Public Relations Strategist

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Position Title: Public Relations Strategist

Position Type: Full Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Department: Brand, Marketing, and Communications

Reports to: Head of PR & Communications

Date Reviewed: 02.05.26

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful.

You belong here: make the most of this moment.

The Public Relations Strategist supports the PR & Communications team in executing PR strategies that enhance awareness of Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. This role focuses on media relations, content development, internal communications, onsite coordination, and campaign execution to promote exhibitions, concerts, events, and institutional initiatives. The Public Relations Strategist collaborates across the institution and broader ecosystem to ensure consistent and smooth messaging and effective communication with external and internal audiences.

The Public Relations Strategist reports directly to the Head of PR & Communications.

• Assist in the development and execution of public relations campaigns for exhibitions, performances, public programs, and brand initiatives.
• Maintain and update the PR editorial calendar in coordination with the Social Media team, with direction from Associate Public Relations Director
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and news updates.
• Maintain media relationships, host, pitch, and visit media to support efforts.
• Maintain press kits, key messaging documents, and media FAQs.
• Coordinate with internal teams to align messaging and campaign timelines.
• Assist with internal communications and support staff engagement initiatives.
• Ensure brand voice and messaging consistency across all communication channels.
• Collaborate across the division and the institution to teams to support institutional priorities.
• Support integration of PR efforts with digital and social media strategies.
• Assist in crisis communication planning and rapid response messaging.
• Track and report on media coverage, campaign performance, and engagement metrics.
• Support public events, press conferences, and serve as media liaison during onsite activities.
• Assist in reviewing social media content as needed.
• Serve as a media spokesperson when necessary.

• Support the cultivation of relationships with reporters and media outlets by maintaining updated contact lists and assisting with regular outreach.
• Assist in developing proactive pitch plans and responding to press inquiries in coordination with the Public Relations Coordinator and Head of PR & Communications.
• Coordinate logistics for photo/video shoots, press visits, and interviews, including preparing talking points and visual assets.
• Support media training sessions as needed by preparing briefing materials and assisting spokespeople with message points.
• Monitor media outlets for relevant coverage and share insights with the team to inform outreach strategies.
• Manage day-to-day use of the media monitoring system(s) and own the creation and maintenance of regular and campaign-specific media reports, pulling data and drafting insights.
• Maintai…