Communications Specialist

MRA-The Management Association
$47,700 - $56,200
United States, Wisconsin, Sheboygan
May 30, 2025
Company: John Michael Kohler Arts Center Job Title: Communications Specialist Location: Sheboygan, WI The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) is a nationally acclaimed visual and performing arts center located in the heart of downtown Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Founded in 1967, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center presents work by diverse artists, from the vernacular to classically trained and from local to global perspectives. JMKAC establishes a community locally and nationally with its rotating, original contemporary art exhibitions, live performances and events, classes, workshops, and on-site preschool. We are seeking a talented Communications Specialist to join our Marketing team and play a key part in shaping our voice, strengthening our outreach, and supporting our mission through strategic communication and storytelling. About The Role Reporting to the Director of Marketing, the Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications efforts that enhance the visibility and reputation of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Art Preserve. In this role, you'll focus on generating media coverage and crafting compelling pitches that attract national, regional and local press coverage. This position also oversees our quarterly member magazine and weekly newsletters-key tools for engaging and inspiring our community. If you have experience in public relations and media outreach, strong editorial skills, and a passion for the arts, we'd love to connect with you. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, daytime hours, and occasionally Saturday and Sunday to meet staffing and/or event needs. Successful Candidates Will Have: Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with an eye for detail. Proficiency with media relations tools and platforms, including media databases and press release distribution services. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, artists, and stakeholders. Passion for the arts and an understanding of the cultural landscape. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Essential Job Duties: Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets. Write and distribute press releases, media alerts, and pitch materials to secure coverage for exhibitions, performances, and events. Monitor media coverage and prepare reports on press mentions and media reach. Coordinate interviews, media visits, and other PR-related activities. Manage the editorial process of the quarterly member magazine, from concept to publication. Collaborate with the creative team to design and produce content that aligns with the mission of the Arts Center and resonates with members. Write and edit articles, features, interviews, and profiles that highlight programs, staff, artists, and community impact. Write weekly newsletters and e-blasts for specific events/campaigns. Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and execute communications strategies for special projects, development campaigns, and other initiatives. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field. 2-4 years of experience in communications, media relations, content creation, or copy editing, preferably in the arts or nonprofit sector. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently move throughout the building; use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects; and talk or hear. The employee will frequently sit, stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, crouch, kneel and smell. The employee should be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities when performing this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Able to read and interpret documents, write routine correspondence, speak effectively with others. Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers. Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Able to deal with problems involving few concrete variables in standard situations. Work Environments: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position is office/art gallery-based, and the noise level is usually moderate. May occasionally work inside or outside at events where the noise level could be moderate to loud. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided where necessary. This position works at various locations depending on the schedule. This position must be able to commute between locations if needed. The John Michael Kohler Art Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.