The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) seeks a creative, dynamic Director of Marketing and Communications to help develop and lead an ambitious, highly creative artistic program and provide strategic vision and managerial oversight for the museum’s marketing and communications. This is an opportunity for a sophisticated, creative communicator to translate sometimes complex ideas into articulate and compelling stories for both general and specialized university audiences. Candidates under-represented in the museum field are strongly encouraged to apply.
This unique opportunity will appeal to candidates who thrive in a cohesive, team-based environment, and who are excited by the possibilities of working in a large, research-based university while also understanding its challenges.
For full consideration please provide a resume, with cover letter, describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position requirements. Please apply at: umjobs@umich.edu. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Director of Marketing and Communications
Overview
The Director of Marketing and Communications works with the Museum Director to create an effective strategy for communications that conveys the Museum’s broader institutional vision and produces broad-based awareness and engagement for its diverse audiences.
He/she is responsible for setting and guiding the strategy for all communications, including owned, earned, paid, and social media for the Museum. The individual is a member of the senior management team and will serve as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develops, implements and evaluates an annual communications plan.
Develops, implements and evaluates a marketing strategy applicable for leading a diverse menu of events, programs, and updates.
Works effectively with the Museum director and management team to establish goals, marketing initiatives, and measuring tools that support and further the strategic direction of the Museum.
Ensures the coordination and unification of all Museum marketing activity. Works closely with other departments to integrate the promotion of specific programs and objectives into the Museum’s overall communications campaign.
Directs brand management and institutional identity materials. Develops overall marketing plan for increasing the visibility of the Museum regionally and nationally, as well as exhibition-specific plans that may include niche markets. Prepares and oversees distribution of public relations materials for the media and other information outlets.
Serves as the Museum’s primary liaison with all news media including regional, statewide, national and international partners. University and community partners include the UM VP for Communications office, UM News Service, Alumni Association, and Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Works closely with the Museum staff on ideas, materials, and production for exhibitions and programs. This includes early involvement in project creation to ensure the outcomes and impact are successful.
Builds mentors, and leads the communications and marketing team to deliver on institutional goals.
Oversees the development and implementation of a variety of Museum publication projects, including the website, membership magazine, and leadership and development communications vehicles. Works collaboratively with other Museum staff on the development of brochures, campaign tools, enewsletters to key constituents, and event invitations.
Has oversight for social media outreach and implementation. Manages the production of HTML-based enewsletters and edits online content. Maintains a complete and up-to-date mailing list of media outlets, key individuals, and organizations that are kept informed of Museum activities. Oversees Museum’s public information and signage.
Manages the Communication Department’s budget and consults with project managers to determine and oversee marketing and publications components in exhibition and/or program budgets. Supervises and implements research and evaluation of the Museum’s programming, existing and potential markets and vehicles. Oversees management of the Museum’s archival copies of materials.
Supervises and works closely with the Museum’s Digital/Graphic Designer, Social Media/PR Assistant, and outside contractors to ensure responsive, high quality and excellent customer service, and to maintain production schedules for publications, gallery designs and exhibition didactics, communications collateral, wayfinding and signage, and image management. Supervises temporary employees and interns as needed.
Required Qualifications
At least five years’ experience in progressively responsible marketing, media relations, and/or editorial positions are necessary, preferably in a museum, higher education, or other non-profit setting. The ability to generate and/or contribute to ideation creation working with a team is critical. Must have experience supervising regional and national public relations campaigns. Must demonstrate success in managing marketing/communications, brand strategy, and the writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, and marketing materials. Needs to have experience successfully integrating digital media into strategic initiatives. Must have knowledge of and familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, AP style, and the conventions of print production and web publishing. Experience with MS Office, Adobe Photoshop, and web editing software. Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, and the ability to complete projects on deadline are expected. Good judgment, poise, and creativity under pressure while working in a matrix environment are necessary.
Desired Qualifications
A combination of experience and education that demonstrates possession of the necessary knowledge and abilities for this position is required as noted:
- B.A. degree in relevant field such as marketing, education, business, or nonprofit management is required
- M.B.A./M.A./M.S. in a relevant field preferred but not required
- A minimum of five years relevant experience required
- Previous experience in leading audience development, marketing, public programming, or educational initiatives grounded in current audience research, evaluation, museum collections, or curatorial content
H/she should be well versed in art historical terms, methods, and perspectives. Working knowledge of university policies and procedures is preferred.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
UMMA Mission
UMMA seeks to transform individual and civic life by promoting the discovery, contemplation, and enjoyment of the art of our world.
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