Communications & Media Relations Manager

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000

Reports To: Chief of Staff

Location: Hybrid – New York City

About The Africa Center

The Africa Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution committed to the principle that a just and peaceful world begins with a flourishing Africa in deep communion with its diaspora. Located in New York City, The Africa Center convenes artists, creatives, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to shape artistic expression, narratives, investments, and partnerships critical to the prosperous and secure future of Africa and its diaspora.

About the Role

The Africa Center is seeking a strategic, culturally fluent, and relationship-driven Communications & Media Relations Manager to lead and implement the organization’s communications strategy, with a focus on brand positioning, media outreach, and institutional storytelling.

This role will lead efforts to increase the visibility of The Africa Center across local, national, and international platforms, and will serve as the primary point of contact for press, media, and strategic communications partners. The Manager will also oversee a digital media consultant or firm responsible for content creation, social media execution, and digital campaign delivery—ensuring that all communications are aligned, impactful, and mission-driven.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Brand Visibility

• Develop and implement an annual communications plan that supports institutional goals, exhibitions, programs, and leadership priorities.
• Position The Africa Center as a “home” for Afro-descended communities in NYC and beyond by crafting compelling messaging and identifying visibility opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally with the Programs, Development, and Executive teams to align messaging across platforms and audiences.
• Identify and develop content partnerships, cross-promotions, and sponsorship opportunities in support of programs and exhibitions, including opportunities for targeted paid advertisements across print, digital, and out-of-home media platforms.

Media Relations & Messaging

• Cultivate relationships with local, national, and international journalists, editors, and media outlets to amplify The Africa Center’s work.
• Pitch stories and features that highlight exhibitions, public programs, thought leadership, and the institution’s broader mission.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and talking points.
• Manage monthly press outreach efforts, including a regular “What’s Happening at TAC” roundup and event listings.
• Support rapid response opportunities that align with current events and The Africa Center’s voice.

Stakeholder & Partner Communications

• Collaborate with cultural institutions and peer organizations to identify shared moments and coordinated campaigns (e.g., MuseumInstaSwap, NYC Museums initiatives).
• Maintain and update a media and partner database for targeted communications and outreach.
• Work with the TAC team to support the creation of a quarterly partner engagement email or stakeholder briefing.

Management of Digital Media Consultant

• Serve as the lead contact and project manager for a contracted digital media consultant or firm.
• Lead the development and approval of content creation, editorial calendars, social media campaigns, and email marketing in alignment with the overarching communications strategy.
• Review and approve monthly content calendars, digital campaigns, and analytics reports in coordination with the consultant.
• Integrate digital and traditional communications efforts for cohesive storytelling and maximum reach.

Website Management

• Oversee regular updates to The Africa Center’s website to ensure content is timely, accurate, and aligned with communications strategy.
• Coordinate with internal teams (Programs, Development, and Executive Office) to maintain program pages, press features, event listings, and institutional messaging.
• Ensure website updates reflect broader marketing, media, and stakeholder engagement goals.

Reporting & Optimization

• Oversee monthly reporting on communications efforts, including media placements, press engagement, and digital performance (in partnership with the digital media consultant).
• Use performance insights to refine messaging, outreach strategies, and campaign timing.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media engagement, preferably in the cultural, nonprofit, or mission-driven space.
• Deep understanding of and connection to African and African Diasporic narratives, culture, and contemporary issues.
• Demonstrated success placing stories or building relationships with press and media outlets.
• Strong writer and storyteller, with a portfolio of press materials, op-eds, or feature placements.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Experience managing consultants or external partners in a creative or communications context.
• Familiarity with digital platforms and communications metrics.

Professional Commitment & Compensation

The Africa Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Africa Center offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, vacation, paid time off, and other benefits.

To Apply

E-mail your application to careers@theafricacenter.orgwith the subject line: “TAC Communications & Media Relations Manager”. Applications should include a resume, cover letter, and 2–3 writing samples or relevant media placements. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. Please consider your application received unless it is bounced back. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline to apply is June 14, 2025.