Position Summary

The Momentary Public Relations Manager will serve as a key member of the Momentary team and the Crystal Bridges’ communication department, working to expand awareness of the Momentary and its visual, performing, and culinary art offerings. Public Relations Manager will support the institution’s strategic goals through research, planning, message development and media relations (such as print, radio, television, podcasts, blogs, and more) for the Momentary, or other venues including Crystal Bridges. The Public Relations Manager reports to the Public Relations Director at Crystal Bridges and works closely with the Sr. Communications Manager, the Momentary.

Principal Responsibilities (Public Relations Manager Functions):

The Public Relations Manager will work with key stakeholders and teams to:

• Develop PR campaigns and identify key audiences, messages, and tactics to generate awareness of the Momentary offerings and programs while supporting the mission and goals of the institution.




• Work closely with Public Relations Director, Sr. Communications Manager, and Social Media Specialist as well as the overall PR/Marketing team to align content calendar, announcement plans, assets, and timelines toward the goal of consistent messaging across channels.




• Create press releases, News Briefs, and maintain and update Momentary key message and FAQ documents.




• Manage projects with public relations agencies, as needed.




• Create and maintain Public Relations budget for the Momentary.

Media Relations Responsibilities:

• Develop and build relationships with reporters and media outlets, meeting with primary contacts on a yearly basis.




• Create proactive pitch plans, respond to press inquiries, identify spokespeople, secure clearances for photo/video shoots, prepare talking points, visuals, and act as spokesperson/liaison during press visits.




• Conduct media and message training sessions with spokespeople as needed.




• Manage media monitoring system, Meltwater and generate monthly board reports to track press mentions, reach, publicity value, etc. and create media reports for specific programs, exhibitions, or campaigns overall.




• Create media distribution lists and strategic pitch plans aligned with campaign goals to target specific publications, reporters, and geographic locations.




• Create press preview opportunities and act as media relations liaison during previews, tours, interviews, and other media visits.




• Manage on-the-ground logistics and provide advance staffing at media events and presentations. Brief speakers on audience, venue logistics, tone, and delivery style.




• Monitor media outlets to stay current on industry news and community outreach opportunities.

Essential Qualifications

Education, Training, and Traits:

• Degree or comparable work experience in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or related field.




• Applicants must share the belief that arts and culture experiences are for social good and a positive, dynamic force for economic development.   

Work Experience:

• Minimum of five years of related work experience




• A high level of professional integrity and the ability to handle sensitive issues and situations with discretion.




• Knowledge and experience with performing art including music, theater, dance and/or museums with arts marketing is considered a plus.

Skills and Abilities:

• Superb writing and editing skills, strong storytelling, and content development.




• Strong listening skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally.




• Ability to assess and synthesize media landscape for issues and opportunities to inform media planning, pacing and promotion.




• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced working environments with deadlines.

• Digital savvy professional, open to learning a variety of platforms and applications, both for internal and external communications.




• Organizational planning, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.




• Understanding of PR, social platforms and experience managing campaigns and reporting on metrics.




• Methodical project management and execution skills.




• Ability to interact respectfully, collegially, and professionally with all employees and volunteers at all levels of responsibility.




• Willingness to be a team player both within the department, and throughout the entire organization.

About the Momentary

The Momentary is a new contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A satellite to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts. The mission of the Momentary is to champion contemporary art’s role in everyday life and explore the unfolding story of contemporary American arts in an international context by actively commissioning and exhibiting outstanding works that explore new ideas and inspire action. The Momentary was founded by the Walton family, based on the vision of Tom, Olivia, and Steuart Walton. The Walton Family Foundation is supporting this project as a way to enhance the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas. The Momentary welcomes all with free general admission. Additional offerings include an artist-in-residence program, culinary experiences including an Onyx Coffee Lab, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, an outdoor festival space, and a gift store. For more information, visit theMomentary.org. The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.