Organizer Information
United States Artists (USA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists and strengthening the conditions that allow creative professionals to thrive. Founded in 2005 in response to research highlighting the gap between public appreciation of art and recognition of artists’ contributions, USA was established by leaders from the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Rasmuson Foundation, and Prudential Foundation.
Since its founding, United States Artists has provided more than $50 million in direct support to over 1,000 artists and cultural practitioners across the United States and its territories. Through its signature United States Artists Fellowship program, the organization provides unrestricted financial awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 to artists working across disciplines including Architecture & Design, Craft, Dance, Film, Media, Music, Theater & Performance, Traditional Arts, Visual Art, and Writing.
Beyond financial support, USA offers Fellows professional services such as financial planning, career consulting, and legal advice. The organization also develops initiatives in partnership with philanthropic institutions, including programs focused on arts innovation, creative technology, craft, and regional artist support.
USA is also building long-term infrastructure for artists through initiatives such as the Artists Capital Fund, which aims to expand artists’ access to sustainable financial resources, and the National Arts Policy Alliance (NAPA), which focuses on strengthening policies supporting creative workers.
The Communications Director will play a key role in advancing USA’s mission by shaping how the organization communicates its impact, amplifying artists’ voices, and increasing public understanding of the importance of creative work in society.
Title & Description
Communications Director
United States Artists is seeking a strategic communications leader to oversee and expand the organization’s communications strategy, brand identity, storytelling, and public engagement efforts.
The Communications Director will lead the development and execution of integrated communications across media relations, digital platforms, publications, events, newsletters, social media, and strategic partnerships. The role focuses on translating USA’s programs, research, artist investments, and policy initiatives into compelling narratives that connect with artists, partners, funders, policymakers, and the general public.
The successful candidate will guide the evolution of USA’s brand, strengthen organizational visibility, develop storytelling strategies that center artists’ experiences, and build communications systems that support the organization’s continued growth.
The Role Overview
- Position: Communications Director
- Organization: United States Artists (USA)
- Contract Type: Full-time leadership position
- Work Schedule: 4-day work week, with occasional 5-day weeks for special events and quarterly board meetings
- Reporting To: President & CEO
- Salary: $90,000–$110,000 annually
- Location: Hybrid position; candidates may be located anywhere in the United States
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Position & Tasks
The Communications Director will be responsible for:
Communications Strategy & Brand Leadership
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve USA’s integrated communications strategy.
- Align communications activities with organizational goals and long-term priorities.
- Strengthen and manage USA’s brand identity, messaging, and public presence.
- Improve communications systems, workflows, and internal processes.
- Identify opportunities to increase audience engagement and organizational visibility.
- Explore emerging communication technologies to improve content creation and workflows.
- Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing communications team.
Storytelling, Content & Audience Engagement
- Lead USA’s editorial and content strategy across all communication platforms.
- Create narratives that highlight artists’ voices, ideas, achievements, and experiences.
- Develop thought leadership materials including:
- Reports
- Speeches
- Opinion articles
- Briefing documents
- Executive communications
- Oversee:
- Editorial calendars
- Newsletters
- Publications
- Multimedia storytelling
- Digital campaigns
- Social media strategy
- Collaborate with program teams, Fellows, and partners to identify storytelling opportunities.
- Develop communication strategies for:
- Public programs
- Artist talks
- Exhibitions
- Events
- Digital programming
Media Relations & External Communications
- Develop national and regional media strategies.
- Build relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media organizations.
- Manage relationships with:
- PR agencies
- Designers
- Photographers
- Videographers
- Creative partners
- Support crisis communications planning.
- Collaborate with fundraising teams on donor communications and campaigns.
- Support the President & CEO with speeches, public presentations, and media engagement.
- Participate as a member of USA’s leadership team.
Categories
- Arts Administration
- Communications
- Cultural Management
- Marketing & Public Relations
- Media Relations
- Digital Storytelling
- Visual Arts Sector
- Film & Media
- Performing Arts
- Writing & Editorial
- Creative Industries
Eligibility
Applicants should have:
- Minimum 8–10 years of professional experience in:
- Communications
- Journalism
- Media
- Public affairs
- Arts administration
- Marketing
- Related fields
Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
- Experience managing integrated communications strategies.
- Experience developing organizational brands.
- Experience leading communications during periods of growth or transition.
- Knowledge of digital platforms, audience engagement, and visual storytelling.
- Experience working with media outlets and communications partners.
- Ability to translate complex research, policy, and cultural issues into accessible narratives.
- Experience managing teams, consultants, and external vendors.
- Commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
Additional requirements:
- Ability to travel for meetings, events, and organizational activities when needed.
- Familiarity with tools such as:
- Google Suite
- Microsoft Office
- Asana
- Airtable
- Dropbox
- CMS platforms
- Databases
Geographic Eligibility: Applicants must be able to work within the United States and begin work by 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time.
Program Benefits
- Leadership role within a nationally recognized arts organization.
- Competitive annual salary ($90,000–$110,000).
- Full employee benefits package.
- Opportunity to influence national conversations about artists and cultural policy.
- Ability to shape USA’s communication strategy and public identity.
- Professional development support.
- Flexible hybrid working environment.
- Opportunity to collaborate with artists, cultural organizations, philanthropies, and policymakers across the United States.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
- Applications must be sent by email to: jobs@unitedstatesartists.org
- Email subject line: “USA Communications Director”
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Open until filled
Location
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Additional Details
- United States Artists is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination and inclusion.
- The role requires both strategic vision and hands-on communications management.
- The Communications Director will help define how artists’ contributions are represented nationally.
- The position is especially suited for a communications professional with strong leadership skills, cultural awareness, and experience working across multiple creative sectors.