This is a full-time position, currently a hybrid, with a minimum of three days required in the office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Senior Leadership Team, development staff, and an outside strategic communications firm to develop a communications strategy with clear performance metrics;
• Manage organizational design projects, working with our outside graphic designer, such as the website, collateral material, and catalogues;
• Work with organizational leadership and departments to devise organization-wide and project-specific communications plans that help achieve our mission;
• In collaboration with relevant departments and an external social media consultant, draft, edit, and organize social media content across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc., as well as the organization’s newsletters; manage the Academy’s presence on Bloomberg Connects;
• Lead the writing, editing, and layout of web content;
• Develop creative initiatives and campaigns to reach new audiences, engage existing followers, and stay up to date with changing communications technologies;
• In partnership with relevant team members, develop communications to inform and engage membership of National Academician artists and architects;
• Work with staff and communications consultants to help pitch, coordinate, and write articles for relevant media outlets that expand the audience for our mission, work, and thought leadership;
• In partnership with an external communications consultant, serve as the organization’s primary media contact, helping to develop and maintain press relationships;
• Be an active and engaged staff member, participating in organization-wide initiatives such as strategic and vision planning, DEAI planning, and the occasional team-building activity.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five years of professional marketing and communications experience, preferably in the arts (museums/galleries), nonprofit, or social enterprise sectors;
• Outstanding writing, editing, and communications skills across a variety of styles and formats (e.g. press releases, blog posts, op-eds, reports);
• Excellent time-management skills and the ability to meet multiple competing timelines and priorities;
• A balance of creative thinking and strong organizational skills; 
• Thrives in a collaborative, tight-knit work setting–hybrid remote and in-person–with a proven track record of working across departments to achieve organizational goals;
• Demonstrable knowledge of engagement metrics and evaluating user behavior to enhance audience reach on social media, websites, and newsletters;
• Proficiency with graphic design software, online content management systems, and social media management platforms;
• Solid general computer skills; experience with G-Suite, Slack, Asana, and Salesforce preferred;
• A professional, courteous manner, positive attitude, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—as part of our mission and vision—are required.

COMPENSATION

The salary range is between $65,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience and abilities, and includes an excellent, comprehensive benefits package.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a résumé, a writing sample, and 1-page cover letter, combined in one PDF named “Last Name_Communications Manager,” via email to careers@nationalacademy.org. Please include “Communications Manager” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

HIRING STATEMENT

“Communications Manager” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. The National Academy of Design is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color, and gender-nonconforming candidates to apply. The National Academy of Design is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. 

Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance with a 20% employee contribution, life insurance, and a retirement plan with an employer match. Employees can opt into an FSA, elect various other insurance options and commuter benefits, and more. We also provide all employees with open access to online training through LinkedIn Learning, among additional professional development perks.