Lehmann Maupin seeks an Associate Director, Press Relations to join its Communications & Marketing department. The position is based in New York and reports to the Global Director of Communications & Marketing. The ideal candidate will have at least four years related experience in public relations with strong contacts in art and culture publications. The Associate Director is responsible for developing the gallery’s international communications strategy, in conjunction with the Global Director and external PR agencies, and executes media relations on behalf of the gallery and its artists. The position is responsible for managing the gallery’s global media outreach, fielding and delegating inbound press requests, and cultivating media contacts on behalf of the gallery. The Associate Director supports in the development of public facing messaging as pertain to the gallery’s principals, leadership, artists and program; identifies opportunities and obstacles in reputation management; and controls the flow of information between the gallery and public. Excellent writing and communication skills, the ability to efficiently manage multiple projects at once, work collaboratively, and manage and meet deadlines is required.
Lehmann Maupin’s Communications & Marketing Department is responsible for globally promoting and increasing the profile of the gallery and its artists, their exhibitions, projects, and collaborations. In addition to press relations, the department creates and implements the gallery’s brand marketing and advertising; oversees the gallery’s digital and social media platforms; and manages the gallery’s events and program initiatives.
Press Relations
Craft and advise on press messaging strategy and develop key media placements to inform public of core brand propositions and differentiations
Write and edit gallery press releases, for exhibitions, art fairs, corporate announcements and special projects, in collaboration with key stakeholders
In conjunction with Global Director, develop and execute customized media plans for gallery exhibitions, art fairs, select third-party museum exhibitions, as well as corporate and crisis communications
Serve as primary, global media contact and field day-to-day media requests pertaining to the gallery
Manage relationships and facilitate work flow of global PR contractors
Review and sign off on institutional or partner press releases as required
Draft briefings for staff / artist interviews
Review all media image requests for appropriate written documentation of permission and courtesy information
Maintain all press image links for the gallery
Monitor news and provide timely updates to stakeholders, including real-time notifications to staff and gallery artists of key major media placements
Track and evaluate public relations campaigns to assess and adjust as necessary
Assist with sending out sales reports to the art market media, liaising with art fair PR departments and agencies
Write gallery editorial content for internal and external communications, i.e. web viewing rooms, art fair catalogs, gallery and artist boilerplates, etc.
Help liaise with museum press offices and PR agencies on institutional shows as needed
Direct translation of all appropriate media materials
Review email newsletters, prepared by Digital Marketing Manager, and provide input on editorial content
Artist Relations
Field media requests for gallery’s complete roster of artists
Advise artists on media opportunities and public relations strategies
Review all institutional press releases for artist’s exhibitions, and support institutional PR efforts, advising and supporting as necessary
Arrange studio visits and phone calls as necessary to develop media strategies with artists
Maintain collaborative, productive relationships with artists and their studios
Identify media opportunities for artists outside of exhibition program
Liaise with Archivists in press scanning/clippings and press packs
Ensure artists receiving timely press updates, clippings, and print copies
Maintain searchable information for artist specific media influencers
Events & Relationship-Building
Coordinate logistics for all New York press previews/media events and provide on-the-ground support, or remote support, as required
Advise on key media guests to engage for gallery events
Work closely with the New York Communications department to create general and targeted invite lists for press previews and outside press trips
Draft remarks, introductions and toasts for public events for gallery leadership
Maintain strong relationships with press, critics, and other opinion makers to the benefit of the gallery and its artists
Represent the gallery at New York events, as needed
BA or Masters degree in Art History, English, or Communications preferred
4 + years of related experience in a gallery, PR agency, museum, or arts institution
Past experience working with New York-based media and achieving coverage is key
Excellent written and verbal communications skills
Exceptional time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines and coordinate across departments in a fast-paced environment
Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Keynote; experience working with InDesign, Photoshop and/or Illustrator is a plus
Proactive, positive, and solution oriented
Position hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 6 pm. Candidate will occasionally need to work additional hours and travel. No calls or walk-ins please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
Lehmann Maupin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The gallery makes decisions concerning hiring and terms and conditions of employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and two (2) professional references to hr@lehmannmaupin.com with “Associate Director Press Relations” in the subject line.