ABOUT THE SITE

First conceived by world-renowned architect Mies van der Rohe in 1945 and completed in 1951, the Edith Farnsworth House is an icon of modern architecture and continues to inspire artists and designers around the world. Built as a country retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, the house is a building of white-painted steel and glass, which stands in striking contrast to its naturalistic setting. Located in a floodplain landscape along the Fox River, the setting is integral to Mies van der Rohe’s aesthetic conception and continues to be managed and developed as the house and site are restored and interpreted.

JOB SUMMARY

This position helps manage general marketing of site and tourism promotions, exhibitions, programs, and fundraising events. For smaller events, it helps manage planning, budgeting, sponsorships, sponsor recognition, event handling and execution, vendor agreements and scheduling, and all post-event closeout and profitability analyses. For larger events, the Associate Manager works with the Executive Director and contracted event planner(s) to help manage the agreement and deliverables. Collaborate with the Executive Director, Senior Manager of Public Programs & Interpretation, Operations Manager, Senior Assistant of Exhibitions & Programs, Guest Services & Volunteer Coordinator, and others to ensure good internal communications. Partner with Illinois Office of Tourism, Aurora Area CVB, Yorkville Area Chamber and others to help promote the Edith Farnsworth House Historic Site locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Help cultivate and maintain relationships with digital, print and broadcast media to ensure strategic relationships and advocacy. Help the Executive Director and Senior Manager of Public Programs & Interpretation to maximize marketing budget, seeking discounts, trade, and cross-promotional opportunities to extend marketing dollars. Help plan, budget manage all advertising buys for the site at least one year ahead, including general promotions, exhibitions, programs, and events. Prepare all media releases for approval and help manage the website, social media, newsletters, e-blasts and associated graphic design.

DUTIES

Marketing

• Work with Executive Director, Senior Manager of Public Programs & Interpretation, Operations Manager and others to assist with creation of marketing strategies, budgets, and schedules at least one year in advance. Help manage advertising buys that ensure the best value and return on investment.
• Help manage all marketing for the site, including general marketing and tourism promotions, exhibitions, programs, and events. Collaborate with tourism promotion agencies, editors, journalists, freelance writers et al. to develop story ideas, strategic partnerships, tentpole events and other timely “hooks” to generate and sustain interest in the site.
• Collaborate with Senior Assistant of Exhibitions & Programs, guest artists, curators, speakers, et al. to help manage and execute marketing of exhibitions, programs, and events.
• Help cultivate relationships with potential sponsors, underwriters, and in-kind donors, maintaining relationships with local chambers of commerce and business groups.
• Help the Executive Director, Senior Manager of Public Programs & Interpretation, Operations Manager and others to manage production of quarterly newsletters and intermittent e-blasts, sharing timely information and promoting upcoming opportunities.
• Help cultivate and maintain relationships with local web, print and broadcast media outlets and representatives to handle public service announcements, community event calendar listings and limited paid advertising.
• Maintain frequent contact with area, state, regional, national, and international tourism industry representatives.
• Maintain advertising contracts, deliverables, and deadlines, ensuring content is correct, submitted and tracked.
• Serve as media contact for the site, working closely with the Executive Director. As assigned, act as periodic spokesperson for the site.
• Provide intermittent assistance to Operations Manager and others to market the Farnsworth Shop and online store, assisting as time permits.

Fundraising Events

• Help manage Fundraising Events planning, scheduling, budgeting, relations with partners and sponsors, logistics, permits, insurance, contracts, security, volunteers, etc.
• Serve as Contracts facilitator for any outsourced events management.
• Work with Executive Director, Senior Manager of Public Programs & Interpretation, Operations Manager and others on event-related bid coordination, contract procurement, invoices, and payments.

Other Duties

• Answer visitor questions or collect contact information when needed to follow-up.
• Deal skillfully with a diverse variety of groups under a wide array of circumstances.
• Continually broaden knowledge of Mies van der Rohe and Modernism to better serve our visitors.
• Answer telephones and take messages in a timely, appropriate manner.
• Assist visitors and volunteers with transportation on the site (golf carts, van, occasional use of personal vehicle).
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 3+ years of relevant professional experience, including experience in single-site tourism promotions, marketing, programs, and events. Experience in a museum, historic site, or other arts & cultural/non-profit setting preferred. Knowledge of Mies van der Rohe, Edith Farnsworth House, or Modernist architecture and design a plus.
• Proven success in helping to secure, coordinate with, and recognize sponsors; excellent communicator with experience in web, print and broadcast media.
• Intermediate analytical and problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization.
• Basic project-management skills, including budgeting and planning. Ability to achieve results with moderate supervision.
• Excellent writing, spelling, grammar, and proofreading skills in English, as well as strong verbal communication and customer service skills. Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups. Strong organizational skills. Excellent attention to detail.
• Experience successfully interacting with key stakeholders. Proven ability to collaborate and achieve results. Track record of building and maintaining productive relationships with multiple stakeholders. When working in the office, public contact and ability to work successfully in close proximity to others required. When working off site, ability work effectively in a remote environment, maintaining productivity and communications to meet deadlines and goals, is required.
• Demonstrated success working with culturally diverse colleagues and stakeholders. Bi-lingual language skills a plus. Ties to culturally diverse affinity groups, professional organizations, or related associations are a plus.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently and respond to a high volume of ongoing requests in a timely fashion. Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment. Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions required. Able to handle frequently changing and/or unscheduled tasks with accuracy. Entrepreneurial spirit and skill set a plus.
• Ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices.
• Demonstrated competence using Zoom, MS Teams, and other video conferencing platforms in a professional setting. Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required. Familiarity with other software a plus.
• Flexible schedule required, with availability to work weekdays, some weekends and evenings
• Regular and reliable availability/attendance is required.
• Frequent local travel required: must use personal vehicle as public transportation is not available to all locations (mileage reimbursed).

PAY & BENEFITS