Communications & Partnerships Associate

Seattle, WA
Full Time
Public Relations
Entry Level

Communications & Partnerships Associate

OVERVIEW: This role supports the delivery of the Seattle Art Museum’s (SAM) communications, media relations, and community engagement initiatives by proactively developing strategic partnerships across key constituents, partner organizations, and the media. The ideal candidate will have exceptional relationship building skills, prior media relations experience, solid written communication skills, and a proven record of working across organizations to achieve shared marketing goals. This position directly supports the Associate Director of Public Relations on media requests and outreach.

The associate will represent SAM in collaborative museum, cultural, and civic groups and actively find opportunities to cross-promote SAM in larger arts tourism campaigns in the region to ensure SAM is a year-round cultural destination.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for cultural heritage, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach towards building relationships with partners and stakeholders.


SAM is dedicated to racial equity and strives for employees, volunteers, and interns who are passionate, qualified, and offer diverse perspectives. SAM prioritizes racial equity in the workplace because we know that people of color are the most impacted when it comes to inequities. We are particularly interested in engaging with historically under-represented groups in the museum field as we strive to be inclusive and equitable. SAM is responsive to cultural communities and experiences, and our strategic plan goals address the role art plays in empowering social justice and structural change to promote equity in our society.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt        
REPORTS TO:  Associate Director of Public Relations
COMPENSATION: $23.17-$27.81 hourly pay range;  Full Time
BENEFITS: Full time employees are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D. Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 403b plan. Employees will also receive ten days of sick leave and ten days of vacation leave every year, twelve paid holidays and one floating holiday throughout the calendar year. Additional benefits include subsidized transportation (ORCA business passport), access to fitness facility, and museum membership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  1. Identify and pursue new partnership opportunities that align with SAM equity goals and position SAM as a leader in the Pacific Northwest arts community and a premier arts destination.
  2. Develop and execute a plan for outreach to key organizations such as the Downtown Seattle Association, Russell Investments Center, Waterfront Seattle, Visit Seattle, Port of Seattle, hotels and more, to spark and maintain strategic public engagement and promotional partnerships.
  3. Create toolkits and explore cross-promotional opportunities with community partners and organizations to promote SAM to their audiences.
  4. Act as a liaison with community groups, neighborhood associations, and other arts and museum sector groups.
  5. Support media relations efforts that promote the museum’s exhibitions, global collections, programming, and other strategic initiatives with a focus on outlets that will get SAM in front of new audiences.
  6. Partner with the Associate Director of PR to develop press materials including press releases and pitches, manage images, and serve as back up to Associate Director of PR for all media interactions.
  7. Track and report SAM press coverage.
  8. Assist in writing talking points for key museum staff and creating presentations.
  9. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels.
  10. Track and analyze key performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and partnership initiatives and make data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.
  11. Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
  1. BA/BS in journalism, communications, public relations, public engagement or related field.
  2. Minimum of 2 years of experience in communications, marketing, or partnership development, preferably in the cultural sector.
  3. Proven interpersonal and oral communication skills; able to communicate effectively and project a professional image with media and partners.
  4. Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to craft clear, concise, and persuasive content for different audiences and platforms.
  5. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint) and the internet.
  6. Ability to work successfully within a high degree of ambiguity. Ability to apply and adapt practices and techniques to the special requirements of the museum and/or executive/senior management.
  7. Ability to work with close attention to detail and to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; strong track record in exercising sound, timely judgment.
  8. Ability to work both independently and in a team setting with a high level of initiative, creativity, tact, and professionalism.
  9. Able to take initiative, prioritize multiple competing tasks, and meet deadlines.
  10. Ability to adhere to museum policies and to support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 
Exposure: Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with light background noise. Work is occasionally performed at other indoor and outdoor sites. 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Stationary Work:  Approximately 80% of time is spent stationary while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 20%) is spent moving around the work area. Occasional extended periods of standing may be required when assisting at Museum events.
Communication:  Clear and effective communication with volunteers, donors, members, the public, and co-workers is necessary.
Moving:  The ability to move up to twenty pounds on occasion is necessary for moving files, equipment, and supplies. Must be able to regularly position self to access files.
Office Work:  Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary.

Don’t check off every box listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. SAM is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Centering equity, diversity, and inclusion as an organization, and as individuals, Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or any other protected class. 

Please contact the Human Resources Department at (206) 654-3188 or [email protected] for additional information or to request reasonable accommodations for the application or interview process.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check

TO APPLY:   Please visit https://seattleartmuseum.applytojob.com/apply  to submit SAM employment application, cover letter and resume.

Deadline: Until Filled

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