Manager of Communications and Development

The Spurlock Museum seeks a colleague with experience in communications and development work. We value a strong commitment to ethical practices in cultural heritage management, creative thinking, and enthusiasm for collaborative work. The successful candidate will enjoy working in an environment that promotes innovation and experimentation and be dedicated to making the Spurlock Museum a welcoming and inviting space for our community. The Spurlock Museum team is a diverse and talented group of museum professionals that promote transparency, thoughtfully dismantle traditional gate-keeping museum practices, prioritize reparative practices, and center diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in our work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Content Creation, Writing, and Editing

• In consultation with administration and other staff, develop compelling stories and research, create, and edit content for print and online publication. Create content that will engage diverse stakeholders
• 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
• Lead the development of content, planning, and themes for the Museum’s annual magazine and other publications. Manage and edit content provided by 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 and organize cost estimates for projects including newsletters, brochures, and promotional materials for review by the director and business manager
• 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
• 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 the production of the Museum’s electronic newsletters
• Ensure compliance with University of Illinois communication policies and procedures, and coordinate with the College of LAS and other University communication professionals

Advancement, Media Relations, and Fundraising Events

• Manage news and event publicity, inquiries, and requests
• Coordinate advancement efforts, including developing strategies and providing necessary information to the annual fund team, updating donor files in the University of Illinois Foundation’s donor database, and coordinating stewardship of donors with the Museum’s Major Gifts Officer
• Manage donor correspondence in a timely manner in collaboration with the College’s Advancement Office
• Develop and maintain a system for tracking current and former student workers and volunteers for communication purposes
• Assist with researching, writing, and proofreading grant proposals
• Assist with researching opportunities for corporate and foundation support. Assist with the development of presentations and proposals to these sources
• Develop fundraising events, initiatives, and programs in partnership with other Spurlock Museum staff.
• Serve as project manager for these efforts. Some evening and weekend work required

Research and Planning

• 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 their implementation
• Research and develop plans and initiatives to attract and retain grassroots support.
• Work with the Major Gifts Officer to develop a pipeline to increased levels of giving

Participate in Museum-wide initiatives and other professional activities that contribute to the missions of the Museum and the University of Illinois

• Attend staff meetings and actively participate in planning and evaluation of the Museum
• Actively participate in creating a work environment that is supportive, respectful, welcoming, and collaborative
• Attend Museum events and assist in promoting the Museum on campus and in the community
• Actively participate in creating and reviewing Museum policies and procedures
• May serve on community or campus committees, working groups, or participate in other advisory groups
• Remain active in appropriate professional groups and develop conference or informational presentations when appropriate

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising, communications, or a related field.
• Three years of professional work experience in communications, promotions, public relations, advertising, or event planning.
• Demonstrated experience with writing, editing, and/or developing content for social media.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of successful grant writing experience
• 2 years of experience in writing and editing
• 2 years of experience working in donor relations
• 1 year of supervisory experience
• 1 year of event planning experience
• 1 year of experience developing and managing social media content
• Experience working in non-profits, higher education, or museums

Successful candidates will have:

• Ability to build rapport and establish effective working relationships with co-workers and stakeholders
• Demonstrated commitment to relationship building that prioritizes diversity, equity, access, and inclusion
• Effective communication skills
• Demonstrated effective organizational skills
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Working knowledge of technology such as computer applications, video, and audio applications for creating online content and programs and website and social media content
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, shift priorities, and meet deadlines
• Energy and enthusiasm for expressing the value of diverse cultures, fostering empathy, and improving organizations in the areas of access and representation
• Ability to take initiative and work independently

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5007 - Publicity-Promotions Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the deadline date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000.  Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of candidate experience and qualifications, internal salary equity, and budget constraints. After an initial probationary period, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule of up to 16 hours per week, dependent upon job performance and when Museum’s programs and schedule allow. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position. 

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 19, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload your resume, cover letter, and names/contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.