Associate Director, Communications

Overview OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA (OMCA) VALUES Equity: We acknowledge injustices in our society and take responsibility for challenging them. We hold ourselves accountable and strive to repair harm and invite healing with openness and humility. Courage: We take risks, experiment, and explore with curiosity and a commitment to growth. Collaboration: We partner in reciprocity with community to catalyze dialogue and elevate stories, movements and creative expressions that shape our world.  Belonging: We aspire to be a gathering place where everyone feels welcome. We foster connection with family, community, and the natural world to which we all belong. Inspiration: We celebrate art and culture that broaden the imagination. Our museum and garden spark contemplation, wonder and joy. OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA (OMCA) MISSION We inspire understanding and empathy with stories and experiences of California’s art, history, and natural environment to build more equitable and connected communities. OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA (OMCA) VISION We envision a just and vibrant future where our communities value and honor one another and the world around us. POSITION SUMMARY The Associate Director, Communications develops institutional communications strategies and manages communications projects including: publicity efforts for all exhibitions, programs, events, and institutional needs; press previews; writing press releases and materials; cultivating media relationships and pitching press coverage; managing on-site media production crews; and working with marketing on event and press photography to support OMCA’s photo asset needs. The Associate Director, Communications leads cross-functional communications strategies and meetings, including forecast planning for communications workflows and meetings between executive leadership and other departments. Responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following reflects OMCA’s definition of essential functions for this position, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. OMCA may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Support the Museum’s mission, values, vision, and core commitment to the visitor experience, community engagement, and institutional relevancy for the future Contribute to and support the OMCA strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives such as diversity advancement Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives Participate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and community engagement All positions will have core functional responsibilities, cross functional team activation and learning and development as a core function of each role. POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Communications and Publicity Works in collaboration with the Director of Marketing, Communications, and Visitor Experience to create and implement a Communications Strategy that aligns with OMCA’s goals and priorities Develop press strategies and messaging for major Museum initiatives, such as capital campaigns, facility projects, or advocacy efforts. Manage publicity in partnership with Communications Specialist for exhibition projects, events, and programs. Leads crisis communications for the institution in partnership with Director of Marketing, Communications, and Visitor Experience and Director & CEO, serving as point of contact for press inquiries and drafting talking points for internal stakeholders. Manages work and relationships with communications agency partners to support timely projects related to crisis communications, national press outreach efforts, institutional storytelling, etc. Manages creation, distribution, and publication of press releases, statements, and other timely communications, including executive statements concerning Museum policy and positions. Leads strategy and preparation for press previews. Leads the development of strategic talking points for exhibitions and institutional positioning Aligns messaging with the Museum’s commitment to community engagement, diversity and inclusion, equity and access, while also supporting the sustainability of the institution. Manage media relations outreach and press coverage needs, including on-site media visits, interviews with stakeholders, and video/photo shoots. Seeks proactive opportunities to utilize OMCA spokespeople as thought leaders in the field, including speaking and awards opportunities. Supports internal communications in partnership with HR, including review of executive leadership communications and weekly staff newsletter developed by Communications Specialist. Represents OMCA at media events and press tours, locally and nationally. Cultivates relationships with key influencers and partners in the field, including local community organizations and arts networks. Manage content for press kits and attends project meetings to coordinate content with curators, designers, etc. Actively monitors trends and best practices in the field, including media research to grow outreach lists and build new relationships to reach target audiences. Actively pitch OMCA stories, programs, events, and collection to media sources with the goal of securing a range of coverage in local, regional, national, and international publications and outlets. Editorial and Online Leads development of OMCA style guide for voice, tone, and grammar. Leads and supports internal and external storytelling and communications strategy around OMCA’s anti-racism journey. Supports social media content review and video content planning. Contributes to cross-department messaging strategy, including content planning for social media, website, eNews,