Public Communications Manager

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Public Communications Manager

DEPARTMENT: Marketing and Communications

FLSA STATUS:

• Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

As a full-time, salaried position, reporting to Director of Communications, the Public Communications Manager is responsible for promoting the CHM’s collection, programs, events, exhibitions, resources, and experts to local and national media through earned media placements.

The Public Communications Manager will position CHM as a thought leader and source for expert information and resources on the history of the city of Chicago to facilitate audience and visitor growth in support of the Museum’s mission and goals.

The Public Communications Manager is responsible for building ongoing public interest and support for the Museum through community partnerships and collaborations. They will perform research and conduct outreach for speaking engagement and guest author opportunities for Museum leadership during conferences, panel discussions, webinars, blogs, etc.

To expand public and industry awareness of the achievements and innovative work created by the Museum, the Public Communications Manager will research and maintain a calendar of award opportunities and will work with internal teams on award submissions.

In addition, the Public Communications manager will partner with the Director of Communications and Marketing Manager to develop a social media influencer strategy through outreach and relationship building that is in alignment with the earned media strategy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following functions are fundamental to the role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties:

Media Engagement and Relations

• In alignment with the communications strategy, develops and executes short and long-term public relations plans for CHM, its exhibitions,programsand offerings.
• Secure local and national media coverage of CHM’s exhibitions, collections, programs and events, and other initiatives.
• Develops plans and personalized pitching strategytomedia and social media influencers for CHM initiatives.
• Evaluate and report on the reach andimpactof media activities through regular media monitoring.
• Develops and handles crisis and emergency communications.

Press Resource Development

• Ensure press releases and media materials are appropriate,accurateand are delivered to targeted media in a timely manner to meet editorial deadlines.
• Utilize media softwareto proactivelymaintaintargeted media lists.
• Manage web-based online newsroom and digital press materials.
• Collaborate with communications team to ensure that media appearances are incorporated into social media, and digital calendar whereappropriate.

Strategic Asset Management

• Develop and implement periodic media training for Museum and event spokespeople.
• Create resource materials for Museum leadership and spokespeople including biographies.
• Author media messaging and briefing talking points.
• Develop editorial calendars based on news cycle coordination with CHM offerings and resources.
• Provide on-sitelogisticsand coordination with internal CHM staff for media interviews and media filming.
• Oversee anddetermineallocation of collection images for mediarequest.Identify opportunities for trade when working with Museum assets, specifically image licensing with regard to media usage.

Constituent Communications

• Review and respond to feedback left by visitors and guests on review sitesincluding;Yelp, Google,TripAdvisorand Facebook.
• In collaboration with the Editorial and Content team, develop messaging for internal staff to use for exhibitions and Museum programming.
• Develop boilerplate descriptive Museum language to be used for job descriptions and recruiting materials, Museum listings, and other standardized communications.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS or BA, orhigher, inCommunications, Journalism, or related field
• Minimum three to five years of experience in public relations, communications, or journalism.
• Agency experience preferred
• Ability to work with diverse departments and professionals
• Superior oral and written communication including editing and proofreading
• Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven projects
• Understanding of social media, blogs, and digital content
• Expertisein AP & Chicago Manual of Style
• Experience using Meltwater preferred
• Experience withHubspotandWordpressa plus
• Belief in the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of public relations principles, media relations practices, and strategic communications planning, including experience working with both local and national media outlets.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences and platforms whilemaintaininginstitutional voice and accuracy.
• Ability to translate complex or nuanced information—such as historical content, exhibitions, or institutional initiatives—into clear, compelling, and accessible communications.
• Working knowledge of digital media landscapes, including social media platforms, online newsrooms, and media monitoring tools.
• Ability to analyze media coverage and engagement metrics and to report on reach, impact, and trends in a clear and organized manner.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent, deadline-driven projects and shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments across all levels and to build productive working relationships with external partners, including journalists, editors, and influencers.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive, time-sensitive, or high-visibility communications, including crisis or emergency situations.
• Proficiencyin standard office and communications-related software and platforms; ability to learn and adapt to new systems and tools as needed.
• Commitment to accuracy, professionalism, and ethical communications practices, with sensitivity to diverse audiences and perspectives.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The expected pay range for this position is $____ to $____ per year per hour. Compensation is determined based on experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational need. CHM offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plans, and other benefits in accordance with CHM policies.

REPORTS TO:

Director of Communications

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position regularly works with CHM leadership, colleagues across the Museum, and sits on several cross-departmental teams. The Public Communications Manager develops and manages relationships with media representatives and editorial staff, social media influencers, and community partners.

CHM MISSION

To serve as the primary destination for learning, inspiration, and civic engagement, connecting people to Chicago’s history and each other.

CHM CORE VALUES:

Collaboration: We honor all lived experiences, skills, and goals, weaving them into our work to collectively share stories of history and culture.

Integrity: We conduct all business and build internal and external relationships on the foundation of honesty, camaraderie, and professional fellowship.

Respect: We listen to understand, and we affirm other people’s perspectives and contributions. We show up for others and treat them as they want to be treated.

Curiosity: We invite questions and celebrate investigation, encouraging meaningful connections with history and a sense of wonder about our complex city.

Innovation: We anticipate the need to adapt and evolve, embracing new ideas that will propel the Museum to increase success.

Service: We actively cultivate a responsive and supportive culture where all people are valued and respected.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & ACCOMMODATIONS

CHM is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations as required by law.

LEGAL NOTICE

This job description is not an express or implied contract. Employment is at will unless otherwise provided by law or an applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Hybrid / On-Site Work Statement:

This position may require on-site work at CHM facilities. Remote or hybrid work arrangements, if any, are subject to CHM policy and, where applicable, any collective bargaining agreement.