Public Relations Coordinator

Crystal Bridges - Museum of American Art; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is seeking a Public Relations Coordinator to join the communications team on-site in Bentonville, AR. This role supports message development, media monitoring, and media relations across Crystal Bridges and The Momentary, coordinating travel for visiting media.

The ideal candidate has 2–3 years of relevant experience and an associate degree in PR/marketing or a related field. Collaboration with multiple teams and external agencies is key to success.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of related work experience.
• Associate's degree or higher in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or related field.
• Knowledge of performing arts and arts marketing is a plus.
• Experience with PR software and project management tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support PR campaigns and research audiences, messages, and contacts.
• Collaborate with PR, social media, marketing, and creative teams to align messaging.
• Review and distribute press content and assist internal comms.
• Maintain key messages and FAQs; coordinate travel for visiting media.
• Develop relationships with reporters and media outlets; manage press inquiries.
• Coordinate media photography/videography at campus events.

Skills

Media relations

Public speaking

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in PR/Marketing

Tools

Meltwater

Asana

Trello

SmartSheet

Microsoft Office

Dropbox

Job description

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Job Description:

Position Title : Public Relations Coordinator

Reports to: Head of Public Relations & Communications

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Location: Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site)

Date Reviewed: 10/20/26

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission. In June 2026, Crystal Bridges' 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public, allowing the museum to expand access for all.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a 'living room' where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

About The Position

The Public Relations Coordinator serves as a key member of Crystal Bridges and the Momentary's communications department, working to expand awareness of the institution and its public offerings. The Coordinator supports the institution's strategic goals through message development, media monitoring and reporting, media list management, stewardship and media relations (such as print, radio, television, podcasts, blogs, and more), and coordinates travel for visiting media.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support PR campaigns and research key audiences, messages, and contacts to generate awareness of Crystal Bridges and Momentary offerings and programs while supporting the mission and goals of the institution.
• Work closely with the Head of PR & Communications, Social Media Coordinators, Marketing Strategy and Creative teams to align content calendar, announcement plans, assets, and timelines toward the goal of consistent messaging across channels.
• Review and distribution of press releases, news briefs, and other press content.
• Assist with internal communications and support staff engagement initiatives.
• Maintain updated key messages and FAQ documents.
• Collaborate on projects with public relations agencies, as needed.
• Liaise and coordinate with community partners to promote visibility and information about the institution's general offerings and special programs.
• Coordinate or assist in the coordination of photography and videography at both campuses for approved media and promotional opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain relationships with reporters and media outlets, including accompanying or touring visiting writers and influencers in both spaces.
• Route or respond to press inquiries, secure clearances for photo/video shoots, and act as spokesperson/liaison during press visits.
• Monitor media email accounts for Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.
• Maintain postings to community and beat calendars, looking for new opportunities across these spaces.
• Help create traditional press kits and social media toolkits in collaboration with the Public Relations Strategist and social media team when appropriate.
• Monitor for media coverage on Meltwater and generate weekly highlights to track press mentions for each Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.
• Act as media relations liaison during previews, tours, interviews and other media visits.
• Monitor media trends, newsletters, and calendars, to stay current on industry news and community outreach opportunities.
• Coordinate travel accommodations for visiting media guests.
• Create swag bags for visiting press/press events.
• Track media RSVPs for concerts, festivals, and other events.
• Support content creator and influencer relations in collaboration with the Social Media team.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support evolving organizational needs

Qualifications and Requirements

• 2-3 years of related work experience.
• Associate's degree or higher with a concentration in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or related field.
• Knowledge and experience with performing art including music, theater, dance and/or museums with arts marketing is considered a plus.
• Knowledge and experience with software and programs such as Microsoft Office, Dropbox, Meltwater, project management systems (e.g. Asana, Trello, SmartSheet), and event management systems is considered a plus.
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