Communications Specialist

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center

Job Description

Position Title: Communications Specialist
Reports To: Director of Communications and Marketing
Salary Range: $40,000-$42,000 Salary
Location: On-Site/In-Person
Status: Exempt – Salaried

Position Summary

The Communications Specialist manages a range of data-driven, digital and administrative communications functions that advance Oklahoma Contemporarys brand and increase the organizations visibility. The position has primary responsibility for several ongoing communications processes, including website content management, event listings, media tracking, targeted campaign reporting and committee materials.

Working in collaboration with the Director of Communications and Marketing and other team members, the Communications Specialist exercises independent judgment in prioritizing assignments, managing communications workflows, evaluating data and determining appropriate approaches to routine projects. The position is expected to take ownership of assigned projects from planning through completion, identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations related to digital communications, audience engagement and promotional efforts.

The Communications Specialist oversees critical communications with and targeted promotions for visitors, media, partner organizations and broader audiences. The position plays an integral role in promoting the arts center across the city, state and nation while helping ensure communications are timely, accurate, consistent and aligned with organizational priorities.

Qualifications

Essential Job Functions

- Own the day-to-day management and maintenance of Oklahoma Contemporarys website , exercising judgment in organizing, prioritizing and presenting content. Design compelling landing pages, write engaging copy and identify opportunities to drive visitors to attend exhibitions and events and register for classes and camps.

- Manage assigned website projects from concept through completion, determining appropriate content organization, timing and presentation while coordinating with internal stakeholders as needed.

- Partner with the Director of Communications and Marketing to develop, execute and evaluate targeted marketing campaigns. Independently track campaign performance, interpret data, identify meaningful trends and prepare visualizations and quarterly reports that communicate results and inform future efforts.

- Recommend adjustments to communications tactics based on campaign performance, audience behavior, web analytics and other available data.

- Coordinate media outreach and coverage, including distributing media releases, communicating with media outlets, blogs and websites, and assembling images, captions and supporting materials for media kits and event coverage.

- Draft and assist in developing press pitches and other media communications, exercising judgment regarding messaging, supporting information and appropriate materials for different audiences.

- Manage the organizations external event-listing process , determining appropriate opportunities for promotion and ensuring Oklahoma Contemporary exhibitions, programs and events are accurately represented on metro calendars, newsletters and other promotional platforms.

- Develop and maintain relationships with editors of local e-newsletters, calendar administrators and other promotional partners.

- Independently monitor and track media mentions and determine which coverage should be highlighted or archived. Prepare quarterly media packets for the Communications Committee, contribute media information to the annual report and maintain notable coverage on the website.

- Manage records and materials for Communications Committee meetings, including attendance, agendas, minutes and media packets. Coordinate meeting communications, materials and logistics with committee members and internal stakeholders.

- Create and update webpages within the content management system for departments across the organization. Write and edit web and promotional copy, including image alt text, and exercise judgment in organizing information for clarity, accessibility and consistency.

- Review website content regularly, identify outdated or inaccurate information and coordinate with appropriate departments to ensure corrections and updates are completed.

- Upload and embed video and other digital content. Edit photos for web use and support livestreams and other digital programs.

- Serve as a primary communications liaison with IT staff, the database associate and external web developers on routine website and digital-user-experience matters. Identify issues, coordinate solutions and recommend improvements when appropriate.

- Monitor web analytics, evaluate audience behavior and prepare reports that identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.

- Research, plan and execute assigned writing, design and communications projects related to the organization and its programming, determining appropriate approaches, timelines and resources within established organizational priorities.

- Help ensure consistent organizational messaging and visual identity across print and digital platforms. Identify inconsistencies and recommend or implement corrections as appropriate.

- Maintain and organize print collateral archives and identify materials requiring updates or replacement.

- Own and maintain the Communications calendar of events and programs , independently coordinating the timing of information appearing across appropriate website pages and promotional platforms.

- Attend programs and events as needed to manage Communications-related responsibilities, troubleshoot issues and coordinate event communications needs.

- Represent the Communications team at in-house production and other cross-departmental meetings. Communicate relevant information back to the department and independently follow up on assigned communications needs.

- Manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines, independently establishing priorities within broader departmental and organizational objectives and communicating potential conflicts or resource needs to the Director of Communications and Marketing.

- Identify opportunities to improve communications processes, organization, audience engagement and operational efficiency and make recommendations to the Director of Communications and Marketing.

- Perform other related duties and independently manage assigned communications projects as organizational needs evolve.

Essential Job Requirements

- Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

- Minimum of two years of experience in a professional office environment. Communications and/or nonprofit experience preferred.

- Experience working on websites and within content management systems. Experience with Craft CMS and Google Analytics is a plus.

- Experience gathering, interpreting and visualizing data for reports. Strong Excel skills.

- Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences and communication channels.

- Excellent oral communication, time-management, organizational and interpersonal skills.

- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.

- Demonstrated ability to manage projects of varying size and complexity from planning through completion with close attention to detail.

- Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, evaluate information, identify priorities and recommend solutions within established organizational goals and communications standards.

- Ability to independently organize workload, establish priorities and manage multiple projects with competing or shifting deadlines.

- Ability to work with limited supervision while recognizing when issues require consultation or escalation to the Director of Communications and Marketing.

- Ability to collaborate effectively with staff across departments, external vendors, media representatives and community partners.

- Interest in nonprofit organizations and/or the arts.

Limitations and Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required.

The Communications Specialist is expected to exercise independent judgment and discretion in carrying out assigned responsibilities within established organizational policies, departmental objectives and brand standards. Specific duties and responsibilities may change based on organizational needs.

Other Requirements and Working Conditions

Some evening and weekend work may be required in connection with programs, events and organizational activities.

This position regularly requires the use of a computer/monitor, telephone and office equipment.

Physical requirements: Work may occasionally include lifting or carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds. The position requires a combination of sitting, standing, walking and occasional driving.