Senior Publicist, Communications and Talent Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description Revised on 7/9/2026

Department: Marketing, Communications and Content
Reports to: Vice President, Communications and Talent Relations
Job Type: Full-time – Regular                                                                                            
Job Classification: Hourly (Non-exempt)                          
Workplace Location: Los Angeles – Academy Museum
Compensation: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour

Summary/Objective:
The Senior Publicist is a key member of the Communications & Talent Relations team responsible for developing and executing a global, strategic communications plan designed to message the museum’s ongoing exhibitions, programs, collections, publications, and institutional messaging, resulting in positive media placement (print, broadcast, and digital) for all the Academy Museums' initiatives. This position will manage multiple projects and take on additional tasks as needed.

The Talent Relations portion of the role will serve as a primary logistical point of contact and on-site liaison for program and event participants. The role will work in close partnership with the Communications & Talent Relations team, the Events, Film Programs, and Education departments, as well as Museum Marketing and Academy Studios teams on special projects. The role requires organizational and database management skills as well as strong interpersonal skills for on-site hosting and tours.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized self-starter with a demonstrated track record in media placement, ranging from listings to in-depth stories, and possesses a strong understanding of the media landscape.

This position is represented by a union.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Develop and execute a long-range global, strategic communications plan for the museum that includes cultural, political, philanthropic, architectural, arts, and entertainment press.
• Support the Vice President of Communications & Talent Relations with outreach on institutional initiatives, exhibitions, and other areas as assigned.
• Lead, leverage, and engage third-party public relations agencies and their relationships to influence the best media coverage.
• Build and sustain strong media contacts with national, regional, and local print, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• Build and maintain strong communication and relationships with internal departments including but not limited to Film Programs, Education and Public Engagement, Operations, Curatorial, Advancement, Membership, and Marketing, as well as the Academy, to promote museum programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate media interest in the museum and ensure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.
• Write press materials, including press releases, media alerts, fact sheets, and backgrounders.
• Prepare public remarks for museum and Academy spokespeople, both internal and third-party, and institutional messaging for staff.
• Pitch, book, and cover interviews; coordinate and cover site visits; coordinate photographic and video coverage.
• Manage interviews for museum spokespeople, including interview preparation and media training, and fulfill press requests.
• Asset organization for copy, images, and video clips.
• Pursue image clearance approvals through the museum’s legal teams.
• Collate and circulate media clips to the team.
• Other duties as assigned, including support of the Communications team for non-programmatic publicity efforts.
• Track active talent requests in department database; provide weekly reports.
• Manage talent travel requests, itineraries, and logistics (including flights, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation).
• Update internal databases with up-to-date contact information.
• Process museum and program ticket requests.
• Be organized and able to perform consistently in a fast-paced environment.
• Be flexible and available to work some nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Be holistically committed to representation, diversity, and inclusion.

Required Competencies:  

• A bachelor's degree is required.
• 5 years of experience in public relations or a related field.
• Experience in museums, cultural institutions, or the entertainment industry.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; an eye for detail and proofreading.
• Familiar with key social media platforms.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated editorial experience.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ability to operate with discretion and professionalism at all times.
• Ability to successfully build and maintain relationships.
• Experience working with diverse audiences and partners.
• Software and database experience including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Airtable, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Studio System, IMDBPro, and other programs.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a larger team depending on project needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Intermediate Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Salesforce, Marketing Cloud, Air Table, Critical Mention, and CisionPoint.

Physical Demands:

• This position involves a mix of sedentary, desk-based work and includes movement within an office environment and throughout the museum spaces.

Travel:

• Less than 5% travel, primarily between Academy locations.

Required Vaccination: Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required, including any booster vaccinations as applicable. Exception: Medical and religious accommodations approved by the Office of People & Culture .

Hybrid Requirement: All Academy positions require a minimum of 2 days per week of in-person work at an Academy Location. Exceptions: Positions requiring daily in-person presence (ex., front-line staff, staff who need to deal with materials on-site, etc.) and medical and religious accommodations approved by the Office of People & Culture .

Our Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 15 days of PTO, plus company-paid holidays.
• Additional time off including summer hours, winter hours, and a cultural floating holiday.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401k retirement plan with a company match
• Clean Air Commuter Program
• Employee Assistance Program through CompPsych Guidance Resources.
• Wellness benefits through Cigna Healthcare.
• Free access to 16,000+ online courses through LinkedIn Learning
• Free Academy membership screenings
• Free tickets and screenings at the Academy Museum
• Employee discounts through LifeMart and Working Advantage

@museumLI

 

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