AMP: Artists' Meeting Place and Resource Collective

The Los Angeles County Arts Commission seeks a full-time Director of Communications to develop, implement and manage comprehensive integrated communications comprised of multiple internal and external marketing programs. These programs communicate Arts Commission priorities, promote Arts Commission programs and services to increase public awareness, and build awareness of the organization regionally and nationally.

Responsibilities
Reporting to the Arts Commission's Executive Director, this senior level position develops communications strategies to maximize public awareness of the Arts Commission overall and participation in all the Arts Commission's programs: Arts Education, Grants and Professional Development, Civic Art, and Productions (Ford Theatres, Holiday Celebration and Free Concerts). The Director of Communications oversees a staff of four as well as numerous consultants in the fields of graphic design, videography, photography, social media, Web site development, public relations, marketing, special event management and writing.

Examples of Duties:
Creates and maintains standards and quality control of internal and external communications and writes/reviews/edits a wide variety of communications including e-newsletters, press releases, social media posts, reports, monographs, opinion pieces, speeches, marketing and fundraising materials, PowerPoint presentations and succinct messaging.

Provides direction and mentoring to communications staff and program managers in carrying out marketing, communications and customer service functions, as well as the integration of communications components into their work.

Develops and implements plans for the use of e-communications and Web sites for implementation of communications strategies and utilizes current and emerging technologies to effectively reach target markets. This position oversees multiple Web sites, as well as Twitter accounts and Facebook pages.

Cultivates relationships with major media outlets and shapes/directs stories; manages media relations, researches editorial opportunities, builds relationships with key media and responds to media and public inquiries regarding Arts Commission services and related issues.

Cultivates partners from the public and private sector to enhance the promotion and visibility of Arts Commission programs.
Establishes measures to track progress and success of marketing and strategic partnerships and evaluates effectiveness of all marketing and communications initiatives.

Prepares and conducts presentations to commissioners, county departments and arts-related conferences and serves on community partner task forces.

Identifies spokespeople within the organization and prepares them for presentations/interviews.

The successful candidate will have the following experience and skills:
• Flawless writing, editing, proofreading and presentational skills
• Deep knowledge of the arts, arts marketing and arts public relations
• Knowledge of Web sites and e-communications best practices and trends
• Ability and knowledge to oversee and assess work of a wide range of communications professionals including videographers, Web site developers, marketing and social media experts, graphic designers, public relations practitioners, photographers, printers and freelance writers
• Ability to handle great variety of projects simultaneously and switch among them easily
• Skill in recruiting, supervising, mentoring and motivating staff

The successful candidate will be a senior level communications person with a minimum of seven years of progressive leadership and supervision experience in the field. A Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, a performing or visual arts discipline or a related field. Master's degree in a related field is desirable.

Compensation
This is a full-time employee position: $82,900 - $108,730 with full benefits, including matching deferred savings plans and retirement. Placement within the range will be commensurate with candidate's qualifications.

Application Process
Please submit a cover letter stating why the position is of interest, resume, two representative writing samples addressing different purposes written during the past three years, a one-page case study of a media/promotional or marketing campaign concepted and implemented, a list of three references and salary history to

employment@arts.laounty.gov.

Applications will be reviewed starting on August 1, 2012. Position will remain open until the staffing need is met and may close without advance notice.

The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County. The Arts Commission provides leadership in cultural services for the County, including information and resources for the community, artists, educators, arts organizations and municipalities. To learn more about the Arts Commission, please visit www.lacountyarts.org.

from LA Culture Net