Job Title

Head of Press

Department

Audiences and Engagement

Reports to

Head of Media & External Affairs

Purpose of Role

Communicate Art Fund’s work through highly impactful media relations campaigns and strategically planning external press moments to build profile, advocacy, income and support. Identify key moments, evaluate, develop and implement plans to maximise PR and cultivate media interest in our work, securing high profile media coverage, partnerships and content. Be a ‘go to’ person for members of the media and the internal staff team to advise on matters relating press communications, including safeguarding and risks to Art Fund’s reputation. Contract, manage and get the best from external PR agencies, freelancers, suppliers and partners.

Key Accountabilities

Media relations

·       Develop, manage, and deliver proactive and creative media relations campaigns for Art Fund activity to generate income, support or public affairs advocacy objectives, including contracting agencies, freelancers and securing talent as needed.

·       Lead on ensuring a coordinated approach to the programme of grant announcements and storytelling of the impact of our grant making. Work with external recipients, partners and funders and internal stakeholders, to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.

·       Lead the media relations strategy and profile building for Art Fund Museum of the Year, working closely with our appointed agency and media partners and setting targets and objectives.

·       Lead on positions and statements to protect Art Fund’s reputation, including briefing and advising senior team on engaging media.

·       Organise press conferences, briefings, photo-calls and other media events

·       Draft or contribute to well-written and informative press materials including press releases, briefing documents, invitations, quotes and Q&As and source or commission assets such as photography

·       Keep up-to-date on relevant press stories and developments in the media, anticipating opportunities to enter topical debate and to comment

·       Coordinate an ongoing media and press plan that promotes the strategic objectives and vision of Art Fund and ensure its agreed and communicated to internal stakeholders.

Management

·       Manage campaigns and outputs being delivered by external agencies and freelance staff to ensure value for money and return on investment.

·       Manage external stakeholders in relation to communications activities for shared projects.

·       Line manage internal press staff, supporting their development and skills to meet business needs.

·       Project manage cross-organisational projects to meet communication objectives

·       Manage and monitor the associated budgets, provide forecasts and commentaries

Press office management

·       Ensure a fast and efficient response to media enquires

·       Develop our media database to ensure strong and successful relationships across all media to ensure Art Fund has an extensive and relevant network of contacts

·       Ensure an effective system of media monitoring is in place to capture and evaluate media coverage for Art Fund and related interests

·       Flag upcoming announcements and ensure our announcements are in various clash charts and arts diaries, as well as running internal planning diary

·       Ensure internal briefings of relevant stories, compilation of ‘clippings book’ and distribution of press coverage to internal stakeholders.

·       Conduct through evaluations of press coverage and set targets and agree reporting measures for campaigns.

Digital

·       Survey the potential of new digital media opportunities for Art Fund attention from influencers to podcasts to advise on an implement the most effective strategies

·       Work collaboratively with Art Fund’s in-house content and social teams to ensure there is an integrated approach across owned and external media platforms

·       Ensure artfund.org is updated with news and announcements and contribute to editorialising of Art Fund programme and activities.

Other Activities, Duties and Responsibilities

Coach, mentor and support junior members of the Audiences & Engagement team and contribute to their development and training.

As a member of the Audiences and Engagement team, the postholder will work with colleagues across Art Fund and the wider sector to ensure our marketing and communications activity is effective and valuable and supports our strategic plan.  You’ll help us identify where Art Fund can make a real difference in our priority areas and build our reputation in these areas: championing diverse and inclusive museum collections, workforce and audiences; reaching a new generation of museum goers that through digital and community experiences, as well as in the museum itself, and; developing a sustainable sector.  You will share the energy and commitment that Art Fund staff bring to their work, as well as a belief in the importance of arts and culture. 

Undertake other duties as requested by the Art Fund from time to time

Reporting Lines

Head of Media and External Affairs, with line management of Communications Manager.

Close working relationship with:

Wider audience and engagement team, external agencies, close working relationship with programmes team and Policy Lead.

PERSON DESCRIPTION

 Experience

·       At least 5-years’ experience in a senior press relations role, managing several projects simultaneously.

·       Proven experience of delivering proactive media coverage and effective campaigns.

·       Reactive media management experience and in leading response

·       Successful relationship building with a wide range of journalists

·       Effective management of a press office

·       Experience of working with agencies

·       Line management

·       Crisis PR

Knowledge

·       Good understanding of visual arts and the museum/gallery world

·       Understanding of the press and the changing media landscape

·       Strong contacts in arts media and journalists

·       Understanding of influencer marketing and changing digital landscape

·       Understanding of influencer marketing

·       Knowledge of digital platforms, social, podcasting etc…

·       Knowledge of public affairs

Skills/Abilities/Competencies

·       Strong ability to write clear, concise and engaging press materials

·       Ability to work to tight deadlines, in a high pressured environment

·       Excellent interpersonal skills

·       Confidence in working with senior colleagues to coach and brief, including director or chairman

·       Database skills and management

Personal Attributes

·       Highly organised with excellent attention to detail

·       Ambitious, hardworking and creative

·       Drive to achieve varied and high profile coverage

·       Team player

·       Proactive

·       Able to work flexible hours when required

·       Interest in art and its potential to inspire and excite the public