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Baltimore, Maryland

DIRECTOR – EXTERNAL RELATIONS, The Reginald F. Lewis Museum

The Organization

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture opened in June 2005, in the heart of downtown Baltimore. The 82,000 square foot building houses 10,000 artifacts showcasing 400 years of Maryland African American history and culture.  The museum is the premier experience and best resource for information and inspiration about African American Marylanders. As the gateway to history through living culture, the museum showcases groundbreaking collections, exhibitions, performances, public and educational programs for all ages, and bridges the gap between the past and the present.

The Lewis is the second largest African American museum on the east coast. The museum is named after Reginald F. Lewis, a native of Baltimore and the first African American to close a billion dollar international leveraged buyout deal in 31 countries.  He was one of the first African Americans to open a law firm on Wall Street.

Position Overview

The Director-External Affairs will lead and coordinate the organization’s overall communications strategy. The Director will assist in developing policy and procedures governing public information and communications for the media, general public, state legislature, and special targeted audiences and will serve as the central spokesperson for the Museum in all communication efforts, developing and implementing advertising and marketing strategies. He/she works closely with partner organizations or initiatives connecting the Museum with positive marketing opportunities and community action programs. The Director provides marketing and communication support to all departments as needed and directs Museum’s advertising programs, agencies and the creative services for museum promotional materials, social media, and other scholarly publications. The Director is responsible for the brand website and the development of microsites as necessary. The Director manages the Sales and Facility Rental staff, developing appropriate presentation and sales material to promote the Museum as a desirable rental venue. The Director maintains media, internet, and public interest in the Museum, its mission, programs, and events. The Director will work with the Retail Manager to establish an online Museum Shop. The Director – External Relations supports Development in producing the annual fundraising Gala.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Reports to the Museum Executive Director (ED) and is a member of the Senior Management team
  • Participates with other Senior Management team members in setting the vision, mission, values and strategic planning for the Museum
  • Manages the brand
  • Manages sales and facility rental staff
  • Identifies opportunities to promote the Museum throughout the state
  • Works closely with the ED and senior team to develop communications strategies that will broaden the Museum’s reach and increase its branding
  • Develops and refines “core” messages to ensure organizational consistency; provides training to all staff on communicating these messages
  • Identifies significant media opportunities that can be leveraged to support increased awareness and exposure
  • Develops crisis communication strategy and plans
  • Supports the ED with communication to legislative bodies and elected officials regarding the vision, mission and goals
  • Works with the Director of Development to develop the creative for the Museum’s donor communications, website and all other collateral materials
  • Leads all public relations efforts
  • Develops strategy, monitors and manages all web communications and social media for the museum, including analysis and evaluation
  • Conducts VIP tours for national and local media and dignitaries as requested
  • Supports the Interpretation, Collections, and Education staff  with marketing and communication of hosted programs and special exhibits
  • Local, regional and national travel on a limited basis is required

OTHER FUNCTIONS

 The Director- External Affairs performs additional functions (essential or otherwise), which may be assigned from time to time. The position may require work on weekends, nights, and holidays to accommodate facility programming and utilization.

 TYPICAL PHYSICAL / SOCIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Requires the ability to operate general office equipment.
  • Must exhibit strong people skills and be comfortable interacting with the general public
  • While the majority of the work is performed inside, some outdoor work is required during various museum-related functions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelors Degree in Marketing, Communications and Public Relations required, masters preferred
  •  At least six (6) years’ experience in the Marketing, Communications and Public Relations field
  • At least four (4) years serving in a supervisory role as a team leader with management related duties
  • Significant communications experience that includes a blend of advocacy, media relations, and social media
  • A strong track record of positioning an organization to achieve tangible outcomes in a competitive communications environment
  • Ability to coach and support senior leaders as spokespersons
  • Above average ability and experience serving in a public speaking role on camera, media interviews and group settings
  • Ability to write speeches, prepare annual reports, and special presentations for media, board members, general public, and targeted audience
  • Ability to utilize strategic marketing analysis to formulate marketing and communications goals with measurable outcomes
  • Experience with event management and familiarity with working with and coordinating celebrities and dignitaries
  • Must be able to work on multiple projects
  • Thinking outside the box desired
  • Must have a sense of humor

How To Apply

Send cover letter, three professional references, and desired salary to info.services@lewismuseum.org. No phone calls please.

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