The Adult Engagement Manager will be tasked with launching The Field Museum’s adult programming and transforming the Museum’s interactions with the Chicago community and beyond. The Manager will be responsible for engaging broad and diverse audiences through the development, implementation and promotion of public programming, including staffing programs, building relationships with partners, developing awareness efforts, and coordinating with many departments around the Museum.

The ideal candidate is a creative risk-taker, constantly brainstorming and on the look out for inspiration and ways to introduce and improve programs. They are comfortable pushing boundaries and at the same time understand the importance of balancing varying stakeholder needs and Museum goals. The Manager is experienced, skilled and loves all aspects of event planning and execution – from creating an overall vision down to the smallest details. The Manager should be well connected in the community, with an impressive network of personal contacts and a natural at building new relationships. They must be a confident team player, able to work across a variety of groups and audiences in and outside the building, and be open to other’s ideas, feedback, and key learnings. This person is happy with a job that requires non-traditional hours and enjoys attending after-hour and weekend events and programs. An interest and passion for natural history and science is a must.

The Adult Engagement Manager should be excited by the challenge of forging a new adult programming presence for the Museum that will capture the public’s attention, elevate our reputation and further our mission.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist the Public Relations and Community Awareness Director in establishing a strategic, long-term Adult Engagement plan in collaboration with the PR team
  • Develop and execute all Adult Engagement programming for the Museum, including Exhibitions support, internal and external events, science storytelling initiatives and Museum milestones
  • Manage all aspects of programs from ideating, prototyping, branding, logistics planning, onsite event management, partner relationships and results reporting
  • Cultivate strong relationships internally with Exhibitions, Science & Education, and Institutional Advancement building a diverse collective of program participants and champions of Adult Engagement activities
  • Write and manage approvals of all necessarily program copy and communications materials
  • Collaborate with colleagues in PR, Marketing and Digital to develop awareness tactics and maximize programming impact
  • Introduce innovative ideas and programs that haven’t been done before and are unique to the Museum and keep up to date on best practices and trends for public engagement
  • Identify exciting and strategic opportunities for the Museum to development partnerships around the community
  • Direct outside consultants, freelancers and partners as needed (including photographers, videographers, designers, caterers, etc.) and manage contracts and programming budgets

 

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in public programming with responsibilities in planning, development and implementation of successful programs
  • Passion for natural history and science communications
  • Charismatic, highly social, creative personality not afraid to forge their own path
  • Organized and accountable self-starter, with excellent time management skills
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills as well as attention to detail are critical
  • Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to work across a variety of groups and sell in ideas
  • Desire to stay up-to-date on trends and programming best practices
  • Willingness to experiment with new tactics, measure, learn and improve
  • Ability to assess priorities, problem solve, manage multiple projects at once and work under pressure
  • Enjoys networking and representing the Museum out in the community