THE OPPORTUNITY

The National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) is seeking an experienced, creative, and strategic communicator to serve as our Public Affairs Specialist.
In this pivotal role, our Public Affairs Specialist will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive media strategies to enhance the museum’s visibility, promote its exhibitions, programs, and research, and engage diverse audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. This position will serve as the museum’s primary spokesperson, cultivating strong relationships with journalists and media outlets across various platforms.
The ideal candidate will bring expertise in strategic communications and media relations. A passion for the NMAA’s mission to deepen the public’s understanding of the art and culture of Asia is also essential.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, with a major in education or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position. A master’s degree is preferred.
In addition to the Education qualification requirement above:

Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess 3-5 years of related experience that demonstrates possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in media relations, preferably within a cultural institution, non-profit organization, or museum setting
• Proven success in developing and implementing high-impact media campaigns that result in significant, positive media coverage
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling messaging for diverse audiences
• Established relationships with national and international media outlets
• Strong knowledge of the media landscape, including print, broadcast, and digital platforms; familiarity with international media is highly desirable
• Demonstrated project management experience, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience in managing crisis communications effectively and strategically
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
• A strong interest in, and knowledge of, Asian art and culture is highly desirable
• Proficiency in languages relevant to the museum’s collections (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Persian) is considered an asset

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery.”
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [nmaa-hr@si.edu]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian’s EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo

• Crafting and implementing innovative media relations plans aligned with the museum’s strategic goals
• Developing compelling press materials, including press releases, media advisories, and talking points
• Proactively pitching stories and cultivating relationships with key media contacts
• Managing media inquiries and coordinating interviews with museum leadership and staff
• Overseeing press events and media previews
• Providing strategic counsel to museum leadership on media relations issues, including proactive and reactive strategies related to reputational management
• Acting as a liaison with the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Public Affairs
• Training and preparing museum spokespeople for media interviews, public appearances, and press briefings
• Managing media relations budgets, including contracts with external media consultants, press event expenses, and tracking ROI of media efforts
• Monitoring media coverage and analyzing its effectiveness
• Collaborating closely with marketing, communications, and museum teams to ensure consistent messaging
• Managing the museum’s online press room and media database working in partnership with the Smithsonian’s central media relations team
• Staying abreast of industry trends and best practices in media relations and digital communications
• Working collaboratively within the museum’s marketing, content and social media team, manage external media relations firm to ensure alignment with instructional priorities