About the Opportunity
Under the direction of the Chief Marketing Officer, the Director of Communications develops, leads, and evaluates creative internal and external Communication strategies through a variety of efforts to increase awareness of the Fine Arts Museum’s exhibitions and programming while elevating and enhancing institutional development locally, nationally, and globally. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Wednesday, October 15, 2025. We plan to launch the interview process by the end of October.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develops and leads integrated institution and exhibition communications strategies from ideation through implementation, researches and composes press releases, navigates internal and external approvals, crafts creative pitches, manages media previews, and secures a broad range of impactful media coverage.
- Consults with and advises senior management on communications issues and messages affecting the institution, including, but not limited to, thought leadership, issues, reputation management, and crisis communications related to the Fine Arts Museums.
- Leads the Communications team in a collaborative management style. Drives clear goal-setting and measurement; develops and tracks metrics to assess performance. Builds and fosters a culture of innovation and creativity. Develops and mentors staff to advance the institutional goals. Tracks results. Coaches individuals and the overall team for professional advancement
- Seeks media and thought leadership opportunities for the Fine Arts Museum’s executive and curatorial leadership in appropriate outlets and venues, in support of our exhibition and permanent collection programming.
- Responsible for developing and maintaining personal contact with representatives of local, regional, national, and international media, including print, broadcast, and online news art, culture, lifestyle, and media outlets for the purpose of establishing and maintaining effective, relevant, dynamic, and integrated earned news coverage.
- Directs institutional message alignment. Works closely with the cross-functional teams, including marketing, curatorial, design, development, and visitor services, to achieve common goals and develop consistent narratives and messaging across the organization. Monitors communications programs and recommends modifications to extend reach and appeal to media outlets and the general public. Contributes ideas for individual campaigns that support special exhibitions.
- Leads press and media events and attendance for key exhibition openings, public programs, and Development events.
- Supervises the Communications team in all aspects of media relations, including assisting the CMO in managing the public image of FAMSF.
- Leads a results-driven team, monitoring KPI’s and evolving and leading a strategy to best deliver on the objectives of the organization within current cultural and media environments.
- Collaborates with the Marketing team to identify appropriate media sponsors and outlets for key exhibitions, events, and activities.
- Represents the Museums’ at relevant internal and external media events, including special events, conferences, meetings, and other functions. Present as needed at key opening events and on-site programming. Acts as the press liaison for the institution at public-facing events and represents the institution at community round tables and city media functions.
- Analyzes the extent of the public understanding and perception of the Museums’ messages and determines the need for further communications strategies. Prepares periodic communications and media reports, reporting on key performance indicators and overall efforts and impact. Aligns and adjusts strategy to fit current culture and public preferences.
- Thought partner to the Executive office, occasional advisor on institutional thought leadership pieces and speech writing.
- Leader in elevating the brand appeal and relevancy for the organization, including local, national, and international tourism strategy in conjunction with the CMO, Marketing Director, and Executive Office.
- Acts as primary liaison with public relations consultants and/or agencies as needed.
- Manages the department budget. Forecasts, tracks, and allocates spending to deliver on the department’s goals and set the budgeting process. Works collaboratively with the finance team.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in journalism, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
Work Experience: Minimum of seven years in the public relations/communications field, preferably at a major arts or cultural institution. Two of the seven years must include supervising staff.
Skills and Abilities:
- Track record of leading successful public relations campaigns.
- Must have demonstrated knowledge of media and press procedures, as well as media contacts on the local, regional, national, and international level, and the ability to cultivate new press contacts.
- Excellent motivational, strategic planning, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work successfully in a team environment.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals and groups.
- Ability to analyze and integrate information from relevant sources and an ability to incorporate changes or appropriate decisions.
- Ability to respond to changing circumstances and priorities in a focused and timely manner. Proactively addresses issues as they arise.
- Leverages technology and data platforms to optimize efficiency and track results.
- Proven case studies of having championed institutional initiatives and elevated thinking and approach around media management and engagement.
- Ability to meet strict deadlines, organizational goals, and commitments in a demanding work environment.
- Ability to maintain discretion when handling confidential information.
Additional:
Schedule: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Hybrid schedules are a minimum of 4 days a week onsite, with the understanding that schedules may change based on operational needs. The workweek is Monday – Friday, 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week.
- The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision and 401(k), and paid time off.
- The annual salary range for this position is $125,000-$137,000. The final offer amount within this range will be based on experience and internal equity.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Wednesday, October 15, 2025. We plan to launch the interview process by the end of October.
If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HumanResources@famsf.org.
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COFAM is the Corporation of Fine Arts Museums and is the privately funded non-profit corporation which supports the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, a department of the City and County of San Francisco.
COFAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all phases of employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Comprising the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, we are the largest public arts institution in the City of San Francisco and one of the largest art museums in the United States. The de Young, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and located in Golden Gate Park, showcases American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, international contemporary art, textiles and costumes, and art from the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa. The Legion of Honor displays a collection of over 4,000 years of ancient and European art including Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker and houses the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts in a Beaux-Arts style building overlooking Lincoln Park and the Golden Gate Bridge.
