Public Relations Strategist

About the role

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Principal Responsibilities

• Aid in the development and execution of public relations campaigns for exhibitions, performances, public programs, and brand initiatives.
• Maintain and update the PR editorial calendar in coordination with the Social Media team, with direction from Associate Public Relations Director.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and news updates.
• Maintain media relationships, host, pitch, and visit media to support efforts.
• Maintain press kits, key messaging documents, and media FAQs.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align messaging and campaign timelines.
• Affirm brand voice and messaging consistency across all communication channels.
• Collaborate across the division and the institution to support institutional priorities.
• Support integration of PR efforts with digital and social media strategies.
• Aid in crisis communication planning and rapid response messaging.
• Track and report on media coverage, campaign performance, and engagement metrics.
• Serve as a media liaison during onsite activities.
• Aid in reviewing social media content as needed.
• Support public events, press conferences, and serve as media spokesperson when necessary.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the cultivation of relationships with reporters and media outlets by maintaining updated contact lists and assisting with regular outreach.
• Aid in developing proactive pitch plans and responding to press inquiries in coordination with the Public Relations Coordinator and Head of PR & Communications.
• Cook up logistics for photo/video shoots, press visits, and interviews, including preparing talking points and visual assets.
• Support media training sessions as needed by preparing briefing materials and assisting spokespeople with message points.
• Monitor media outlets for relevant coverage and share insights with the team to inform outreach strategies.
• Manage day-to-day use of the media monitoring system(s) and own the creation and maintenance of regular and campaign-specific media reports, pulling data and drafting insights.
• Coordinate press preview opportunities and serve as a liaison during media tours and interviews.
• Provide onsite support and logistics coordination at media events and presentations, including briefing speakers on logistics and tone.
• Collaborate with community partners to support visibility of organizational offerings and participate in regional events and initiatives.
• Support issues management efforts by monitoring emerging concerns, assisting in the development of response strategies, and coordinating with team leadership to ensure timely and consistent communication.
• Aid in budget management and invoice processing.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or related field.
• 5 years minimum of relevant experience in public relations, communications, journalism, or related fields.
• Experience in arts, culture, nonprofit, or media sectors is a plus.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge and experience in Dropbox, Sprout Social, Brandwatch, Cision, Meltwater, project management systems (e.g. Asana, SmartSheet), or similar, is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across teams.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.
• Digital savviness and ability to learn new platforms and tools.
• Ability to support public speaking and media training efforts.
• Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of institutional practices.
• Professional integrity and ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion.
• Methodical project management and execution skills.
• Ability to interact respectfully, collegially, and professionally.
• Ability and willingness to work weekends and evenings, as required.
• Flexible and adaptable to a fast-paced changing environment and shifting priorities.
• Belief in cultural institutions as a cause for social good.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands: In the work environments described below, position requires utilizing a computer and telephone for prolonged periods of time, verbal and written conversation with others, lifting/carrying (up to 10 lbs). Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and in institution spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Some night and weekend work may occasionally be required to support key projects and institutional priorities. Some overnight travel may be necessary.