Director, Public Relations and Communications

About Us: The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum of Science and Industry provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Job: The Director, Public Relations and Communications will develop and execute strategic communication and public relations plans to fortify the Museum's brand, enhance its reputation, and elevate museum awareness to drive visitation. 
The ideal candidate is a seasoned communications professional with a passion for storytelling, a meticulous eye for detail, and a proven track record of steering impactful brand narratives. This individual is willing and able to roll up their sleeves and bring fresh ideas to our purpose-forward work.
 

Responsibilities

• PR Brand Communications Strategy: Lead and execute comprehensive brand communication strategies that align with the Museum's overarching brand vision, ensuring consistent messaging across all touchpoints.
• Media Relations: Oversee all media relations activities, including cultivating strong relationships with key media contacts, pitching brand and product stories, and managing media inquiries to secure positive media coverage.
• Crisis Management: Monitor media coverage and industry trends to identify opportunities and risks. Develop proactive responses as needed, and lead crisis communication efforts including developing response plans, coordinating with stakeholders, and managing reputational risks.
• Storytelling: Craft compelling and authentic brand stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Corporate Communications: Lead the development of clear and effective corporate communication materials, including press releases, executive messaging, and internal communications to enhance storytelling and brand alignment.
• Executive Communications: Bring passion to elevate the leaders of the brand to tell the Museum's story from their unique perspectives, thereby increasing industry authority. 
• Team Leadership: Lead and manage a team of professionals responsible for various aspects of communications and media engagement. Create and maintain an environment that fosters a high-performing learning culture, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to team members.
• Spokesperson Role: Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, representing its values and mission to external stakeholders and the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field is required.
• Seven to ten years of related experience in PR, communications, journalism or related field, with a minimum of five years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong media relations experience and established media contacts.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Meticulous eye for details.
• Language:
  • Ability to read and interpret documents and write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
• Mathematical:
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, ROI, etc.
• Reasoning:
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.
• Physical:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
  • The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee must occasionally life and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment:
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Our DEAI Mission

The Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.