Marketing & Communications Director

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

About Hildene:

This year, Hildene is celebrating its 120th anniversary. Located in southwestern Vermont, Hildene was the seasonal residence of Robert Lincoln and his wife, Mary. Robert was the only child of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. Between 1905 and the death of their granddaughter Mary Lincoln Beckwith in 1975, more Lincolns (three successive generations) lived at Hildene than at any other place in the world. In 1978, the nonprofit Friends of Hildene purchased and preserved the estate, which is open to the public year-round.

Hildene is among Vermont’s top cultural heritage sites and tourist destinations. The rich tapestry of the Lincoln family legacy and Abraham Lincoln’s enduring greatness are woven into the fabric of contemporary life at Hildene. Our nonprofit attraction comprised of the Lincoln’s 1905 Georgian Revival home, formal and working gardens, a restored Pullman railcar, Sunbeam, agricultural operations, 12 miles of trails, and year-round programming, all on 412 acres in beautiful Manchester, Vermont.

Learn more at: hildene.org.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the President, the Marketing & Communications Director’s primary focus is promoting engagement with existing and new audiences to drive increases in visitor attendance, membership, fundraising, revenue streams, public relations, and partnerships. In this capacity, this role raises awareness of Hildene locally, regionally, and nationally, with a focus on utilizing broadcast, print, and online media to increase editorial placements in targeted media markets.

This position develops, executes, and measures a Multi-year Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations Plan consistent with Hildene’s brand, goals, and growth objectives.

This leadership position works closely with the President and other key staff members to define, develop, and advance the organization’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Brand Management, Content Strategy, Press, Public Relations, and Outreach.
• Communicate the Hildene brand — the Lincoln Family Home — with clarity to internal and external audiences to drive attendance and support the organization’s mission.
• Implement email and social media cadence; analyze all data behind these efforts to refine the strategy for driving awareness and traffic to Hildene.
• Work closely with the President and, in partnership with the Director of The Museum Store & Guest Services, Director of Partner Engagements, Advancement Director, and other key staff members to define, develop, and advance the organization’s strategic goals.
• Establish brand position through competitor analysis.
• Raise awareness of Hildene locally, regionally, and nationally, focusing on broadcast, print, and online media to increase editorial placements in targeted outlets within a 4-hour radius of our nonprofit attraction.
• Develop, execute, and measure a Multi-year Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations Plan consistent with Hildene’s brand, strategic goals, and growth objectives. Central to this plan is Lincoln Hall, our 14,000 ft four-programs and celebrations center that opened in May 2024, as well as the robust world-class educational and civic programming that will be a transformational asset to our campus and the community.
• Develop and optimize the annual Marketing & Communications budget and evaluate the performance of paid campaigns.
• Define, quantify, and measure the target market segment(s) and the desired outcomes.
• Oversee the strategy of both creative and data metrics of the marketing plan.
• Stay current with market research and trends; track trends internally and externally — locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Manage website, on-property video presentations, and all communications channels.
• Supervise and manage Marketing Assistant to ensure that brand identity, messaging, marketing, and communications strategy are infused in all organizational and program materials and efforts (Programming, Development, Guest Experience, Retail).
• Organization and archiving of all Hildene creative, both past and present.

Required Skills

• Proven ability to grow audiences and revenues.
• Excellent verbal, written, and visual design communication skills with superior ability to weave compelling narratives in brand voice.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to function well in a rich, creative, and sometimes demanding environment as a team builder and player.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with great attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong creative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, and prioritization skills with the experience to manage multiple projects at a time.
• Demonstrated knowledge of social media platforms and analytics.
• Must have the highest integrity and work ethic.
• Proficiency or familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Acrobat) and Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word).
• Photography and/or videography skills are a plus.

Required Experience

Minimum of 7 years in a director or manager-level marketing and/or communications role leading a high-growth organization.

A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or Management is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to position and reposition self to take photographs, capture video, and set up presentations.
• Consistently works in a variety of weather conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Traverse uneven terrain from one job location to another.
• Ability to move objects weighing up to 30 lbs.

Compensation:

$60,000 - $75,000 annually, depending on experience.

Benefits include dental and vision, life and AD&D insurance, paid time off, sick days, holidays, and a Simple IRA account with an employer 2% contribution. Hildene employees also enjoy a free Hildene Family membership, a 20% employee discount at The Museum Store, and the option to purchase free-range eggs, cheese, and meat at employee prices.

Additional Information:

Background check required of applicants 18 years of age or older.

TO APPLY: Please visit our website, hildene.org, to submit a letter of interest and resume:

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates for employment who will contribute to our diversity.

Requirements: