Press Officer

About the Organization

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is committed to building an inclusive workplace and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply, particularly candidates from marginalized and underrepresented communities in the museum sector. The museum is an equal opportunity employer and reviews all qualified applicants without discrimination based on protected characteristics.

Role Summary

The Press Officer supports the Communications team by helping develop and execute earned media activity. This role calls for strong writing, sharp attention to detail, quick thinking, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a busy environment. The position also involves handling timely information, supporting press outreach, and contributing to communications planning across the museum.

Key Duties

• Develop story ideas and angles, write media-facing materials such as press releases and advisories, and pitch journalists to secure coverage for exhibitions, programs, and events.
• Prepare and coordinate content for media blasts, maintain press release pages, and draft emails and advisories as part of the broader communications plan.
• Help plan and run media previews and press events.
• Manage filming requests with support from the Communications Coordinator.
• Maintain relationships with media contacts and keep the media database current through keyword tracking, searches, and monthly reporting.
• Monitor news coverage, identify industry issues affecting the museum, and synthesize key takeaways from media mentions.
• Compile, track, and distribute media coverage reports across multiple platforms in coordination with the Communications Coordinator.
• Oversee the online pressroom, including prioritizing incoming media questions, managing the media gallery, and keeping content updated.
• Offer practical recommendations for content development and distribution across paid, owned, and earned channels.
• Build a solid understanding of the museum and its audiences.
• Collaborate with teams across the museum to keep messaging consistent and aligned with program goals.
• Participate in office-wide meetings, seminars, and initiatives that support professional growth.
• Assist with internal communications such as management correspondence, staffing updates, and policy changes.
• Support risk-management awareness by identifying potential concerns and making recommendations.
• Contribute to communication strategy and policy development.
• Take part in partnerships that help promote the museum and its programming.

Work Arrangement and Conditions

This is a full-time, exempt position with a 35-hour workweek. The role is based in Philadelphia, PA and requires onsite presence at museum locations three days per week, with two remote days depending on the weekly schedule.

A background check will be completed after a conditional offer is made, and review of the results will be tied to the needs of the role.

Physical expectations include the ability to remain stationary for extended periods, use computers and standard office equipment, perform administrative tasks in an interior office, gallery, or exhibit setting, and access most public and staff areas of the museum campus.

Institutional Expectations

• Maintain high professional standards and act in the museum’s best interests while protecting its reputation.
• Follow the museum’s code of ethics, employee handbook, and conflict-of-interest expectations.
• Show respect for colleagues and visitors and appreciate the diversity of staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Protect confidential information.
• Comply with all museum rules, procedures, protocols, and policies.

Application Review

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as the search may close once a strong applicant pool is formed or a hire is made.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary for this role is $50,000.

Benefits and perks include free general admission for the employee and immediate family, discounted guest tickets, discounted gift memberships, special staff tours and presentations, and savings at the museum restaurant, cafés, retail store, and online shop.

The employee benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; fully paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance; an HSA or FSA option; retirement savings with museum matching; and paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays. Eligibility for some benefits depends on schedule and tenure.

Preferred Background

The museum is seeking someone with 2 to 4 years of communications experience. Experience in art history or a cultural nonprofit is helpful but not required. A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or marketing is preferred, along with prior experience in an arts or cultural organization.

Tools and Working Style

The role benefits from experience using Campaign Monitor, Presspage, Photoshop, and Meltwater. The ideal candidate is highly organized, comfortable presenting to groups, able to work independently or collaboratively, and willing to handle after-hours or on-call media needs when necessary.