Communications and Marketing Manager

Overview

Play a pivotal role in growing the museum’s audience, deepening engagement, and converting interest into trial visits and memberships. We seek a strategically-minded proactive doer to launch the museum’s brand and build communications and marketing capacity. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys shaping strategy while rolling up their sleeves to make it happen.

DuMA has entered a transformative chapter with the launch of a bold new brand identity and the opening of its temporary residency in the Millwork District. We seek an experienced communications professional to mold a new role, build collaborative processes, and move quickly from concept to action.

Objectives

• Drive traffic to the museum and propel long-term growth
• Reach and engage new audiences (local and regional)
• Increase engagement with current audiences (repeat visitation and membership)
• Coordinate and lead stakeholders through a rebranding effort
• Develop and implement collaborative, cross-departmental processes that strengthen how the museum communicates its programs, exhibitions, and impact

Key Responsibilities

Content & Campaign Development

• Ignite brand awareness and propel audience growth (local and regional markets)
• Create and publish content that engages target audiences, inspires trust, deepens loyalty, and meets attendance and revenue goals
• Create and manage social media storytelling using visual-first channels to highlight exhibitions, programs, artists, and the Museum’s impact
• Plan, write, and manage email campaigns to drive participation and giving, ensuring consistent messaging and brand voice
• Design and execute targeted paid advertising campaigns

Communications Management

• Develop and implement interdepartmental content calendars
• Collaborate with Curatorial Director, Advancement Director, and Director of Learning and Engagement to develop prioritized messaging plans
• Collaborate with Development team to achieve giving and membership goals
• Manage day-to-day execution of campaigns
• Oversee content and tone for all Museum-owned media
• Lead and execute a comprehensive earned media strategy that extends reach

Analytics, Integration & Optimization

• Analyze and report on marketing performance and ROI
• Create and implement new processes and systems (CMS, CRM, Analytics)
• Maintain consistency of brand voice and mission across all channels

Desired Experience and Background

• Collaborative spirit with a passion for the arts and community engagement
• Exceptional storyteller who engages broad audiences
• Relationship builder who partners effectively to expand reach
• Proven experience in B2C multichannel communications, marketing, membership, or annual fund campaigns, ideally within nonprofit, hospitality, or education sectors
• Entrepreneurial mindset and success working with modest budgets. Experience leveraging creativity, partnerships, and earned opportunities
• Track record creating highly engaging and persuasive written and video content
• Data-driven approach with the ability to turn insights into action

Systems, Tools, and Methods

• Basic understanding of content management systems (CMS), search engine optimization (SEO), and ability to serve valuable content to users
• Familiarity with social media platforms. Experience with short-form video creation and community engagement
• Experience with remarketing and retargeting tools (Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager)
• Knowledge of email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar)
• Comfort with Google Analytics / GA4 and campaign performance reporting
• Project management and collaboration tools (Asana or similar)

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Growth in first-time visitors engaging with the museum
• Increased membership acquisition and renewal rates
• Clear, data-backed reporting that demonstrates ROI of strategies

About the Dubuque Museum of Art

DuMA is celebrating its legacy as Iowa’s first cultural institution as we undertake the most ambitious capital project in our 151-year history. Our vision is that our community will be a thriving cultural hub where people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives together achieve a deep understanding of the past, an empathetic view of the present, and an inspired outlook for the future. Our mission is to create engaging art experiences that excite, inspire, and connect our community.

In 2028, DuMA will open a new campus where impact extends beyond the traditional scope of a museum. Guided by our community, Schulhof Rashidi Architects has designed a campus that connects Washington Park, gardens, childcare, STEAM education, an event pavilion, performance and screening spaces, and museum galleries. Recently, DuMA took a dramatic step forward with the opening of DuMA in the Millwork District to allow for construction.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

·       Must possess a valid driver’s license and means of personal transportation

·       Ability to work evening and weekend hours

·       Ability to sit or stand for extended periods

·       Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently

·       Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including a high degree of familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel)

SALARY AND BENEFITS

DuMA offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, paid vacation, and generous flextime policy. The starting salary for this position is commensurate with experience; however, an expected salary would be in the range of $50,000 annually.

SUPERVISION

Reports to: Executive Director

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

All offers of employment are conditioned upon a background check and 90-day probationary employment period.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, current CV/résumé, writing sample, and a minimum of three professional references to hr@dbqart.org. No calls please. References will only be contacted at the finalist stage and with the candidate’s prior consent.

DuMA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal treatment of all employees without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or other basis protected by law.