Chief Marketing Officer

OverviewReports to: Chief Executive OfficerTeam: CommunicationsSupervisory: Supervisory PositionFLSA Status: Full-Time, ExemptLocation: Washington, DCTelework: YesTimeline: The review process of applications will begin on September 30, 2025.Salary Range: $180,000 - $225,000Who We AreAmericans for the Arts (AFTA) strengthens the arts from the ground up – supporting advocacy that empowers communities, develops arts leadership, and produces field-informed research. We shape national arts policy to reflect the realities and aspirations of artists, organizations, businesses, and communities nationwide. We champion the arts as a unifying and essential force in American life.An Overview Of The Communications TeamLed by the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), the Communications team ensures a cohesive and impactful marketing and communications strategy across all platforms. This includes overseeing media relations, content development, and assisting with advocacy messaging, working closely with our government affairs, programs, research, and development teams and the Arts Action Fund (AAF) to craft compelling narratives. Communications is integral in our brand promotion, audience engagement, and digital outreach, ensuring our online presence and marketing campaigns align with advocacy initiatives.An Overview Of The RoleThe Chief Marketing Officer plays a critical leadership role in developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that advances AFTA’s advocacy goals, policy priorities, and brand positioning. This role ensures that AFTA’s messaging is clear, compelling, and strategically aligned with its mission to unite the arts and culture ecosystem and influence national arts policy.The CMO leads crisis communications, oversees brand management, and drives integrated campaigns that engage policymakers, local arts agencies, media, and the public. This position works cross-functionally with Government Affairs, Programs, Research, Development, and our affiliate 501(c)4 organization, AAF, to amplify AFTA’s impact at the national level.The CMO is responsible for supervising all members of the Communications team: Director of Communications, Web Developer, and Digital Communications Manager.Division of Labor between 501c3 and 501c4This role is considered a matrixed role, responsible for duties that support both Americans for the Arts (501c3) and the Arts Action Fund (501c4), which are legally two separate entities. You will be responsible for tracking your time worked across both organizations, having some responsibility associated with collaborative mission-driven fundraising between AFTA and the AAF (within legal and tax parameters). Approximately 30-40% of your hours worked will be allocated to the 501c(4).The Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Communications & Advocacy AlignmentDevelop and implement a proactive communication strategy that supports AFTA’s policy priorities and advocacy initiativesEnsure consistency in messaging across all platforms to position AFTA as the leading voice in arts advocacyWork closely with the Government Affairs team to craft compelling narratives that influence legislative and policy outcomesOversee the development of talking points, op-eds, policy briefs, and messaging toolkits for arts advocates and policymakersDevelop targeted communications plans for key advocacy initiatives, including legislative fly-ins, funding negotiations, and national arts campaignsPerform similar duties, approximately 30% of the time, dedicated to assisting with communications for the AAFCrisis Communications & Reputation ManagementLead crisis communication planning and response, ensuring rapid and strategic engagement with media, stakeholders, and the publicServe as AFTA’s chief spokesperson when necessary, or coordinate messaging with executive leadershipMonitor media and public sentiment to anticipate and address reputational risksDevelop crisis response protocols and train key staff on effective crisis communications strategiesMedia Relations & Public AffairsCultivate strong relationships with national, regional, and targeted local industry media to increase AFTA’s visibilityDevelop and execute media outreach strategies that elevate AFTA’s policy agenda and advocacy workOversee the drafting and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and editorial contentIdentify and prepare key AFTA and AAF leaders and stakeholders for media engagements, including interviews, op-eds, and press conferencesBrand Management & Digital StrategyEnsure consistency in AFTA’s brand identity, messaging, and visual representation across all communications channelsDevelop brand identities that help differentiate AFTA and AAF while also showing their connectednessDevelop marketing strategies to increase membership growth for AFTA and AAFOversee the strategy for digital communications, including social media, email marketing, and website content, to enhance advocacy effortsUtilize data-driven insights to refine messaging strategies and improve audience engagementGuide the creation of multimedia content (videos, infographics, reports) to support advocacy campaignsLeadership & Team ManagementLead and mentor a high-performing communications team, ensuring alignment with AFTA’s mission and strategic goalsFoster collaboration between Communications, Programs, Government Affairs, Development, Research, and Arts Action Fund (AAF) teams to maximize the impact of AFTA’s messagingOversee communications budgets, ensuring resources are effectively allocated for maximum impactEngage with AFTA’s Board, members, and external partners to strengthen advocacy messaging and outreach efforts.*This position is expected to perform similar duties, approximately 30% of their time, in coordination with the Arts Action Fund (AAF), our affiliate 501(c)4 organization.The Experience And Skills That Matter MostThe ideal candidate will have a strong background in building cross-functional communication channels, brand positioning, crisis communications, and developing overall organizational messaging strategies, in addition to:A commitment to advancing the AFTA mission, with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and a passion for arts policy and funding landscapes.Minimum of 12 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media relations, preferably in nonprofit advocacy, government, or arts policy sectors.Proven ability to develop and execute high-impact advocacy communication strategiesExpertise in crisis communications and reputation managementStrong media relationships and experience securing national press coverageExceptional writing and public speaking skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into compelling narrativesExperience leading cross-functional teams and managing multi-channel communications campaignsKnowledge of digital advocacy tools, social media strategies, and data analytics for audience engagement.More About Americans for the Arts and the Benefits Available to StaffThe State of AFTAFollowing a period of significant organizational change, AFTA is continuing to evolve in ways that will increase its effectiveness and trust within the field.The onboarding of our new CEO in March 2025 laid the foundation for steady long-term leadership and trust building to meet the needs of our staff, members, stakeholders, and the public. The hiring of the Senior Leadership Team, which includes the Chief Marketing Officer, is the next step to equipe AFTA with the framework necessary to meet the challenges ahead.It is critical that our incoming Chief Marketing Officer be a trusted advisor to the CEO to bolster organizational success. Our ideal candidate will have a strong background in developing overall organizational messaging strategies, building cross-functional communication channels, brand positioning, and crisis communications to lead our Communications Team and establish AFTA and AAF as leaders in the current and future economic, political, and cultural environments of America in 2025 and beyond.Work Hours & In-Office RequirementsAFTA is open weekdays, operating on a 37.5-hour work week (7.50-hour day), with the core business hours of 10:00 – 4:00 pm ET. Our in-office policy requires employees to work from the DC office at least 1 day a pensation And BenefitsThe compensation range for this position is $180,000 - $225,000 and will be commensurate with the scale and scope of experience. The total compensation package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b employer contributions, and a generous time-off package, including paid parental leave. Employees are also eligible to participate in short-and-long-term disability, life insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and professional development opportunities.Powered by JazzHR #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-21