Communications Manager

About Petzel

Petzel is a contemporary art gallery located in the Chelsea district of New York City, showcasing a diverse range of internationally recognized artists known for their unique creative methods.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Gallery Manager, the Communications Manager spearheads the gallery's press and communications initiatives with a strong emphasis on enhancing media exposure for artists, exhibitions, publications, and special projects. This position also manages the gallery's social media marketing efforts, ensuring cohesive and engaging storytelling across all press and digital channels. Exceptional skills in project management and teamwork across departments are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement proactive press campaigns to secure news coverage for artists, shows, publications, and special projects.
• Build and sustain relationships with editors, journalists, critics, and cultural media representatives.
• Handle incoming media inquiries, arrange interviews, photography sessions, and press visits.
• Create press releases, media alerts, and other publicity materials.
• Update and grow the gallery's media contact lists continuously.
• Monitor and report on media coverage and campaign effectiveness.
• Organize both onsite and offsite gallery events collaborating with artists, collectors, partners, vendors, and internal teams to ensure attendance and communication goals are met.
• Work alongside artists, designers, and external collaborators to create advertisements and promotional assets.
• Manage the promotion and distribution logistics for gallery publications.
• Coordinate with Sales and Online Content teams to maintain consistent messaging across platforms.
• Develop and execute social media strategies for all relevant platforms.
• Create and manage a content calendar that aligns with gallery exhibitions, artists’ milestones, publications, art fairs, and events.
• Collaborate on content creation with the Digital Media Associate, maintaining the gallery’s voice in social media posts.
• Track social media engagement, audience growth, and analytics, providing timely performance reports.
• Partner with artists, estates, and collaborators to boost visibility of key campaigns.
• Maintain consistency among social media, website updates, email marketing, and press efforts.
• Seek opportunities to enhance audience engagement and expand the gallery's digital footprint.

Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of experience in communications, public relations, or media outreach, ideally within the contemporary art sector.
• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Proven success in securing media coverage and building press relationships.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication capabilities.
• Experience managing professional social media accounts and developing content strategies.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive and independent working approach.

Preferred Skills

• Existing connections with arts and culture media outlets.
• Familiarity with AI tools such as Claude and ChatGPT.
• Experience with social media analytics and content management software.
• Competence in a foreign language.
• Knowledge of Artlogic software.
• Experience working with artists, galleries, museums, or cultural institutions.

Work Schedule

• Working days are Monday through Friday, 9:45 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Occasional evening and weekend commitments are required for exhibition openings, events, art fairs, and media engagements.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary ranging from $90,000 to $100,000.
• Comprehensive health insurance fully covered by the gallery for the employee.
• Eligibility to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan after one year of employment.
• Three weeks of paid vacation annually, including one mandatory week off during the winter holiday period.