Public Information Officer
Deadline to apply: Aug 24, 2012
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Japanese American National Museum’s (JANM) Public Information Officer serves as a primary public spokesperson through which the general public, media outlets, government agencies and other interested organizations may request information about JANM, its staff, its leadership and its many projects. Manages the institution’s public/media relations efforts and coordinates the activities of the public relations firm/media consultants.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides information about the National Museum and its projects to the news media through press releases, press kits, photographs and calendar notices.
- Facilitates interviews by the press with National Museum staff, leadership and volunteers on a variety of pertinent topics.
- Coordinates media events as assigned and serves as media liaison for the institution at the direction of National Museum leadership.
- Attends National Museum project meetings. Works with marketing and communications team and program staff to ensure proper press information is available to the media on National Museum projects, exhibitions and special events.
- Works directly with senior management, leadership, staff and volunteers to ensure proper preparation for media interviews.
- Maintains media contact list and press clipping files.
- Handles general inquiries from non-media organizations and individuals. Directs inquiries to the proper National Museum unit, including the Hirasaki National Resource Center, Watase Media Arts Centers, Education, Curatorial, Collections, Store, Development and even other Japanese American organizations.
- Leads tours for press, VIPs, leadership, donors, supporters, colleagues and as needed.
- Handles non-commercial inquiries from filmmakers, documentarians and photographers who desire to utilize the National Museum facility as part of their projects.
- Serves as staff liaison to volunteer external relations committee
- Plans, coordinates and executes Museum outreach events to Museum members/supporters
- Attends Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) meetings as National Museum representative
- Participates in Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) committees, including the Transit Committee, Planning and Cultural Preservation Committee, and Marketing Committee
- Represents National Museum at various Little Tokyo community events
- Serves as staff liaison to the New Leadership Advisory Council
- Provides concierge services to top level constituent
- Works on fundraising projects as assigned
- Assists in cultivation and relationship building with donor prospects and top level donors
- Staff members must be able to work with visitors of all ages to support the various events sponsored by the National Museum. Each staff member will be expected to work on a minimum of three museum-wide events per year: a. National Museum’s Annual Gala Dinner and Silent Auction- (off-site) typically held in the Spring (April-May) b. National Museum’s Family Festival Day- Oshogatsu Family Day (January) or Summer Festival (August) c. Target Family Free Days – Free Admission Family Days sponsored by Target held on the 2nd Saturday of the month.
This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Incumbent will perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited university or college in Journalism, Public Relations, Asian American Studies or English; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience/Knowledge: At least five years of experience in Public Relations or Communications preferred. Outstanding relationships with reporters and other news/media representatives is required. Experience in performing interviews and developing press kits and press releases. Must be able to write quickly to get information to the press immediately. Prior experience in both non-profit and for profit industries desired; previous experience working with volunteers is required, previous museum experience beneficial. Excellent organizational skills and ability to use sound judgment in representing the institution to the media and externally is critical. Willingness to learn and apply new skills. Ability to manage a wide range of projects simultaneously, meet deadlines and produce accurate work. Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize. Strong proofreading skills and a Professional phone manner is essential. Ability to work in a fast paced team-environment, be a self-starter. Demonstrate commitment and flexibility at all times in order to ensure high quality service. Ability to adjust and provide appropriate action when unanticipated need arises. Familiarity with Japanese American and Asian American communities. Knowledge of Japanese American National Museum’s mission, projects, exhibitions and events, sensitivity to issues of diversity and ethnicity is essential. Requires a working knowledge of Japanese American history and the Japanese American community. Important to know current events in the Japanese American and Asian American communities.
Communication: Outstanding oral and written communication skills with experience in media relations and public speaking. Important to be able to communicate clearly and concisely, especially over the telephone with the news media. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Must be able to provide courteous and effective service to co-workers, volunteers and the general public. Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group format.
Computer: Computer literate, Internet savvy, and experience with MS Word, Excel, and Power Point preferred, speed and accuracy are essential.
Math: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning: Act on own initiative. Must be able to comply with institutional policies and procedures. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Perform successfully when juggling and re-prioritizing multiple assignments in a fast-paced, changing work environment. Reliable follow-through on assigned projects in a complete, well conceived and timely manner.
Physical: 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 is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the 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 noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to:
Vice President of External Relations
Positions supervised:
Volunteers
The Japanese American National Museum reserves the discretion to change this job description at any time.The Japanese American National Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, disability, marital status, domestic partner status, or medical condition.
