Communications Specialist - Charlottesville, VA,

About the Thomas Jefferson Foundation · The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has a twofold mission of preservation and education, and was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, the Foundation seeks to bring histo ...

Job description

About the Thomas Jefferson Foundation
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has a twofold mission of preservation and education, and was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, the Foundation seeks to bring history forward into national and global dialogues by engaging audiences with Jefferson's world and ideas, and sharing the history of everyone who lived and labored at Monticello. Monticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site and a Site of Conscience.
 
Communications Specialist
 
Join our team We seek an energetic Communications Specialist to help drive awareness, visitation, revenue, and mission-driven initiatives through smart, engaging communications and earned media. From sharing information about the latest archaeology discovery to escorting documentary film crews to pitching media, no two days are the same. The ideal candidate will be a strong writer and relationship-builder who enjoys collaborating across teams and finding new ways to engage audiences.
 
You will take the lead on the following core responsibilities:  

• Supports Foundation net revenue goals and constituent engagement goals for tourism, retail sales, special events, and educational programs through various multi-channel marketing and communications strategies.
• Supports media outreach by drafting press releases, advisories, media kits. Works collaboratively with colleagues, partner organizations, and other stakeholders to produce on-brand, engaging messaging that advances the organization's goals and mission.
• Monitors relevant media trends/topics and routinely reports on mentions—those both directly about Monticello and that which is germane to our work. Provides routine clip service for both department and organization leadership.
• Works with department/division leadership and strategic communications advisors to brainstorm pitching opportunities. Shepherds successful pitches to generate earned media. Ensures participation of colleagues pertinent to media's interest in themes, topics, exhibits, exhibitions, openings, projects, and events. Maintains media lists by subject matter interest.
• Fields, evaluates, and makes recommendations to the Director of Marketing & Communications around on-site filming requests; e.g., documentary shoots. Spearheads the planning of approved filming requests in conjunction with various departments to maximize each opportunity while minimizing impact on guest experience, staff time, and historic structures. Prepares and submits for approval all required documentation (on-site filming agreement, certificate of insurance, drone operation licensing) and thoroughly communicates all media visit plans to relevant stakeholders. Escorts media visits—arranging additional staff support as needed—from arrival to departure. Ensures compliance with all Monticello on-site filming policies.
• Spearheads advance planning and logistics for brand photoshoots to support Monticello visitation and advertising. Works with relevant departments to schedule shoots (dates, times, locations), minimize impact on operations, and ensure the Digital Content Producer and/or contracted shooters are "set up for success." Manages relationship with modeling agency and scheduling models. Manages relevant paperwork and invoicing with the Director of Marketing & Communications.
• Runs point on approved interview requests, both on-site and virtual. Solicits recommendations on interviewee selection from the Content Committee, as needed. Plans interview logistics (interview location, scheduling for both visiting crew and interviewee, equipment load in/load out) and escorts from arrival to departure. Monitors in-progress interviews to ensure accuracy and provide support for interviewee. Exercises sound judgment and professionally handles concerns, requests, or unexpected challenges during interviews. Provides advance briefing on schedule and logistics for relevant stakeholders and post-interview briefing to Director of Marketing & Communications.
• Arranges media tour requests from journalists, local and state DMO (CACVB, VTC). Works with Reservations to book tickets, make additional arrangements as needed (e.g., interviews, wine tastings or visits to the vineyard), and share schedule with both visiting media and internal stakeholders through the organization's Special Tours listserv.
• Serves as reviewer and proofreader of written materials (e.g., Monticello magazine, brochures, on-site signage) to ensure consistent, on-brand messaging across Foundation collateral.
• Works with various departments and subject matter experts to update existing "about Monticello" documents including one-pagers. Collaboratively creates new materials as needed.
• Responsible for updating the communications portion of department calendars. Ensures the Futures Calendar is current where comms, interviews, and media visits are concerned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Ability to manage an array of strategic and tactical marketing projects with multiple partners. 
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people at many levels. Ability to influence people.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or liberal arts; or equivalent experience which demonstrates required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Physical Demands and Work Considerations:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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.

• Physical Demands:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee will sit for extended periods of time, occasional standing, walking. Repetitive use of computer. Monticello is located on a mountaintop and walking on steep and uneven ground is necessary.
• Work Environment:  Normal office working conditions. The office for this position is located in the Jefferson Library. 
• Monticello is open 364 days a year. Occasional non-traditional shifts such as early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays are necessary.
• Ability to work all signature major events including Fourth of July.
• Must adhere to all Foundation policies, including dress code requirements.

We provide the following benefits for our full-time employees:

• Excellent benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings plan plus 6% match, life insurance, and more).
• Fitness club membership discount.
• Discount in the Monticello Café, gift shop, and Monticello online catalog.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free for employee and dependents.
• $500 employee referral bonus.
• Exciting quarterly social events for all employees.

If you believe this opportunity is the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply