Director of Communications

MISSION
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery, wonder and fun.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director, Communications serves as Navy Pier’s day-to-day communications leader, overseeing media relations, internal communications, storytelling, reputation management, and crisis communications in support of the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and annual objectives. This position requires a demonstrated ability to develop and execute communications strategies, manage multiple stakeholders, and serve as a trusted advisor to department leaders on issues affecting brand reputation, stakeholder trust, and organizational visibility.

The Director partners closely with the Chief Marketing & Experience Officer and cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Resource Development, Arts & Culture Programming, Community Engagement, Guest Experience, and Tenant Partnerships, to strengthen Navy Pier’s reputation as a mission-driven nonprofit organization, Chicago cultural institution, and year-round destination for residents and visitors alike. The role serves as the primary day-to-day communications lead for the organization, coordinating media inquiries, communications planning, messaging development, and cross-functional communications efforts across departments while supporting executive communications, strategic initiatives, fundraising efforts, and stakeholder engagement activities.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Set and execute the annual integrated communications plan, aligned with the integrated marketing strategy and organizational priorities.
•    Serve as the day-to-day communications lead for the organization, coordinating media inquiries, communications planning, messaging development, and cross-functional communications efforts.
•    Lead media relations across earned, contributed, and broadcast channels, cultivating strong relationships with key local, regional, and national media outlets and journalists.
•    Develop and distribute press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, fact sheets, and other communications materials.
•    Proactively identify and secure media opportunities that elevate Navy Pier’s mission, programs, partnerships, attractions, events, and community impact.
•    Lead internal communications planning and execution, including employee communications, organizational announcements, change-management initiatives, and support for executive and Board communications.
•    Support communications initiatives that advance awareness and understanding of Navy Pier’s mission, strategic priorities, and organizational objectives among employees, partners, donors, tenants, and external stakeholders.
•    Stay informed of market dynamics, media trends, policy developments, and cultural moments and identify opportunities to elevate Navy Pier’s brand, mission, and impact.
•    Lead storytelling efforts that highlight Navy Pier’s mission, community impact, arts and cultural programming, educational initiatives, economic contributions, and role as Chicago’s People's Pier.
•    Support executive thought leadership initiatives led by the Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, including media opportunities, speaking engagements, awards submissions, bylines, social content, and executive visibility efforts.
•    Partner with Marketing team leaders to ensure communications strategies align with marketing campaigns, organizational priorities, audience engagement objectives, and major organizational announcements.
•    Partner closely with the Resource Development team to support fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, sponsorship activation, foundation relations, and future capital campaign communications through messaging development, storytelling, impact reporting, media relations, and communications planning.
•    Collaborate with Tenant Partnerships and key operating partners to align communications efforts, support major announcements, and ensure consistent messaging that strengthens the overall Navy Pier guest experience and brand reputation.
•    Partner with Community Engagement and external stakeholders to support communications strategies that strengthen relationships with neighborhood organizations, civic leaders, elected officials, cultural institutions, and community partners.
•    Identify emerging issues, reputational risks, and public policy developments that may impact Navy Pier and develop proactive communications strategies and recommendations to address them.
•    Manage external agency support, when needed; establish scopes of work, performance expectations, budgets, and measurable outcomes.
•    Develop and maintain communications performance metrics and reporting, providing regular insights and recommendations to marketing and executive leadership.
•    Lead execution of the crisis communications plan in partnership with Safety & Security leadership, including maintaining playbooks, conducting tabletop exercises, preparing response protocols, and serving as a key communications lead during incidents.
•    Support executive leadership with communications planning and messaging for major organizational initiatives, announcements, and stakeholder engagement opportunities.
•    Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
•    Eight (8) or more years of progressive communications, public relations, corporate communications, or related experience.
•    Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications programs that support organizational and business objectives.
•    Experience leading media relations programs and securing meaningful earned media coverage.
•    Experience supporting executive communications and advising senior leaders.
•    Track record of measuring communications effectiveness and connecting communications activities to organizational outcomes.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write effectively for diverse audiences and channels.
•    Demonstrated experience leading crisis communications, issues management, and reputation management initiatives.
•    Strong leadership, collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across departments and stakeholder groups.
•    Ability to serve as an ambassador for Navy Pier both within and outside the organization.
•    Ability to work extended hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    APR (Accreditation in Public Relations), SCMP, CMP, or similar professional credentials.
•    Experience in nonprofit, destination marketing, tourism, entertainment, sports, hospitality, arts and culture, or mission-driven organizations.
•    Experience supporting fundraising campaigns, donor communications, sponsorship initiatives, foundation relations, or capital campaign communications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is required to:

•    Regularly (25% of the time or more) work outdoors and be exposed to varying weather conditions.
•    Work in environments where noise levels may be moderate to loud.
•    Attend events, programs, media opportunities, and organizational functions occurring during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

BENEFITS

The Candidate hired for this position will have access to the following benefits for themselves
and/or their dependents:

•    Medical
•    Dental
•    Vision
•    Health Savings Account, including company contributions
•    401(k) plan, including company contributions
•    Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance
•    Short Term Disability
•    Long term Disability