The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice and indifference.
When neo-Nazis threatened to march in Skokie, IL in the late 1970s, Holocaust survivors around the world were shocked. They realized that, despite their desire to leave the past behind, they could no longer remain silent. In the wake of these attempted marches, Chicago-area survivors joined together to form the Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois, Inc. They pooled their resources to purchase a small Skokie storefront and made it available to the public, especially to schoolchildren, focusing on combating hate through education and giving voice to “Never Again!”
Now known nationally as a leader in its field, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center (IHMEC) opened in 2009 in Skokie, IL, and is a culmination of 30 years of hard work and dedication by the local Holocaust survivor community and many others. According to President Emeritus Sam Harris, “We dreamt of creating a place that would not only serve as a memorial to the millions lost, but also where young minds could learn the terrible dangers of prejudice and hatred.”
The Vice President will oversee the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, and ultimately design and expand the team to support enhanced efforts. Team growth is expected with the accomplishments and visions of the successful candidate, new initiatives, and corollary revenue. Additionally, the Vice President will indirectly supervise two roles with revenue accountability (the Development Associate/Membership and the Operations Coordinator/Facility Rentals.)
The position reports to Susan Abrams, Chief Executive Officer, and serves on the senior leadership team along with executives who oversee the operations, finances, education, and fundraising areas. The newly designed role requires a strategic thinker and experienced team leader with business development acumen and past proven revenue generation experience. Experience cultivating partnerships, and high-level work with board committees and organizational leadership are essential. The Vice President of Marketing and Business Development will collaborate extensively with other members of the leadership team and other internal and external stakeholders.