Director of Communications
Position Summary
The Director of Communications plays a central role in managing the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s day-to-day communications operations. Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, this position leads editorial planning, manages communications workflow, directs and develops written content, and ensures the timely execution of communications projects across the organization.
Essential Functions
- Main job responsibilities:
- Communications Planning and Operations
- Develop and implement communications plans that support institutional priorities, major initiatives, executive visibility, audience engagement, and organizational reputation.
- Maintain an organization-wide communications calendar to coordinate timing across press, social, email, internal messaging, campaigns, and major events.
- Develop and maintain communications protocols, approval processes, key messages, spokesperson guidance, templates, and other tools that support consistent institutional communication.
- Serve as a primary media contact for the organization, and lead proactive media relations pitching, interview coordination, press inquiries, and media opportunities.
- Track communications outcomes, media coverage, engagement, and other performance indicators to evaluate effectiveness and inform future communications strategy.
- Content, Messaging, and Editorial Strategy
- Lead editorial planning and storytelling efforts across internal and external communications channels, including earned media pitches, organic social media strategy, and some email communication supported by direct reports.
- Direct and develop written content, including press materials, institutional announcements, internal messages, talking points, executive communications, presentations, and other organizational communications.
- Maintain editorial standards, message consistency, and brand voice across communications channels.
- Support internal communications by developing clear messaging for staff and leadership, including regular newsletters.
- Media Relations
- Serve as a primary media contact for the organization, and lead proactive media relations pitching, interview coordination, press inquiries, and media opportunities.
- Track communications outcomes, media coverage, engagement, and other performance indicators to evaluate effectiveness and inform future communications strategy.
- Organizational Responsibilities
- Serve as a communications advisor to departments and project teams.
- Manage and guide communications staff, agency partners, or freelancers.
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.
- Supervisory Responsibility
- This position supervises full-time personnel and may oversee interns or freelancers in addition to project teams.
- Budgetary Responsibility
- This position manages specific project budgets and vendor contracts.
- Decision-Making Responsibility
- The Director exercises day-to-day discretion regarding management of the Trust’s communications, subject to the general oversight of the Senior Director of Communications.
- Strategic Responsibility
- This position collaborates with colleagues throughout the organization to ensure that institutional communications in a variety of formats support the Trust’s mission and vision.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, writing, journalism, or related field preferred.
- Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience in strategic communications in a corporate, government, or large institutional setting is required. Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and teams. Supervisory Experience: Prior experience managing others preferred.
- Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with communications software and media monitoring tools preferred; experience utilizing AI tools to enhance productivity preferred.
- Intangibles: Candidates should be passionate about the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s mission, including revitalization of Downtown Pittsburgh through the arts. Sound judgment, attention to detail, responsiveness, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines for high impact projects are essential. Candidates should be self-motivated and tactful, with strong written and oral communication skills.
Salary
80000 USD / Year
Employment Type
Full-time
Experience
Mid (5-7 years)
Website
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Pay
80000 USD / Year
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