Adler Planetarium is seeking a visionary and hands-on Director of Marketing & Communications to lead our institutional brand into the future. If you are a strategic thinker who is equally comfortable developing high-level plans as you are executing creative work, we want to hear from you.
In this role, you will report directly to the VP of Institutional Advancement (VPIA) and oversee all marketing, communications, and brand initiatives to increase attendance, grow revenue, and position the Adler as the premier expert in space science. This position manages a team and provides mentorship across the organization.
What You’ll Do
You will wear many hats, managing a diverse portfolio that includes:
Strategy & Leadership: Partner with the VPIA to drive brand and organizational strategy, while fostering growth within your team.
Marketing & Communications: Oversee Public Relations, Social Media, Digital Marketing, Media Content Strategy, Digital Engagement Strategy, and Audience Insights.
Creative Direction and Production: Direct others and occasionally write, edit, and design collateral, web content, and advertising.
Strategic Partnerships: Develop brand partnerships and oversee media opportunities like location filming and press junkets.
Digital Optimization: Act as the primary owner of the website, optimizing user experience and conversion.
Digital Content Strategy: Lead the development of Adler’s digital content strategy (video, blogs, website, among others) to increase audiences and drive earned and contributed revenue; collaborate with teams across Adler to develop and implement this strategy.
Audience Insights: Build and drive Adler’s audience insights program in collaboration with external parties and internal stakeholders, and lead the incorporation of those insights into content and visitor experience decisions.
Partner closely with Development, Guest Experience, and other teams to support data-informed strategies.
People Management: Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing and communications team; set clear goals, foster collaboration, and support professional growth.
The Work Schedule
The typical work schedule for this position is 35 hours per week, with eligibility for flextime and telecommuting arrangements. Given the responsibilities inherent to the role, which involve external representation of Adler's experience with entities such as Choose Chicago, Museums in the Park, and during media and press events, a requirement for onsite attendance averages 3 days per week, with occasional evening programs.
The Compensation & Benefits (Full-Time)
Base Pay Range: $105,000 - $130,000/yr
Work-Life Balance
- 35-hour workweek
Eligible to accrue up to 22 vacation days per year to start
3 sick days as of date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)
7 Adler paid holidays
4 Personal Holidays (Prorated for new hires starting after January 1st)
Flexible Work Arrangements
Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty
Paid Parental Leave
Competitive Health Coverage - Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance
Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter flexible spending accounts
Adler Paid Short-Term Disability insurance
Retirement Savings Plan - 403B plan with Adler match
Adler's match is 100% vested immediately
Eligible to enroll as of the date of hire
Network of Support through our EAP programs - Resources to help address emotional, legal, and financial issues
Face-to-face, telephonic, and web-based services
Free subscription to the Calm Premium app
Employee Loan Program - Discounted Onsite Parking Program
- Free Entrance to Chicago area museums and cultural institutions
Who You Are
Experienced Leader: You have at least 10 years of experience in an advertising or digital marketing agency (account management role) with a portfolio of prominent consumer brands.
Proven Manager: You have 5+ years of experience managing staff and the ability to build trust in a high-functioning team.
Strategic Thinker: You use data to make informed decisions and can adapt strategies to changing conditions.
Technical Savant: You are proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and Google Suite.
Mission-Driven: You are passionate about space science and maintaining brand integrity across all platforms.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree required (Specialization in Marketing, Business, or Communications preferred).
Experience: 10 years of professional experience. 5 years of experience managing one or more positions.
Systems Knowledge: Experience with Google Ads/Analytics, CRM tools, project management systems, and analytics platforms preferred.
