Public Communications Manager

chicago history society • Chicago, IL

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• BS or BA, orhigher, inCommunications, Journalism, or related field
• Minimum three to five years of experience in public relations, communications, or journalism.
• 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
• Belief in the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum
• 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• Ability to translate complex or nuanced information—such as historical content, exhibitions, or institutional initiatives—into clear, compelling, and accessible communications.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.

Nice To Haves

• Agency experience preferred
• Experience using Meltwater preferred
• Experience withHubspotandWordpressa plus

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees