Public Relations and Events Manager

Chihuly Studio is seeking a Public Relations & Events Manager to join our team. Chihuly Studio is the family-owned business of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, where the Chihuly team is committed to a collaborative and passionate culture supporting the work, creative design, and excellent client service of our inspirational and distinguished artist, Dale Chihuly.   

The Public Relations & Events Manager reports to the Vice President of Sales and Marketing and is primarily responsible for orchestrating and overseeing the execution of all external communication and most external initiatives and events, on behalf of the Studio, Exhibitions and Sales team, with a mission to build and sustain the legacy of artist Dale Chihuly.  This role is responsible for all interactions with the media and the Studio’s PR agency, as well as serving as the primary liaison with marketing counterparts at partner institutions and Chihuly Foundation beneficiary organizations.   

This is a full-time position. 

The Studio’s Ideal Candidate has the following qualifications:  

•      Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education. 

•      A minimum of 10+ years’ experience in public relations, events management and earned media and events role. Experience working in the art industry or art museum communications is highly preferred. 

•      Superb writing and editing skills and a strong sense of narrative and storytelling. 

•      Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate in a clear and persuasive manner. 

•      A seasoned, confident communications professional with a good sense of judgment who has counseled and served as a trusted advisor to senior executives. 

•      Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.

•      Willingness to collaborate and execute day-to-day tasks, while also working independently.

•      Willingness to share ideas at all staff levels across the Studio. 

•      Ability to prioritize, manage projects and follow through effectively. 

•      Familiarity with Seattle, contemporary art, museums, as well as global art trends preferred. 

Primary Responsibilities:  

•      Cultivates and provides reputation management for Artist Dale Chihuly, President & CEO Leslie Chihuly, and Chihuly Studio to expand and educate a broader audience of the artist’s legacy and impact, as well as reinforce positive public perceptions. 

•      Partners with the Studio’s Design & Brand Manager and the Vice President of Marketing & Sales to develop PR initiatives and activations that align with Studio communications and business objectives. 

•      Proactively develops and executes Studio PR initiatives, including C-level awareness campaigns, exhibition and gallery openings, collector events, book launches, philanthropic activities, and special anniversaries. 

•      Creates and manages Studio events and activations by collaborating with Studio staff to implement thoughtful and engaging experiences at exhibitions, meetings, and events. 

•      Works well with digital, broadcast and print media as well as a variety of internal and external stakeholder groups to ensure consistent messaging across platforms and partner communications programs. 

•      Develops original content on behalf of the President & CEO, including but not limited to ghostwriting byline articles, speeches, and annual staff communications pieces. 

•      Cultivates collaborative media and stakeholder relationships, among other strategies, to develop speaking opportunities on behalf of the Studio. 

•      Reviews media requests and serves as the Studio liaison for external partners such as Pilchuck Glass School, Chihuly Foundation beneficiaries, film festivals as well as the press and additional organizations. 

•      Serves as primary liaison to ensure accurate and consistent legacy-driven messaging around exhibitions.

•      Provides proactive and strategic PR guidance to the executive team in addition to regular PR updates, and special event opportunities. 

•      Cultivates and maintains relationships with the media to maximize coverage opportunities. 

•      Partners with Vice President of Marketing & Sales to execute strategy and activities of external PR firm, ensuring access to assets and partners, while also providing direction on story development, coordinating interviews or writing responses on behalf of Chihuly and the Studio executive team. 

•      Partners with the VP of Marketing & Sales to create and maintain the Studio’s annual communications calendar. 

•      Maintains Studio’s philanthropic relationships and commitments which includes oversight of the Studio’s annual donations program. 

•      Collaborates with Studio departments to identify staff, leadership and vendors to create the best experience for both clients and exhibition partners.  

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to Stephanie Benadof, HR Manager: [email protected], with the subject line: Public Relations & Events Manager  

To learn more about Chihuly Studio, visit www.chihuly.com