YCBA Chief Communications Officer

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$90,000.00 - $

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) is a key member of the Yale Center for British Art (YCBA)’s Executive Leadership Team. Reporting to the Deputy Director and Director of Public Engagement, the CCO provides strategic leadership for the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the YCBA’s mission and amplifies its impact. The CCO directs an integrated team responsible for shaping the museum’s public profile, enhancing its visibility, and driving audience engagement across marketing, communications, and design.

The CCO oversees the conception and delivery of campaigns that amplify the reputation of the YCBA’s exhibitions, programs, and publications, ensuring consistent messaging across print, digital, and social platforms. As a visible and enthusiastic advocate for the YCBA, the CCO serves as the museum’s spokesperson to the media and broader public, leading all press and media relations, including press previews, media tours, and other public‑facing events.

They also manage emergency and crisis communications, guiding the museum through sensitive situations. In addition, the CCO builds long‑term relationships with writers, editors, designers, peer cultural institutions, corporate sponsors, government agencies, and other partners to extend the museum’s reach.

The CCO directs the creation of visual and written materials that define and advance the YCBA’s brand. Collaborating with internal teams and external designers, editors, and partners, they ensure a unified and welcoming institutional voice in marketing, exhibitions, publications, and digital initiatives. They provide editorial leadership across platforms—from interpretive texts and social media posts to newsletters and reports—maintaining clarity, consistency, and quality in all museum communication.

They translate complex scholarly and curatorial material into accessible, compelling stories that enhance engagement and strengthen the museum’s public profile.

As a member of senior leadership, the CCO contributes to shaping the YCBA’s strategic direction, ensuring that communications initiatives support the museum’s long‑term goals. They manage at least four staff members, plus student workers and interns. They are responsible for the department’s budget and calendar, and supervise external vendors and freelancers, including designers, editors, writers, translators, and videographers. The role collaborates closely with the University’s Office of Public Affairs and Communications and communications colleagues across campus to align and support shared institutional objectives.

The successful candidate will bring significant communications and marketing leadership experience, a strong understanding of how marketing drives institutional visibility, and a proven record of partnering with major PR agencies on strategic, high‑impact campaigns.

• Teamwork / Communication:
  Strong collaborative skills; ability to work cross‑departmentally to achieve shared goals. Exceptional writing and editing skills for a variety of formats and audiences; commitment to clear, accessible, and compelling storytelling.
• Leadership:
  Proven experience guiding teams, inspiring excellence, and managing complex projects from concept to execution.
• Innovation:
  Openness to new ideas and their implementation; ability to adapt to changing circumstances and play a key role in creating an inclusive museum environment.
• Strategic Thinking:
  Ability to plan long‑term communications strategies that build awareness, deepen engagement, and support institutional growth.
• Visual Literacy:
  Understanding of visual communication principles and the ability to lead design and branding efforts across media.

• Provide vision, leadership, and…