Communications Specialist

About The Thomas Jefferson Foundation

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has a twofold mission of preservation and education, and was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, the Foundation seeks to bring history forward into national and global dialogues by engaging audiences with Jefferson's world and ideas, and sharing the history of everyone who lived and labored ticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site and a Site of Conscience.

Join our team! We seek an energetic Communications Specialist to help drive awareness, visitation, revenue, and mission-driven initiatives through smart, engaging communications and earned media. From sharing information about the latest archaeology discovery to escorting documentary film crews to pitching media, no two days are the same. The ideal candidate will be a strong writer and relationship-builder who enjoys collaborating across teams and finding new ways to engage audiences.

• Supports Foundation net revenue goals and constituent engagement goals for tourism, retail sales, special events, and educational programs through various multi-channel marketing and communications strategies.
• Supports media outreach by drafting press releases, advisories, media kits. Works collaboratively with colleagues, partner organizations, and other stakeholders to produce on-brand, engaging messaging that advances the organization’s goals and mission.
• Monitors relevant media trends/topics and routinely reports on mentions—those both directly about Monticello and that which is germane to our work. Provides routine clip service for both department and organization leadership.
• Works with department/division leadership and strategic communications advisors to brainstorm pitching opportunities. Shepherds successful pitches to generate earned media. Ensures participation of colleagues pertinent to media’s interest in themes, topics, exhibits, exhibitions, openings, projects, and events. Maintains media lists by subject matter interest.
• Fields, evaluates, and makes recommendations to the Director of Marketing & Communications around on-site filming requests; e.g., documentary shoots. Spearheads the planning of approved filming requests in conjunction with various departments to maximize each opportunity while minimizing impact on guest experience, staff time, and historic structures. Prepares and submits for approval all required documentation (on-site filming agreement, certificate of insurance, drone operation licensing) and thoroughly communicates all media visit plans to relevant stakeholders.
  
  Escorts media visits—arranging additional staff support as needed—from arrival to departure. Ensures compliance with all Monticello on-site filming policies.
• Spearheads advance planning and logistics for brand photoshoots to support Monticello visitation and advertising. Works with relevant departments to schedule shoots (dates, times, locations), minimize impact on operations, and ensure the Digital Content Producer and/or contracted shooters are “set up for success.” Manages relationship with modeling agency and scheduling models. Manages relevant paperwork and invoicing with the Director of Marketing & Communications.
• Runs point on approved interview requests, both on-site and virtual. Solicits recommendations on interviewee selection from the Content Committee, as needed. Plans interview logistics (interview location, scheduling for both visiting crew and interviewee, equipment load in/load out) and escorts from arrival to departure. Monitors in-progress interviews to ensure accuracy and provide support for interviewee. Exercises sound judgment and professionally handles concerns, requests, or unexpected challenges during interviews.
  
  Provides advance briefing on schedule and logistics for relevant stakeholders and post-interview briefing to Director of Marketing & Communications.
• Arranges media tour requests from journalists, local and state DMO (CACVB, VTC). Works with Reservations to book…