Manager of Public Relations

Manager of Public Relations

Full Time

About the Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other. Whether introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a neighborhood school to a community partner, a research team to a network of citizen scientists, or one staff member to another, the Adler’s focus on meaningful connections dates back nearly a century.

Today, the museum typically hosts more than half a million visitors annually and reaches millions more through youth STEAM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, online citizen science, and other outreach efforts. With Adler’s support, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gain the confidence to explore their universe together and return to their communities ready to think critically and creatively about any challenge that comes their way.

The Position

The Adler Planetarium is seeking a strategic and dynamic Manager of Public Relations to lead our institutional voice and elevate our mission locally and nationally. As the primary architect of our PR strategy, you will shape Adler’s brand, manage high-profile media relationships, and drive revenue through strategic partnerships and filming opportunities. 

Key Responsibilities

• Public & Media Relations (70%): Design and execute integrated PR plans that manage Adler’s reputation as a leader in space science and discovery and as an exceptional destination for visitors from across the globe. You will oversee all media outreach, manage relationships with external public relations firms, liaise with internal subject matter experts to cultivate media engagement opportunities, create press materials, and build strong relationships with local and top-tier national media. You will drive positive visibility among key external audiences, including media, partners, donors, influencers, industry organizations, and VIP guests, including celebrity and political figures.

• Filming & Location Management (15%): Manage relationships with the City of Chicago Film Office and location scouts, overseeing usage requests and negotiating rates for television, film, and commercial projects.

• Partnerships & Supervision (15%): Lead marketing and brand partnership negotiations and supervise future team members, such as the PR and Partnerships Coordinator.

The Work Schedule

The typical work schedule for this position is 35 hours per week, with an option for telework (3 days on-site required) with occasional evenings/weekends. 

The Compensation & Benefits

Base Pay Range: $70,000 - $85,000/yr

Work-Life Balance

• 35-hour workweek

• Eligible to accrue up to 18 vacation days per year to start

• 3 sick days as of date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)

• 7 Adler paid holidays

• 4 Personal Holidays (Prorated for new hires starting after January 1st)

• Flexible Work Arrangements

• Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty

• Paid Parental Leave

Competitive Health Coverage

• Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance

• Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter flexible spending accounts

• Adler Paid Short-Term Disability insurance

Retirement Savings Plan

• 403B plan with Adler match

• Adler's match is 100% vested immediately

• Eligible to enroll as of the date of hire

 Network of Support through our EAP programs

• Resources to help address emotional, legal, and financial issues

• Face-to-face, telephonic, and web-based services

• Free subscription to the Calm Premium app

Employee Loan Program

Discounted Onsite Parking Program

Free Entrance to Chicago area museums and cultural institutions

The Person

A high-energy, strategic communicator who thrives at the intersection of science, culture, and media. They are not just a writer, but a "connector" who can navigate everything from local Chicago community partnerships to national media opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in PR strategy and execution.

• Event management experience.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (specialization in PR, Journalism, or Marketing preferred).

• Skills: Exceptional communication and writing skills.

• Experience in a non-profit, cultural attraction, or cultural institution setting is preferred.

• Established local media relationships preferred.

• Core Competencies: High proficiency in Collaboration, Communication, and Leadership.

• Technical Savvy: Familiarity with systems such as Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and proficiency in media measurement and monitoring tools like Muck Rack.

The Adler Planetarium is dedicated to complying with its Equal Opportunity Employer obligations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email the Human Resources Department at [email protected] and provide the nature of your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.