Chief Marketing, Communications and Digital Officer

Crystal Bridges Museum Of American Art - Bentonville, AR

Full-time - Senior

Bentonville, AR

About the position

The Chief Marketing, Communications and Digital Officer (CMCDO) at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing the marketing, public relations, content, creative, and digital teams for both Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. This position is integral to the museum's Executive Council and reports directly to the Executive Director. The CMCDO's primary responsibilities include managing the brands of Crystal Bridges and the Momentary, developing strategies to enhance brand awareness, drive attendance, and support revenue generation efforts. The CMCDO will play a crucial role in the museum's upcoming expansion and the integration of art and wellness on the campus, which will include the Heartland Whole Health Institute and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, set to open in 2025. This role will also involve collaborating with various departments and external partners to ensure a cohesive and engaging visitor experience. The CMCDO will lead a team of approximately 25 communications professionals, guiding the strategy, planning, budgeting, and implementation of comprehensive marketing and digital initiatives. The position requires a strong focus on audience engagement, revenue growth, and the overall reputation of the museum. The CMCDO will be tasked with increasing annual attendance from 1.9 million to 2.4 million by 2027 and enhancing revenue from various sources, including concerts, festivals, and special events. Additionally, the CMCDO will oversee the development of crisis communication strategies, brand messaging, and digital initiatives to position Crystal Bridges and the Momentary as leaders in the cultural sector. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in brand strategy and communications, with at least ten years of experience in public relations, marketing, and digital media. They will demonstrate excellent leadership skills, a commitment to inclusive practices, and the ability to inspire and engage team members. The CMCDO will also be responsible for maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism while navigating the complexities of the museum's mission and goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the marketing, public relations, content, creative, and digital teams for Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase brand awareness and drive attendance and ticket sales.
• Manage a team of approximately 25 communications professionals, overseeing strategy, planning, budgeting, and implementation of marketing efforts.
• Collaborate with various departments to achieve the museum's vision, mission, and goals.
• Guide the development of marketing efforts to achieve significant attendance and revenue both onsite and online.
• Craft and oversee consistent brand messaging that aligns with the company's vision and values.
• Establish and implement crisis communication strategies to manage potential negative impacts on the company's reputation.
• Direct message platforms and communication channel strategies for diverse audiences.
• Lead planning and implementation of digital initiatives to enhance audience engagement and position the museum as a digital-first organization.
• Evaluate research findings on audience engagement and advise leadership on strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Ten or more years' experience in brand strategy and communications, including public relations, marketing, and digital media.
• Proven leadership success in managing and developing communications teams.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to connect with vision and guide through empathy and collaboration.
• Superb writing and editing skills with a strong sense of marketing and promotional messaging.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
• Experience counseling senior executives and maintaining confidentiality.
• Commitment to inclusive practices and building cultures of belonging.
• High level of professional integrity and ethics.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the arts or cultural sector.
• Familiarity with digital storytelling and virtual engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of audience engagement metrics and analytics.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options
• Employee discounts on museum events and programs