Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations

FLSA Status: Salaried, exempt

Hours: Full-Time

Compensation: $94,160 annually

Job Closing Date: June 14, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is the oldest and one of the largest museums in the state of Michigan. We are a place of never-ending learning and discovery, with programs and exhibits focusing on history, science, and culture. The employee culture of the GRPM is one of teamwork, excitement, and learning. As an integral part of the West Michigan community, the Museum is open daily to visitors and hosts after-hours public events and programs, as well as private events and weddings. The entire GRPM team works to create positive visitor experiences through engaging exhibits and programs, and a safe, clean, welcoming space.

SUMMARY:

This high-level executive position serves as the Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, leading all communications at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. It is an important position that is relied on to provide strategic leadership in marketing, communications, and media outreach functions. The principal goal for this work is to sustain and enhance the Museum’s brand and image as a first-class cultural arts educational institution that serves the entire West Michigan community. The responsibilities for this position include developing and implementing major innovative strategies essential to the Museum's public relations, marketing, and communications plans, ensuring alignment with the organization's priorities. The executive works closely with all departments focused on outreach and engagement programs in the community. This position's major role is overseeing core duties of community relations, advertising campaigns, public relations, administrative maintenance of vendor media contracts, and department budgets. Performance results of the position should help enhance the visitor experience, increase the popularity of venue facility use, drive attendance to the Museum, and continue to build positive brand awareness and community engagement. The position requires experienced and effective oversight supervision of professional management staff and is responsible for three departments: Marketing and Communications, Customer Service, and the Gift Shop. This position reports directly to the President & CEO.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES include the following:

• Gives presentations with the Leadership Team, Museum Boards, Community Partners and for key organizations on behalf of the Museum.
• Serves as the Museum’s Chief Spokesperson in interviews when necessary.
• Provides strategic leadership direction for all the Museum’s Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications functions that align with the Museum's priorities.
• Work includes creating, implementing, and managing promotional and advertising campaigns, coordinating media/press events and managing media relations - including being a media spokesperson for the organization - and developing and producing marketing and communications materials. The work requires creativity, initiative, excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to plan and organize tasks and campaigns through completion. All work supports building positive brand awareness and engagement in all forms with the GRPM.
• Develops and implements promotional campaigns for the Grand Rapids Public Museum programs and divisions by working with appropriate resources to develop creative concepts and graphic images; planning media advertising, and coordinating the fulfillment of media sponsorship collaborations.
• Directs or assigns the development of creative marketing materials and messages including writing copy and coordination of production, distribution, and implementation.
• Directs the creative development and copywriting of in-house visitor support materials including maps, signage, and fliers.
• Responds to public inquiries on the telephone, web, and in writing.
• Ultimately responsible for maintaining and enhancing the Grand Rapids Public Museum ‘Brand’.
• Staff liaison for board-level GRPM Program and Marketing Committee
• The role may involve leading the internal cross-departmental Product Team in developing and scheduling audience-focused programming for the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). This includes creating a robust schedule and sustainable offerings, encompassing regular programming, traveling exhibits, and special events.
• Provides successful supervisory oversight of professional management staff in the Marketing Communications, Customer Service, and Gift Shop departments.
• Hires, trains, coaches, disciplines and evaluates professional staff performance.
• Performs interviews and presentations on behalf of the administration and organization with news media, Museum Boards and committees, funders, or other organizations.
• Develops and oversees the budget implementation for all service groups that report to the position.
• Leads the development of an annual budget, including the advertising budget, with professional staff.
• Works closely in cooperation with staff, volunteers, Museum partners, marketing vendors, media, and the general public.
• Performs related work as required.
• Other duties may be assigned.

WORK SKILLS:

• High level of professional communication skills (oral, written).
• Ability to do presentations at community meetings and public events.
• Strong editing, computer and people skills.
• Effective management and leadership skills.
• Ability to be creative, innovative, and adaptable to change.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Proven organizational skills.
• Ability to work a schedule that includes on-site duties during some weekends and evenings.
• The ability to attend in-person community engagement meetings during the day and evenings may include some weekends.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 5 years experience in leading the advertising, marketing, communications, operations, or other related fields; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Creativity, initiative, attention to detail, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to plan and organize large project campaigns through successful completion
• Proven track record of executive experience in media relations, and developing integrated multi-channel communications strategies.
• Proficiency with Copyright Laws.
• Proficiency with Social Media platforms.
• Ability to work independently, tactfully, and courteously with staff, media, volunteers, and visitors.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions independently and to handle multiple tasks without supervision.

EDUCATION:

• A minimum of aBachelor's Degree is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to move, bend, stoop, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent telephone and computer use.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Professional, creative setting with friendly public interaction.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $94,160.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Marketing: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Grand Rapids, MI 49504