Job Details

Associate Director of Engagement & Communications

Position Number: 6218789
Location: Northampton, MA
Position Type: Museum & Arts Administration

Associate Director of Engagement & Communications

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
Museum of ArtJob Description

The Associate Director of Engagement and Communications plays a pivotal role in advancing SCMA's mission to connect people to art, ideas and each other through communications, membership management, and special events. Reporting to the Museum's Director and Chief Curator and serving as a member of SCMA's Senior Leadership Team, this position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to enhance the Museum's engagement and communications, including marketing, public relations, membership and community outreach efforts. This position directly manages two full-time staff and any outside consultants. Additionally directly and indirectly oversees post-graduate and student employees.

Essential Functions:

Communications Management (35%)

Determine the overall voice and message of SCMA in the public space, in partnership with the Director and Leadership Team
Oversee the SCMA brand to ensure a consistent and unified message
Develop and execute a strategic and integrated communication plan to promote SCMA to campus, local, regional, national and international audiences, including web and social media strategies; the plan will ensure impact within available resources and will balance institutional promotion with program-specific promotion
In partnership with curators, develop communication strategy, including visual identity plans, for exhibitions and oversee implementation by department staff
Manage all public relations including writing and distributing media releases, fielding press inquiries and ensuring timely dissemination of information to the full range of museum stakeholders.

Membership, Engagement and Stewardship Management (35%)

Develop and direct a strategy to build and sustain investment in the museum through a robust membership program supported by a strong communication plan
Manage e-communications to build and sustain constituent engagement
Contribute to planning and coordination as a member of the cross-departmental Museum Development Working Group
Serve as staff liaison to Museum Visiting Committee Membership and Engagement Sub-committee; in this role coordinate and support volunteers in their outreach and engagement activities
Plan and coordinate special events and programs (in person and online) for members, donors and the general public to increase engagement and support, including openings, monthly Second Fridays and annual alumnae reunion activities
Direct annual stewardship communications to donors of endowed funds
Serve as Managing Editor of SCHEMA, the museum's online annual report and a spin-off print publication highlighting stories of annual impact

Community Relations (10%)

Coordinate and collaborate with Smith campus partners including College Relations; Alumnae Relations and Development; the Smith Office for the Arts; and other Smith Friends programs
Manage staff representation on the Museums10 Communications Committee
Represent SCMA in the greater Northampton community including the Northampton Chamber of Commerce and the Northampton Arts Council, representing SCMA's interests while identifying opportunities for coordination and collaboration around promoting the region's attractions

Management and Administration (20%)

Represent the department on SCMA's Senior Leadership Team, actively contributing to shaping the organization's mission, goals, objectives, policies and practices
Manage timely and transparent internal all-staff communications
Oversee, implement and maintain a balanced Department budget
Supervise, support and collaborate with direct reports (Communications Manager and the Membership, Engagement and Stewardship Coordinator) in implementing department strategy and priorities
Effectively delegate work and manage projects within the department including hiring, training, and mentoring post-graduate and student employees as well as consultants
Coordinate documentation of museum programs
Play a key role in the museum's emergency preparedness including 24/7 responsiveness for emergency communications
Manages one or more direct reports in regular and/or fixed term role(s)
Accountable for hiring, development / coaching, and performance-related decisions with support from Human Resources
Makes informed decisions impacting team and college including setting priorities, allocating resources, and problem-solving
Effectively communicates expectations, provides feedback, and ensures alignment with department goals
Addresses conflicts and challenges within the team to promote a positive work environment
Formulates and implements policies and procedures

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive and welcoming work environment

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required. Major in Communications, Journalism, Arts or Non-profit Administration, Art History, English preferred.
Minimum of 8 years of professional experience that demonstrates progressive responsibilities and experience in marketing, communications, membership and engagement or an equivalent combination of education/experience
Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated supervisory experience and a proven track record of supporting and developing staff
Experience in marketing, communications, membership and engagement for visitor/customer focused organizations in the arts or culture is preferred; experience in higher education is a plus.

Skills

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Understanding of diversity, equity, social justice, accessibility, and inclusion issues as well as a commitment to working across differences.
Broad marketing experience, including: website tracking and metrics; social media; public relations; advertising; videography and photography; email marketing and communications; CRM database; mobile engagement platforms; E-commerce, including website optimization, email acquisition strategies, and customer conversion.
Acute visual sensibility and a practical understanding of image-driven graphic design. Ability to provide clear art direction to designers and fabricators for print and digital publications. Attention to detail.
Demonstrated brand development experience in both voice and graphic application across print and digital publications; proven ability to manage the brand across all communications.
Demonstrated experience in outreach, engagement and stewardship in service of building institutional support.
Skilled at effectively leading a department within a compact and nimble organization, responsible for both high level strategy and logistical implementation.
Experience developing and managing budgets.
Experience managing staff, interns, and project contracts.
Other key abilities: is self-directed; has excellent judgement and exercises discretion; is adept at multi-tasking; and works well under deadline.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.
You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin
May 26, 2025

Position Type:
Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

To apply, visit https://smithcollege.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/smithcollege/job/Smith-College/Associate-Director-of-Engagement---Communications_R-202500247?timeType=f5076f035909016d0a03432e742a7800