Communications Director; NMU

New Music USA supports the sounds of tomorrow by nurturing the creation, performance, and enjoyment of living music in the United States. We are seeking an exceptional Communications Director who will join our national support and advocacy organization at an exciting time of change. Six months ago, our new President and CEO Vanessa Reed commenced a period of review which has resulted in the creation of this post alongside new initiatives which promote equity, diversity and inclusion in music across the United States.

This year we will finalize a new strategic plan, and in 2021, we will celebrate our 10 th anniversary, following the merger of Meet the Composer and American Music Center in 2011. The Communications Director will play an active role in these transformational activities and will help New Music USA tell its story, build its profile, and extend its impact as a treasured national resource for the whole new music community.

The Communications Director will also be involved in the appointment and development of new staff as we build our resources following a period of transition.

The Communications Director will develop and implement a comprehensive and imaginative communications strategy for New Music USA, promoting key messages and activities to advance the organization’s grantmaking, media and development goals across the United States. This new post will introduce an integrated approach to New Music USA’s communications, including the development of our online magazine and social media presence, and regular sharing of information regarding projects and programs we fund.

This postholder will also work closely with our development team on our annual campaign, publications, and events. The Communications Director will report directly to the new President and CEO, and will work closely with New Music USA’s Development Director, Director of Grantmaking Programs, New Music Box  Editor, and Communications Associate. New Music USA is a national resource based in New York City.

Specific roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Communications Strategy Development

• Designs, develops, and leads implementation of communication strategy including all activities that promote, enhance, and define the organization’s mission, core messages, program activities and development goals (We have undertaken some initial work with an external consultant; the new Communications Director would use our consultant’s recommendations as a launchpad for further development).
• Leads New Music USA’s brand strategy to achieve a cohesive presence across print, social media platforms, website, email, and more
• Develops and oversees integrated and inspiring digital strategy including existing and new platforms such as podcasts and media partnerships
• Leads New Music USA’s online presence and social media engagement including handling of website design and oversight of digital strategy for New Music USA grantees and program recipients
• Leads editorial and distribution policy for New Music Box  and Counterstream Radio; helps devise other digital resources to increase reach and relevance
• Supervises regular email communications; works with grants and development team to implements new database solution
• Responsible for consistency in design, style, and tone of digital and printed materials across all New Music USA communications
• Manages Communications budget

PR

• Supports New Music USA’s fundraising and events strategies including 10 th anniversary in 2021, annual campaigns, publications, strategies for regular stakeholder mailings, and oversight of CRM database
• Represents New Music USA at funded events and liaises with media and public
• Develops relationships with local, national, and international media, shaping New Music USA messaging, managing media requests, and actively seeking coverage for full range of activity
• Crafts public information materials, such as press releases, fact sheets, op-eds and other materials used for dissemination of New Music USA’s position
• Provides copy editing support, as needed
• Coordinates press releases and announcements internally and externally, including regular Mail Chimp…