Director of Communications | Marketing

The Director of Communications | Marketing provides leadership and management to advance the marketing efforts of the museum. This position defines the organization’s overall marketing and communications strategy, and contributes to the museum’s organizational strategic planning process.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Communications | Marketing is an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team at the museum and is directly responsible for developing the museum’s marketing and communications objectives to maximize the museum’s visibility in the greater Milwaukee community and beyond.

• This person works closely with all levels within the museum, and must have exceptional independent judgment, strategic and diplomatic thinking, and the ability to function effectively at several levels. The successful candidate should enjoy a fast-paced, professional environment.
• Responsible for developing and implementing operational and strategic plans that advance the museum’s brand and supports the overall goals and objectives of the organization. Primary liaison for marketing activities with MOWA | DTN in Milwaukee.
• Serves as one of the museum’s primary external communicators, and cultivates and maintains working relationships with media. Develops strategic multi-channel marketing plan and budget for key target markets.
• Recommends media plan and placement.
• Leads marketing project management for the museum’s exhibitions and education programs.
• Oversees the content, production, and internal routing for review of all museum collateral materials, including four to five newsletters a year, brochures, invitations, educational materials, etc.
• Determines messaging and writes copy for a wide variety of print and online materials.
• Creates awareness for the museum brand and offerings, including special events, fundraising efforts and programs.
• Oversees and develops content for all museum online communications.
• Manages full-time Graphic Designer, vendor relationships, and has the ability to expand the department to meet its growing needs.
• Writes and posts social media content.
• Manages paid digital advertising, such as banner ads, sponsored social media content, and Google Ads Sets and monitors campaign effectiveness (especially for online and social media campaigns), producing timely reports and tracks Google Analytics on a consistent basis. Selects images and clearing rights as required.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Collaborates with curatorial, membership, education, special events, and development staff to acquire information for various marketing projects and to provide marketing expertise as required.
• Works with Executive Director to set priorities and establish marketing plans and timeframes for the organization.
• Works closely with the museum’s graphic designer in the production of marketing materials including: setting up project schedules and managing content readiness to assure timely, high-quality delivery of materials.
• Provides support for special events and other initiatives as required.
• Participates in interdepartmental committees and project teams as required.

Future Projects

• Work with the Executive Director and MOWA’s graphic designer to spearhead a complete redesign of the museum’s website including the creation of an online database of the collection.
• Video production for online artist interviews, exhibitions and special events.
• Oversee the creation of a Wiki-site for Wisconsin artists.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 3+ years of professional experience creating and implementing successful marketing and communications plans.
• Exemplary written communication skills; adept at writing in a variety of voices and styles; eagle-eye editor and proofreader.
• Knowledge of digital marketing including social media.
• Experience in tourism development an asset.
• Genuine interest in the visual arts (especially modern and contemporary art), music, performing arts, architecture and design.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to plan and organize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to create budgets and manage projects with budgets, and negotiate pricing alternatives with vendors.
• Demonstrates initiative, creativity, flexibility, resourcefulness and calculated risk taking.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Clear, succinct, and positive verbal communication; professional, enthusiastic, engaging spokesperson, ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of target audiences including media contacts, board members, donors, and current and prospective vendors.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with staff, board, volunteers and vendors.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with key contacts in print, radio and television.
• Ability to quickly earn the respect and support of staff and key stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

• Maintain a stationary standing or sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Be able to lift up to 30 pounds.

Schedule | Hours

• 40 hours weekly during normal business hours. The position will include occasional after-hours special events, exhibition openings, and functions.

All applicants are required to apply online.