Associate Director Civic Relations and Partnerships

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package: 

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• Job Classification: Full Time Salaried Staff 
• Grade Level: 8

 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Part of the External Affairs division, the Marketing and Communications department is responsible for building awareness and driving attendance revenue through the strategy, production, and activation of public-facing content and partnerships outside of the museum.

The Civic Relations and Partnerships team is specifically focused on driving attendance through strategic civic, community, and cultural partnership initiatives and advancing the museum’s civic profile.

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Associate Director, Civic Relations and Partnerships leads strategic civic and community partnership initiatives with the goals of driving attendance and ensuring that the museum is viewed as a civic leader and a welcoming place for all Chicagoans. This role works in collaboration with the Executive Director,  the Manager, Marketing Operations, and multiple departments across the museum to  achieve these goals.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Partner cultivation and development: Cultivates and manages a robust partner portfolio, including relevant civic contacts, elected officials, neighborhood economic development organizations, and community leaders to advance department objectives. This role leads neighborhood outreach efforts through data-driven decision making and strategic relationship management. 

Event planning and marketing Plans and leads the development of strategic events targeting partners to support and amplify the museum’s key civic messages. Develops and oversees a communications plan, regularly sharing museum access and impact messages with relevant audiences.

Neighborhood engagement In an effort to increase attendance in targeted areas, owns strategic development of neighborhood outreach annual plan, including; identifying and prioritizing targeted geographic areas where the museum can make the most impact; assessing key stakeholders in those areas for maximum impact; leading offsite meetings; identify sustainable, scalable partnerships that achieve the museum’s goals.

Cross departmental collaboration: Build relationships with relevant colleagues across the museum and find opportunities to leverage existing programming and events to further departmental and museum goals. Consult and share expertise with colleagues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Occasionally moves about the office to access office machinery, around the building to attend meetings, and into the galleries.
• Physical ability to lift, carry or push 30lbs at a time

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree strongly preferred. 
• Minimum 3 - 5 years of progressively responsible audience development experience with a proven track record of strategic partnership development.

• Prior engagement experience with elected officials and civic organizations, i.e. Chicago Public Library, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public School and City Colleges preferred
• Energy and enthusiasm for the mission of the museum and demonstrated commitment to advancing the goal of making the museum a more inclusive and pluralistic place
• Exceptional relationship-building and collaboration skills
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal (including public speaking), and written