The position
We are seeking an experienced Communications Manager to lead a small team responsible for the day-to-day communications and public relations for the National Portrait Gallery. The successful applicant will work closely with the Director, External Relations, and the NPG Executive team to strategically manage media engagement, provide ethical advice and execute communications plans for exhibitions and the broader Gallery.
Based in one of Canberra’s most stunning buildings, you will be part of a vibrant team responsible for the Gallery’s marketing and communications, partnerships, publications, design, philanthropy and membership.
Specific Tasks
- Lead a small team, with at least one direct report, to deliver a range of high-quality communication, media and public relations campaigns and projects with the aim of promoting the Gallery, its exhibitions and programs.
- Work with curators, the executive and the Gallery’s publicist to craft messaging, workshop issues and develop PR campaigns and opportunities for exhibitions, events, the commissions program and the Gallery.
- Work with the Executive team during crisis management events to craft effective messaging; provide ethical advice and strategically engage with media.
- Working closely with the Gallery’s Publicist, manage and maintain constructive relationships with the media.
- Manage communications events, including organising media previews and previews of the Gallery exhibitions and programs.
- Triage and manage media enquiries, track media coverage; analyse and present data for reporting. Oversee media assets including media releases and media kits.
- Develop media management strategies that proactively engage the media while managing reputational risk. Assist in managing current media partnerships and cultivate new ones.
- Develop and deliver key messages, talking points and speeches for the Gallery Director and Executive team as required.
- Write, edit and proofread external facing Gallery communications as required.
- Provide input to Board papers, exhibition and other reports as requested by the Director.
Selection Criteria
To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate, or be capable of developing:
- Ability to represent the Gallery by promoting its interest within the community and the ability to negotiate with a clear understanding of the key issues.
- The ability to inspire a sense of purpose and direction, harnessing the skills of a small team to achieve results. The ability to take responsibility to prioritise work, in the face of competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
- Demonstrate effective communication and relationship management skills to engage key stakeholders, both internal and external, with clarity and positive outcomes.
- Versatility, flexibility and creativity in aligning your work with the strategic priorities of the Portrait Gallery.
- The ability to communicate with influence, including negotiating persuasively, understanding and adapting to the audience, and building strong relationship, with a diverse range of stakeholders, particularly media.
- The ability to act with integrity, showing accountability, judgement and professionalism.
Qualifications and experience – desirable
- A tertiary qualification in Communications, or four to five years’ experience in the field.
- Previous experience in the GLAM sector will be highly regarded.
Applicant information
In no more than two A4 pages, please tell us how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best person for this job.
Email your application, a current CV and the application coversheet to hrservices@npg.gov.au by the deadline listed below.
If you need more information, please get in touch with Sarah Oakes, Director, External Relations, sarah.oakes@npg.gov.au or 02 6102 7068.
Applications close midnight Monday 21 October 2024.
