Association of Academic Museums and Galleries

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The William R. and Clarice V. Spurlock Museum of World Cultures is a regional center for cultural and archaeological collections from throughout history and across the globe. Through collections and educational programs, the Spurlock collaboratively engages with under-served populations, source communities, and campus and local audiences. The Museum encourages innovation and experimentation to solve challenges, stimulate conversations, and foster change. The Spurlock strives to craft programming and exhibits that foster empathy and promote positive and effective interactions with diverse cultures.

The Marketing and Communications Coordinator leads all marketing and communications efforts for the Spurlock Museum. In close collaboration with the Museum Director and staff, the Marketing and Communications Coordinator develops compelling stories about the Museum’s collections, scholarship, and innovations to share with the community, nation, and world with the goal of increasing support for the Museum and its mission.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Creation, Writing, Editing:

• In consultation with administration and other staff, develop compelling stories and research, create, and edit content for print and online publication. Work to create content that will engage diverse stakeholders.
• Assist with writing and proofreading grant proposals.
• Lead the development of content, planning, and themes for the Museum’s biannual magazine and other publications. Manage and edit content provided from other staff and community members.
• In consultation with other staff, manage the Museum’s social media presence on a variety of platforms, including content creation, scheduling, and publishing. Manage student workers to assist with social media campaigns.
• Create project budgets, organize cost estimates, and provide justification of costs for projects including newsletter, brochures, and promotional materials for review by business manager and director.
• Work with specialists, including printers and marketing and branding professionals, to develop materials that meet the Museum’s marketing and publishing needs.
• Supervise student workers and volunteers. Hire, train, assign/review work, conduct performance evaluations, address work issues, approve time, set work schedules, and set goals for student workers and volunteers assisting with the creation of content and publications.
• Research, compose, edit, and publish announcements, press releases, and other materials through a variety of outlets. Submit program and event information to online and community calendars.
• As part of a team, develop and maintain organized records and materials for communication activities including articles, text, photographs and images, graphics, and other materials.
• Manage donor correspondence in a timely manner.
• Manage the production of the Museum’s electronic newsletters.
• Ensure compliance with University communication policies and procedures, and coordinate with College of LAS and other University communication professionals.

Marketing Research and Planning:

• Conduct research into rebranding opportunities and lead the Museum’s rebranding initiative.
• Conduct marketing research, synthesize data, and create reports. Track statistics and analytics for website, social media, and other communication efforts.
• Develop general and specific marketing plans and oversee implementation of the plans.
• Research and develop partnerships with regional, national, and global platforms for disseminating communications.
• Research and advise Museum Director and other staff on social media trends, platforms, and content development.

Advancement, Public Relations, and Events:

• Manage news and event publicity, inquiries, and requests.
• Assist Director with all advancement efforts, including annual fund giving and stewardship.
• Coordinate the Museum’s advancement efforts with the Major Gifts Officer, College of LAS advancement team, and University of Illinois Foundation. As part of a team, develop Museum programs and event fundraisers.

Service and Other Duties:

• Represent the Museum within the College of LAS and University of Illinois community of communications professionals. Represent the administration section at internal and external meetings.
• Other duties as assigned that advance the mission of the Museum.

 QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Two years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area; a Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.
• Experience writing and producing material.

Preferred:

• Experience working with donors and diverse stakeholders.
• Professional experience using social media.
• Experience with incorporating practices of diversity and inclusion into daily work.
• Previous work experience in a cultural, non-profit, or academic setting.
• A valid driver’s license is preferred.

Successful candidates will have:

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, shift priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to craft effective stories and communications in written and verbal formats that engage a variety of audiences.
• Thorough knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office programs.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly develop positive professional relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Energy and enthusiasm for expressing the value of diverse cultures, fostering empathy, and improving organizations in the areas of access and representation.

Environmental Demands:

To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work within an office, in a museum open to the public, and outside in the communities that are served. The employee must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, and exposure to noise and allergens. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, lifting and moving items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds (printed publications), and twisting, pushing and pulling movements.

SALARY AND APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time Civil Service Marketing Associate position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Starting salary for this position will be between $50,000 and $55,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by February 26, 2020. To apply for this position, create your candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu . If you already have a profile, you will be redirected to that existing profile via email notification. To complete the application process:

Step 1) Submit the Staff Vacancy Application.

Step 2) Submit the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability forms.

Step 3) Upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and academic credentials (unofficial transcripts or diploma may be acceptable) and names/contact information for three professional references.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position at https://jobs.illinois.edu . Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered.  For further information about this specific position, please contact Karen Flesher, kflesher@illinois.edu .  For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.