Director of Communications & Special Projects

About the Opportunity

As a member of the Marketing, Communications, & Enterprise leadership team, the Director of Communications & Special Projects (Director) supports the overall implementation of the annual Marketing and Communications plan with a particular focus on the institution’s strategic goals as articulated in the strategic plan, 150 Forward and its successors. 

The Director’s primary focus is proactively amplifying the Institution’s strategic vision through communications with and for leadership (board, president, executive team) and with staff, community, and media, leveraging compelling storytelling across digital platforms, print products, and events-based opportunities. 

The Director also brings a strategic lens to targeted roles and responsibilities, including serving as project manager and editor of Chautauqua Magazine, as coordinator of Chautauqua Travels, and in coordinating roles for other new initiatives as assigned.

This position is based at Chautauqua Institution’s Main Campus in beautiful Southwestern New York.

About Your Work

Director of Strategic Communications

• Serve as co-architect and chief manager of the Strategic Communications Plan inclusive of development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the plan which consists of:
  • Board and Leadership Communications Plan
  • Internal (employee) Communications Plan
  • Community Communications Plan
  • Media Relations Plan
  • Regional Public Relations Plan
  • Crisis Communications Plan (in close collaboration with Campus and Organizational Safety and Security)
• Interface with colleagues across the organization in developing and implementing plans.
• Create “the story” around institutional strategies to help patrons understand and embrace the impact of change on their Chautauqua experience.
• Leverage strategic content across the Institution’s digital and print platforms, programs, and events.
• Demonstrate decision-making that represents awareness and commitment to institutional mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives.
• Stay up to date on the latest trends in strategic communications.

Project Manager and Editor – Chautauqua Magazine

Serve as the editor for this annual magazine with a circulation of approximately 30,000. The Fall/Winter edition should be published no later than January 30 and serves as the primary vehicle for transmitting the Institution’s annual report.

• Research and gather story ideas and articles from various Chautauqua departments, artistic directors, and auxiliary organizations.
• Write and assign articles or edit submitted articles.
• Serve as the primary author for the Institution’s annual report.
• Support the Institution’s brand and strategic objectives in developing story budgets and in writing and editing materials.
• Overall management of the publication plan and timeline

Coordinator – Chautauqua Travels

• Project manage promotions and logistics of trip planning and follow-up.
• In collaboration with marketing colleagues, design and measure the effectiveness of campaigns to promote travel programs.
• Work with trip experts to leverage contacts and social media to promote programs.
• Nurture future program development by identifying and cultivating experts.
• Participate in travel programs as necessary to support strategic objectives.

Media Relations

• Work with the Chief Brand Officer to develop and implement a strategic media relations plan.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with media and, as needed, as Institution spokesperson
• Build awareness of the Chautauqua programs and mission in Western New York and beyond through interviews with media and presentations to groups, either doing these personally or positioning other Chautauqua staff to do so.

About You

Education 

• A bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years experience leading external/internal corporate communications with experience writing, editing, and overseeing publications and media relations.

• Prior experience in an environment focused on the recognition of and promotion of the organization’s brand and identity with high levels of service to patrons (customers, donors, and customers who are also donors).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent in English composition, storytelling, grammar, and proofreading, with a focus on strategic communications
• Able to relate well to all types of people to provide exceptional customer service
• Able to work with media and publications personnel effectively
• Familiarity with the Associated Press style guide, Adobe InDesign, and public relations software

About Chautauqua Institution   

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State. It comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization.  The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation. 

Total Rewards for Our Talent 

Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and a benefits suite that includes health insurance with Highmark, flexible spending (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, fitness options, an employee assistance program, and supplemental life insurance and long-term disability options. The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement contribution, which has recently been (10%) of gross compensation following a designated service period. 

The compensation for this opportunity starts at $73,000/annual and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $90,000/annual. 

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience  

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.  In addition to a traditional gate pass, employees and their families will receive full access to our current and historical programs online at CHQ Assembly.    

Our Commitment to IDEA  

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward.  One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions in which everyone feels that they can engage as full and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and applicants will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community  

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.