Communications Manager

ART X · Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria 

Hybrid  Full-time

Skills: Brand Communication, Public Relations

Who We Are

ART X is a pioneering cultural organisation that creates platforms and experiences to celebrate and amplify Africa’s culture. Founded in 2012 by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, our mission is to harness the power of culture to unlock the potential of Nigeria and Africa. Our flagship platforms include: ART X Lagos — the leading international art fair in West Africa; ART X Live! — a unique fusion of live music and art; and the Access ART X Prize — an annual award championing emerging artists across Africa and its Diaspora. 

We collaborate closely with exceptional creatives and cultural entrepreneurs who share our passion for cultivating vibrant, dynamic identities for Africa and its people. We are excited to broaden our global reach and impact by welcoming ambitious individuals who resonate with our vision and are eager to contribute their talents to our team.

About The Role

ART X is seeking a seasoned Communications Manager with a minimum of 8 years of experience to join our dynamic team. The Communications Manager at ART X will be responsible for crafting compelling narratives about ART X Lagos and its affiliate platforms, and propelling the diverse community of creatives we support. This role will involve engaging vast audiences both locally and internationally, and will build a lasting legacy that contributes to the growth and success of African talent at regional and global levels.

Operating across diverse media channels, the Communications Manager will lead high-impact 360-degree marketing and communications campaigns aimed at solidifying ART X Lagos and its affiliate platforms as global leaders dedicated to showcasing the best of African creativity.  

As a natural creative, the ideal candidate will possess expertise in innovative storytelling while also being highly efficient in managing the development and execution of our marketing and communications strategy, and building brand equity.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement, from strategic inception to creative execution, comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that further ART X’s mission, objectives and ambition

Conceptualize and deliver innovative, international 360-campaigns that push boundaries and capture the imagination of global audiences, cutting across digital and social media, PR, advertising, media relations, content, visual design, and more, ensuring exceptional delivery whilst expanding brand equity for ART X Lagos and its affiliate platforms as catalysts showcasing the best of the world to Lagos, and the best of Nigeria and Africa to the world

Curate and manage narrative and brand-owned assets across various channels, including but not limited to websites, social media, videos/short films, email newsletter campaigns, catalogues and publications, editorial articles, visuals, and graphic assets

Collaborate closely with participating sponsors, galleries, artists and other stakeholders, strategising marketing approaches to capitalise on the full spectrum of opportunities surrounding ART X Lagos events and initiatives

Drive cross-functional collaborative efforts to ensure that communication strategies are leveraged to strengthen product development and overall audience experience; Proactive participation in the company’s sponsorship and fundraising efforts, and the pursuit of its commercial opportunities, contributing to the achievement of its strategic and financial plans

Vigilant guardian of the ART X brand, meticulously ensuring that every expression of its identity, whether internal or external, remains steadfastly aligned with the overarching vision and values

Develop and execute communications strategies and initiatives for the company’s Founder and principal spokesperson, leveraging her expertise and influence to enhance ART X’s visibility and reputation in the cultural landscape. This includes crafting messaging, coordinating appearances and interviews, and cultivating relationships with key stakeholders

Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the communications team and for the handling of the brand’s communication assets across board, to streamline processes, maximise efficiency, and maintain alignment

Cultivate and maintain relationships with local and international media, proactively expanding media partnerships and coverage, through adept negotiation and seamless execution

Manage budgets, timelines, resources and personnel effectively to ensure the timely, successful delivery of all communication projects; Provide leadership and guidance within the marketing team (comprising internal colleagues and multiple external vendors), fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence

Monitor and analyse market trends, audience insights, and campaign performance metrics to optimise communication strategies and drive continuous improvement, producing periodic evaluations and reports

About You

The ideal candidate is extremely creative, efficient and organised, possesses exceptional communication skills and will bring innovation and enthusiasm to the role. The ability to multitask, work calmly under pressure and be a strong team player is essential. Other key requirements include:

8+ years of experience working in Brand Communications, PR or Marketing, preferably within the art, culture and creative sector; Experience with international brands, as well as with audiences in Nigeria/Africa is preferred

Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication strategies and campaigns across various media channels (including digital, video and print), that generate excitement, drive engagement and build brand equity

Versatile, with broad-ranging audience appeal, capable of engaging diverse audiences from ultra high-net-worth individuals to Gen-Z

Thorough understanding of the visual arts and culture industry, with a keen awareness of relevant trends

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; an excellent communicator at all levels, able to write and present information in a compelling and dynamic manner

Highly organised with exceptional project management and administration skills, adept at multitasking and meeting tight deadlines

Strong interpersonal skills – a team builder and player with a confident, friendly approach engaging a diverse range of individuals and organisations

Strong negotiation and advocacy skills, coupled with a blend of creative and strategic thinking.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, remaining responsive to changing priorities

Proficient in InDesign, Microsoft Office / Google Docs, and Mac OS X

Culturally aligned with ART X’s values of excellence, ownership, kindness, integrity – going the extra mile as a catalyst.

Role Specifications

This position is a full-time role with the possibility of remote work – either based in Lagos or in a location compatible with GMT and WAT time zones. Flexibility to work from Lagos during critical periods, for stays lasting 2 to 3 months, is essential.

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