Vice President of Marketing and Business Development [Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center]

About the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice and indifference.

When neo-Nazis threatened to march in Skokie, IL in the late 1970s, Holocaust survivors around the world were shocked. They realized that, despite their desire to leave the past behind, they could no longer remain silent. In the wake of these attempted marches, Chicago-area survivors joined together to form the Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois, Inc. They pooled their resources to purchase a small Skokie storefront and made it available to the public, especially to schoolchildren, focusing on combating hate through education and giving voice to “Never Again!”

Now known nationally as a leader in its field, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center (IHMEC) opened in 2009 in Skokie, IL, and is a culmination of 30 years of hard work and dedication by the local Holocaust survivor community and many others. According to President Emeritus Sam Harris, “We dreamt of creating a place that would not only serve as a memorial to the millions lost, but also where young minds could learn the terrible dangers of prejudice and hatred.”

The Opportunity:  Vice President of Marketing and Business Development

The Vice President of Marketing and Business Development will serve as the visionary and strategic leader for IHMEC in two critical areas.  With equal priority, the newly hired VP will increase earned revenue in new and existing categories; and secondly, develop and ensure the marketing and communications supporting the institution are inspiring to all potential audiences.  Outcomes and accomplishments of the VP’s efforts will include:

• Strengthening the Museum’s visibility in Chicagoland and the Midwest.
• Increasing the number of annual visitors and members that experience the mission.
• Expanding and increasing opportunities for earned income, including: admissions, membership, facility rental, the Museum store, and new sources of revenue.

The successful candidate will shape Museum branding and messaging and guide the communication of the Museum’s priorities to external audiences across all available channels.  S/he will lead efforts to establish and strengthen partnerships with area cultural and civic organizations; as well as provide input on fundraising initiatives, inclusive of IHMEC’s partnerships and outreach initiatives.

The Vice President will oversee the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, and ultimately design and expand the team to support enhanced efforts.  Team growth is expected with the accomplishments and visions of the successful candidate, new initiatives, and corollary revenue.  Additionally, the Vice President will indirectly supervise two roles with revenue accountability (the Development Associate/Membership and the Operations Coordinator/Facility Rentals.)

The position reports to Susan Abrams, Chief Executive Officer, and serves on the senior leadership team along with executives who oversee the operations, finances, education, and fundraising areas.

The newly designed role requires a strategic thinker and experienced team leader with business development acumen and past proven revenue generation experience.  Experience cultivating partnerships, and high-level work with board committees and organizational leadership are essential. The Vice President of Marketing and Business Development will collaborate extensively with other members of the leadership team and other internal and external stakeholders.

The Qualified Candidate

IHMEC seeks an entrepreneurial and strategic professional with demonstrated success in increasing earned revenue while executing successful marketing and communications strategies.  An ideal candidate will demonstrate a successful track record in enhancing, strengthening and diversifying revenue streams and developing consistent messaging for large organizations with diversified programming. The Vice President will maximize the opportunities to communicate the mission of IHMEC and increase visibility and attendance.

Specific Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

• A passion for the mission of IHMEC.
• A demonstrated and quantifiable track record in achieving results from business development and marketing efforts.
• Excellent project management and budgetary skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required; advanced degree(s) and credentialing is preferred; as are concentrations in business and marketing.
• 5 to 7 years of related experience with proven skills in growing earned income revenue streams and/or leading marketing initiatives that positively impact revenue.

• Proven expertise in taking initiative, building and maintaining strong rapport and positive relationships with various internal and external constituencies.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and social media.
• Ability to work outside standard work hours and to travel locally and nationally; a current driver’s license is required.