Communications Manager at ART X

ART X Lagos is the premier international art fair in West Africa, and a dynamic platform created to showcase and support contemporary culture from Africa and its diaspora. Since its launch in 2016, the fair has emerged as a global destination, drawing artists and galleries from over 70 countries, with attendees and participants from 170 nations worldwide, thus significantly expanding Lagos' global cultural positioning.

ART X Lagos transcends conventional art fairs, through its ambitious programme which features immersive experiences spanning music, film, design and art, that centre the continent and diaspora’s exceptional talent, including keynote artists and speakers such as El Anatsui, Njideka Akunyili-Crosby, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Wangechi Mutu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Ibrahim Mahama and more. The fair’s annual award for emerging artists out of Africa and its diaspora, the Access ART X Prize, is the leading art prize in Nigeria, preparing its winners for the highest levels of success on the global stage. ART X Lagos is today a cornerstone of the African art sector, working as a transformative cultural catalyst committed to the redefinition of the Africa narrative.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Communications Manager

Location: Lagos
Job type: Full-time (Hybrid)

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 Specification:

• 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.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online