Medium
ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART
Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to illustrated storytelling. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum’s collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judith F. Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb; and photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier‑Bresson, and Dorothea Lange. The Museum also houses the Lucas Archives, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking career.
Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio‑MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11‑acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000‑square‑foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail store, and community spaces.
POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Press and Communications (DPC) will serve as the Museum’s lead strategist and spokesperson for all public, institutional, and media communications. Reporting to the Chief Revenue and Engagement Officer, the DPC will work closely with the Founders, CEO, external stakeholders, and other members of the senior leadership team to shape, protect, and promote the Lucas Museum’s public voice and reputation.
This role leads the strategy and implementation of all press, public relations, media partnerships, institutional announcements, and content positioning—ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with the Museum’s mission and values. The DPC will cultivate and manage relationships with media and key external stakeholders while developing internal systems that ensure effective, timely, and proactive communication.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Communications
Working closely with leadership and external stakeholders, develop and execute a comprehensive press and communications strategy that advances the Museum’s mission, enhances public awareness, and strengthens its national and international reputation
Serve as primary spokesperson for the Museum, representing its leadership and programs across all media channels
Partner with leadership and program teams to craft messaging that communicates institutional priorities, exhibitions, programs, and initiatives
Anticipate and manage communications issues, risks, and opportunities, lead on crisis communications and sensitive matters with sound judgment and discretion
Ensure alignment and consistency of institutional messaging across internal and external audiences
Press and Public Relations
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across art, culture, entertainment, philanthropy, and general‑interest media
Secure high‑quality, strategic coverage for Museum activities, exhibitions, and leadership in major regional, national, and international outlets
Oversee press releases, media advisories, op‑eds, statements, and related materials; edit and approve all outgoing public communications
Prepare leadership and staff for media engagements, speeches, and public appearances through briefings, messaging guidance, and talking points
Manage press events, previews, and public announcements in collaboration with relevant departments
Secure and manage institutional‑ and project‑based external public relationships agencies
Digital and Institutional Communications
Oversee the Museum’s editorial voice across digital platforms, newsletters, and official statements
Collaborate with the digital team to ensure institutional messaging is reflected consistently online and through social media
Develop content calendars and storytelling initiatives that amplify the Museum’s voice and public impact
Leadership and Team Management
Recruit, mentor, and manage a small but high‑performing communications team to deliver best‑in‑class press and communications outcomes
Establish annual goals, performance indicators, and reporting systems to evaluate impact and visibility
Foster an environment of collaboration, integrity, and creative problem‑solving across departments
Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and staff on communication strategies, tone, and positioning
CORE COMPETENCIES
Analytical Rigor:
Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best‑possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience‑centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.
Courageous Communication:
Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross‑functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
Collaborative Excellence:
Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others’ communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.
Adaptive Resilience:
Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.
Inclusive Interaction:
Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.
Building Trust & Relationship Management:
Accountable ownership and clearly shares information and the "why" behind decisions. Asks for and values the opinions of others. Displays empathy when listening. Acknowledges when trust has been broken and focuses on rebuilding. Relates comfortably with people across levels, functions, cultures, and geographies. Identifies interpersonal and group dynamics and reacts effectively.
Accountable Ownership:
Takes ownership of outcomes, positive or negative, without blaming others within the team or cross‑functionally. Recognizes when they are not approaching a situation with accountability but instead with a blame mindset. Takes accountability for assigned tasks and executes on deliverables in a timely manner.
Strategic Alignment & Execution:
Contributes to the organization by understanding and aligning actions with the organization’s goals, core functions, needs, and values. Seeks out and incorporates multiple perspectives, experiences, and industry trends to develop a holistic perspective. Operationalizes ideas within the business model. Displays critical thinking when faced with a challenge by asking probing questions and looking for connections.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education / Experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred
Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or media management, ideally in the arts, culture, or nonprofit sectors
Proven success managing high‑profile media relations and institutional communications
Experience serving as a spokesperson for a large or complex organization
Demonstrated record of securing major press coverage and managing communication strategies across multiple platforms
Skills and Knowledge
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Strong strategic planning and crisis management capabilities
Established media network across cultural and news outlets
Comfort working with senior leadership and boards
Familiarity with digital storytelling, social media strategy, and emerging communication trends
Abilities
Self‑directed, results‑oriented, and collaborative
Ability to work effectively with diverse audiences and communities
Commitment to the Museum’s mission and values, including diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging
Salary:
$140,000 – $160,000 a year
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.
The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio‑MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11‑acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000‑square‑foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail store, and community spaces.
POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Press and Communications (DPC) will serve as the Museum’s lead strategist and spokesperson for all public, institutional, and media communications. Reporting to the Chief Revenue and Engagement Officer, the DPC will work closely with the Founders, CEO, external stakeholders, and other members of the senior leadership team to shape, protect, and promote the Lucas Museum’s public voice and reputation.
This role leads the strategy and implementation of all press, public relations, media partnerships, institutional announcements, and content positioning—ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with the Museum’s mission and values. The DPC will cultivate and manage relationships with media and key external stakeholders while developing internal systems that ensure effective, timely, and proactive communication.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Communications
Working closely with leadership and external stakeholders, develop and execute a comprehensive press and communications strategy that advances the Museum’s mission, enhances public awareness, and strengthens its national and international reputation
Serve as primary spokesperson for the Museum, representing its leadership and programs across all media channels
Partner with leadership and program teams to craft messaging that communicates institutional priorities, exhibitions, programs, and initiatives
Anticipate and manage communications issues, risks, and opportunities, lead on crisis communications and sensitive matters with sound judgment and discretion
Ensure alignment and consistency of institutional messaging across internal and external audiences
Press and Public Relations
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across art, culture, entertainment, philanthropy, and general‑interest media
Secure high‑quality, strategic coverage for Museum activities, exhibitions, and leadership in major regional, national, and international outlets
Oversee press releases, media advisories, op‑eds, statements, and related materials; edit and approve all outgoing public communications
Prepare leadership and staff for media engagements, speeches, and public appearances through briefings, messaging guidance, and talking points
Manage press events, previews, and public announcements in collaboration with relevant departments
Secure and manage institutional‑ and project‑based external public relationships agencies
Digital and Institutional Communications
Oversee the Museum’s editorial voice across digital platforms, newsletters, and official statements
Collaborate with the digital team to ensure institutional messaging is reflected consistently online and through social media
Develop content calendars and storytelling initiatives that amplify the Museum’s voice and public impact
Leadership and Team Management
Recruit, mentor, and manage a small but high‑performing communications team to deliver best‑in‑class press and communications outcomes
Establish annual goals, performance indicators, and reporting systems to evaluate impact and visibility
Foster an environment of collaboration, integrity, and creative problem‑solving across departments
Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and staff on communication strategies, tone, and positioning
CORE COMPETENCIES
Analytical Rigor:
Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best‑possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience‑centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.
Courageous Communication:
Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross‑functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
Collaborative Excellence:
Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others’ communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.
Adaptive Resilience:
Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.
Inclusive Interaction:
Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.
Building Trust & Relationship Management:
Accountable ownership and clearly shares information and the "why" behind decisions. Asks for and values the opinions of others. Displays empathy when listening. Acknowledges when trust has been broken and focuses on rebuilding. Relates comfortably with people across levels, functions, cultures, and geographies. Identifies interpersonal and group dynamics and reacts effectively.
Accountable Ownership:
Takes ownership of outcomes, positive or negative, without blaming others within the team or cross‑functionally. Recognizes when they are not approaching a situation with accountability but instead with a blame mindset. Takes accountability for assigned tasks and executes on deliverables in a timely manner.
Strategic Alignment & Execution:
Contributes to the organization by understanding and aligning actions with the organization’s goals, core functions, needs, and values. Seeks out and incorporates multiple perspectives, experiences, and industry trends to develop a holistic perspective. Operationalizes ideas within the business model. Displays critical thinking when faced with a challenge by asking probing questions and looking for connections.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education / Experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred
Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or media management, ideally in the arts, culture, or nonprofit sectors
Proven success managing high‑profile media relations and institutional communications
Experience serving as a spokesperson for a large or complex organization
Demonstrated record of securing major press coverage and managing communication strategies across multiple platforms
Skills and Knowledge
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Strong strategic planning and crisis management capabilities
Established media network across cultural and news outlets
Comfort working with senior leadership and boards
Familiarity with digital storytelling, social media strategy, and emerging communication trends
Abilities
Self‑directed, results‑oriented, and collaborative
Ability to work effectively with diverse audiences and communities
Commitment to the Museum’s mission and values, including diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging
Salary:
$140,000 – $160,000 a year
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.
The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.
#J-18808-Ljbffr