The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council has an immediate opening for a full-time Advocacy and Communications Associate. This is a new position, serving as a key role in the Arts Council’s work to champion regional artists, creative workers, and arts and culture organizations through communications outreach and strategic advocacy efforts. Interested applicants should believe in the power of storytelling, be passionate about the arts, recognize the importance of research and accuracy, and care deeply about social and economic justice.

The Advocacy and Communications Associate will grow the Arts Council’s capacity to gather, interpret, and disseminate information promoting the visibility, reach, and sustainability of the region's arts and culture sector. The Advocacy and Communications Associate will also support the Arts Council’s work in developing and growing relationships between artists, arts organization leaders, and key decision makers in Southwest Pennsylvania.

The Advocacy and Communications Associate will serve under two departments, working closely with, and reporting jointly to, the Manager of Communications and the Director of Research and Special Projects.

Responsibilities:

Advocacy

• Research and track developments in arts and culture policy at local, state, and national levels
• Support advocacy initiatives by conducting background research and developing policy briefs, infographics, and other supporting materials
• Collaborate with the CEO and Director of Research and Special Projects to develop and execute advocacy campaigns
• Coordinate, contribute to, and occasionally facilitate advocacy meetings and events
• Develop and draft advocacy communications

Communications

• Oversee the Arts Council’s social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads
• Research and recommend new platforms that will help elevate the Arts Council’s brand and awareness
• Monitor social media trends and analytics, and work with the Manager of Communications to keep content relevant and seen
• Support the Manager of Communications in ensuring all communications materials reflect the organization’s authentic and distinct voice
• Assist in writing communications copy including but not limited to blog posts, newsletters, and resource guides
• Support the Arts Council’s marketing efforts, including assisting with the implementation of advertising campaigns and developing marketing materials
• Assist the Communications team in representing and promoting the Arts Council at community events

In addition, all Arts Council staff members are expected to build and maintain relationships with artists and creative workers in Southwest Pennsylvania

Education: 

A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, but a combination of a high school diploma (or equivalent) and relevant work experience will also be considered.

Professional Experience and Skills:

• 1-3 years of work experience demonstrating the following: Strong writing and editing skills
• Experience interpreting and incorporating research and data into work
• Experience in Canva or other design platforms required; Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Highly organized, able to multitask, and meet internal and external deadlines
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Ability to serve as an advocate for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds
• Ability to work independently in a hybrid work environment

Benefits: 

This is a full-time, exempt salaried position. Occasional weekend and evening work may be necessary. Salary is posted at $45,000 - $50,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Paid time off (sick, personal, and vacation) and thirteen (13) holidays. The Arts Council presently offers a 403(b) employee-contribution retirement plan, with plans to offer a 401(k) plan and match starting January 1, 2024.

Remote Work:

This position supports hybrid work, with work occurring remotely and onsite at the Arts Council’s offices, currently located in the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh. Employees are provided an organization-issued laptop for the duration of employment. Our office has an open floor plan. Candidates working in our offices should expect to work in an environment with background noise, variable temperatures, and frequent interruptions. When working remotely, you are expected to maintain a high-speed Internet connection supporting collaborative work, such as Zoom meetings.

Our Culture: 

We pride ourselves on creating a fun, flexible, and creative work environment at the Arts Council. We encourage our staff to come as they are – whether in your new favorite band t-shirt, being accompanied by your pets in our Zoom meetings, or sharing your passions outside of work. The Arts Council is dedicated to uplifting all voices, and decisions are often made as a full team. Our employees are open, supportive, and inclusive. A passion for the arts is a must.

We are in an amazing time of transition and growth. Our employees are involved in shaping the future of our organization, including envisioning a new office space, developing a new strategic plan, and reimagining new and old programs. Are you interested in thinking strategically and helping us reach our goals to support our arts community?

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, résumé, a professional writing sample or a link to an online portfolio, and contact information for three references via email to jobs@pittsburghartscouncil.org.

Applicants will be reviewed beginning Friday, Sept. 21, 2023, but applications will remain open until the position is filled.

About the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council:

The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is the region’s primary arts service organization that provides advocacy, professional resources, research, and grantmaking to artists and nonprofit organizations in four counties within Western Pennsylvania. We are a membership organization with more than 600 diverse artists and arts organizations of all disciplines. We exist to help our community thrive and assist artists and arts administrators to grow their skills and art practices.

Mission 

To expand the reach and impact of the region's diverse and vibrant arts and culture community by providing leadership, advocacy, capacity building, and connections.

Vision 

To create an equitable, innovative, and flourishing arts and culture community that shapes our thriving region.

Arts Council’s Commitment to Equity: 

The Arts Council values equity as essential to its mission to expand the reach, influence, and effectiveness of the region's diverse and vibrant arts and culture community by providing leadership, advocacy, capacity building, and connections. We are committed to diversity and equity in gender, age, religion, race, ethnicity, ability, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. Differences provide varied viewpoints, ideas, and connections that strengthen and enrich the Arts Council’s work with the communities in our region. Our goal is to create and maintain an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment and to engage the talents of people with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to accomplish our mission.