Head of Marketing Strategy

Art and Wellness Enterprises•Bentonville, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head of Marketing Strategy is a lead strategist who works collaboratively across brand communications, content, creative, production, and digital media teams to develop market-informed plans that position Crystal Bridges and the Momentary for diverse audiences and stakeholders. This hands-on liaison and trusted advisor helps internal and external stakeholders shape ideas and tactics into strategic Marketing and Communications programs. The role is a subject matter expert in marketing strategy and champions a customer experience-focused and digital-first institutional mindset. The position balances strategic direction and team leadership with hands-on development of marketing strategies, campaign briefs, audience insights, and performance recommendations. The Head partners with departmental teams to support execution and manages multiple stakeholders and priorities. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a public nonprofit charitable organization in Bentonville, Arkansas, dedicated to exploring the story of America through collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving art. The Momentary is an extension of Crystal Bridges and a venue for contemporary music, art, and food experiences. This position is based on-site in Bentonville.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business management, arts, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, relevant certifications, and professional experience.
5–7+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, with demonstrated expertise in strategic marketing, campaign management, or audience development.
2–3+ years of progressive leadership experience leading and developing teams, including direct responsibility for staff supervision, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
Experience managing paid advertising programs and vendor relationships.
Ability to develop and execute strategic marketing plans aligned with organizational goals, balancing strategic direction and team leadership with hands-on strategy development and collaboration to support execution.
Strong analytical skills and experience using data and insights to inform marketing and audience development strategies.
Experience creating and applying audience personas and identifying barriers to engagement.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively and manage multiple stakeholders.
Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility, adaptability, and initiative, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively and remain focused during transition, uncertainty, or operational strain.
Commitment to high ethical standards and professional integrity.
Ability to work on-site in office environments and other museum spaces and interact professionally and courteously with the public and internal team members.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk; use a computer and telephone for prolonged periods; and lift and transport items weighing up to 10 pounds.
Close vision and color perception to review marketing materials, creative assets, and digital content.
Provide proper identification verifying eligibility to work in the United States; offers are contingent on successful completion, where permitted by state law, of a confidentiality agreement and background check.

Nice To Haves

Agency experience.
Knowledge of museum operations, the arts industry, and arts marketing.

Responsibilities

Lead campaign strategy development for exhibitions, music and performing arts, public programs, ticketed events, membership, general awareness, and brand initiatives.
Contribute to annual, multi-year, and ad hoc Marketing and Communications plans that support institutional goals and priorities.
Serve on the department leadership team as an advisor and brand strategy checkpoint for Public and Media Relations, Creative, Digital, and Operations teams.
Develop strategic marketing plans, including audience personas, barriers to entry, positioning, messaging, channel strategies, and tactics.
Work with department leadership and project managers to translate plans into project documentation, timelines, and deliverables.
Maintain understanding of the Crystal Bridges and Momentary brands and apply their strengths and differentiators to go-to-market plans and campaign briefs grounded in research and insight.
Champion a customer experience-focused approach to brand management, marketing strategy, and portfolio planning.
Oversee the museum’s paid advertising program and develop and implement media strategies across digital, print, out-of-home, radio, and emerging channels.
Manage vendor relationships and media buys, ensuring campaigns are optimized, on budget, and aligned with institutional objectives.
Coordinate communication among internal teams and external project stakeholders.
Help develop, evaluate, and improve cross-functional processes, workflows, and collaboration practices.
Collaborate with vendors and external stakeholders, including agencies, community partners, and artist representatives, and serve as primary liaison for selected relationships.
Support department budget planning and management, including forecasting, reporting, and monthly reconciliations.
Lead reporting and analysis for designated marketing activities and recommend improvements to performance, strategies, messaging, and media investments.
Serve as backup to other department leaders as needed.
Establish expectations, priorities, and accountability measures for team performance and departmental goals.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, fostering excellence, accountability, collaboration, and growth.
Promote continuous improvement, professional development, and team collaboration.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members.
Monitor team performance and address attendance, conduct, or productivity issues promptly and professionally.
Encourage team engagement through recognition and open communication.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support evolving organizational needs.