Public Relations Coordinator

CB700 Crystal Bridges - Museum of American Art, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is seeking a Public Relations Coordinator to expand awareness of the institution and its public programs in a fast-paced media environment.

You will support message development, media monitoring, and press outreach, coordinating travel for visiting media and collaborating with the Head of PR & Communications, Social Media, and Marketing teams to ensure consistent messaging across channels.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of related work experience.
• Associate’s degree or higher in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or related field.
• Knowledge and experience with performing arts and arts marketing is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience with software such as Microsoft Office, Dropbox, Meltwater, project management systems (e.g. Asana, Trello, SmartSheet), and event management systems is a plus.
• Superb writing and editing skills, strong storytelling, and creative content development.
• Strong listening skills and ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments with deadlines.
• Digital savviness and openness to learning multiple platforms.

Responsibilities

• Support PR campaigns and research key audiences, messages, and contacts to generate awareness of Crystal Bridges and Momentary offerings and programs.
• Coordinate content calendar, asset creation, and timelines with PR, Social Media, and Marketing teams.
• Review and distribute press releases, news briefs, and other press content.
• Assist with internal communications and staff engagement initiatives.
• Maintain updated key messages and FAQ documents.
• Collaborate with PR agencies as needed.
• Liaise with community partners to promote visibility of offerings.
• Coordinate photography and videography for approved media opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with reporters and media outlets.
• Route press inquiries and act as spokesperson during visits.
• Monitor media emails and maintain beat calendars.
• Create press kits and social media toolkits with teams.
• Monitor media coverage and generate weekly highlights for Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.
• Coordinate travel for visiting media guests.
• Support content creator and influencer relations with Social Media team.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational needs.

Skills

Writing & editing

Storytelling

Content development

Digital savviness

Education

Associate’s degree in PR/Marketing

Tools

Microsoft Office

Dropbox

Meltwater

Asana

Trello

SmartSheet

Event management software

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.
• 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.
• Superb writing and editing skills, strong storytelling, and creative content development.
• Strong listening skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced working environments with deadlines.
• Digital savviness, openness to learning a variety of platforms and applications, both for internal and external communications.
• Organizational planning, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• 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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: In the work environments described below, position requires utilizing a computer and telephone for prolonged periods of time, verbal and written conversation with others, lifting/carrying (up to 10 lbs).

Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and in institution spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Some night and weekend work may occasionally be required to support key projects and institutional priorities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, the employee must provide proper identification verifying eligibility to work in the United States.

About Art and Wellness Enterprises

Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) provides professional support services in the areas of campus management, communications, finance, human resources and technology for these non-profits founded by Alice Walton: Alice L. Walton Foundation is a grant‑making institution working to enhance the quality of life for individuals by providing access to offerings that improve well-being and create diverse and inclusive communities. Alice L. Walton School of Medicine is a four‑year, medical degree‑granting program that enhances foundational sciences and clinical practices with a compassionate and whole‑person approach to care. The School has been granted preliminary accreditation status by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and welcomed its inaugural class in 2025. Art Bridges Foundation works to get great works of American art out of storage and into communities. Through partnerships with museums of all sizes across the United States, it creates and supports arts programs that educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local audiences. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a museum offering free admission to a world‑class collection of American art, stunning architecture and five miles of sculpture and walking trails. Momentary is a satellite contemporary art space to Crystal Bridges. This adaptive reuse project turned a decommissioned cheese factory into a place for visual and performing arts, festivals, artists‑in‑residence, culinary experiences, and more. Heartland Whole Health Institute is a non‑profit that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and social well‑being by working with health systems, employers, and communities to redesign health care delivery. Bentonville Institute of Technology is a non‑profit, business‑infused university in Bentonville, supported by the Walton family. Built from the ground up, it integrates AI across curriculum, research, and operations while embedding industry and experiential learning throughout the student experience. It aims to be a national model for STEM education in the age of AI. Note: Jobs are currently posted under Art and Wellness Enterprises. To view positions open for a specific entity, select company and sort by entity name.