Director of Marketing and Communications

The Peoria Riverfront Museum—the only multidisciplinary museum of its kind in the nation—is seeking a bold, strategic, and creative leader to serve as our next Director of Marketing and Communications.

This is not simply a marketing role. It is an opportunity to shape the voice and visibility of a dynamic cultural institution that seamlessly integrates art, science, history, achievement, and cinema under one roof. The Director will champion our brand, energize our audiences, and position the Museum as an essential cultural destination locally, regionally, and nationally.

If you are a visionary storyteller who thrives at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and leadership—this is your stage.

Position Summary

The Director of Marketing and Communications leads the development and execution of the Museum’s comprehensive external marketing and communications strategy. This role drives brand awareness, audience engagement, attendance growth, media visibility, and revenue support.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director oversees media relations, advertising, digital strategy, website management, social media, graphic design, and all external communications. The role also leads the marketing team, manages budgets, evaluates campaign performance, and ensures that every public-facing message reflects the excellence and innovation of the Museum.

Strategic Leadership

Brand and Content Excellence

Lead the creation and curation of compelling content across print, digital, video, and social platforms.
Oversee production of brochures, publications, website content, social campaigns, signage, photography, and multimedia assets.
Ensure brand consistency and high visual standards across all channels.
Ensure marketing materials meet accessibility standards and reflect the Museum's commitment to serving diverse audiences.

Digital and Media Presence

Manage the Museum’s website strategy, design, and maintenance to ensure a dynamic and user-friendly experience.
Drive social media engagement and digital storytelling initiatives.
Cultivate strong relationships with local, regional, and national media to secure impactful coverage.

Advertising and Vendor Management

Strategically purchase and manage advertising across traditional and digital platforms.
Oversee relationships with creative agencies, designers, printers, and other vendors.

Measurement and Impact

Implement evaluation tools to measure marketing effectiveness.
Analyze data, interpret campaign results, and adjust strategy for maximum impact.
Align marketing performance with institutional goals for attendance, membership, and revenue.

Team and Department Leadership

Lead a highly performing team and oversee day-to-day operations of the Marketing and Communications Department.
Lead budgeting, planning, staff supervision, and professional development.
Oversee departmental hiring, performance management, coaching, disciplinary action and annual evaluations.
Collaborate with the COO and Director of Finance to develop and manage the annual marketing budget.

Who You Are

You are both strategist and storyteller. You understand how to translate mission into message and ideas into action. You thrive in fast-paced, creative environments and bring energy, organization, and leadership to everything you do.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required (Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related field preferred).
Minimum five years of experience writing and editing across print and digital platforms.
Demonstrated success developing and implementing marketing strategies with measurable results.
Exceptional writing, editing, and visual storytelling skills.
Strong knowledge of local, regional, and national media landscapes.
Experience managing advertising and vendor relationships.
Ability to evaluate and integrate innovative media technologies.
Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Collaborative leadership style with supervisory experience preferred.
Nonprofit experience preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard business applications.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Ability to work in a standard office environment using computers and other office equipment for extended periods.
Visual acuity for reviewing detailed creative work.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
Ability to move throughout the Museum and event spaces to attend meetings and support programs and special events.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support Museum operations and events.
Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, conferences, and professional development.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Why Join the Peoria Riverfront Museum?

The Peoria Riverfront Museum is a cultural catalyst creating transformative experiences for our community. As the only museum in the country to unite art, science, history, and achievement in a single institution of its scale, we are redefining what a museum can be.

As Director of Marketing and Communications, you will not just promote programs—you will help shape the cultural narrative of an entire region.

If you are ready to lead boldly, think creatively, and make measurable impact, we invite you to apply.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

403(b)
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

Are you able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support Museum operations and events?

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

Peoria, IL 61602 (Required)

Work Location: In person