Head of Marketing Strategy

Art and Wellness Enterprises•Bentonville, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head of Marketing Strategy is a lead strategist who works across brand communications, content, creative, production, and digital media teams to develop market-informed plans that position Crystal Bridges and the Momentary for a range of audiences and stakeholders. The role serves as a hands-on liaison, thought partner, and advisor to internal and external stakeholders, helping shape ideas and tactics into strategic Marketing and Communications programs. It champions a customer experience–focused and digital-first mindset while balancing strategic direction and team leadership with hands-on strategy development, campaign briefs, audience insights, and performance recommendations. The role leads marketing strategy and brand management for exhibitions, music and performing arts, public programs, ticketed events, membership, general awareness, and brand initiatives. It also oversees paid advertising, supports marketing operations and budget management, analyzes campaign performance, coordinates cross-functional work, and leads, coaches, and develops a team. The position is based on-site in Bentonville, Arkansas, with some travel and a flexible schedule that may include occasional evening and weekend hours.

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, 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, with 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 the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility, adaptability, and initiative; ability to contribute independently and as part of a team and remain focused during transition, uncertainty, or operational strain.
Commitment to high ethical standards and professional integrity.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead campaign strategy 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 in support of 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 covering audience personas, barriers to entry, positioning, messaging, channel strategies, and tactics; work with department leaders and project managers to translate plans into project documentation, timelines, and deliverables.
Apply knowledge of the Crystal Bridges and Momentary brands to go-to-market plans and campaign briefs, grounding work in research and insight.
Champion a customer experience–focused approach to brand management, marketing strategy, and portfolio planning.
Oversee the paid advertising program, including media strategies across digital, print, out-of-home, radio, and emerging channels; manage vendor relationships and media buys, and ensure campaigns are optimized, on budget, and aligned with institutional objectives.
Coordinate communication and collaboration among internal teams and external project stakeholders.
Help develop, evaluate, and improve cross-functional processes, workflows, and collaboration practices.
Collaborate with agencies, community partners, artist representatives, and other external stakeholders, serving as the primary liaison for select 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.
Set clear 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 collaboration within the assigned team.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members.
Monitor and manage team performance, addressing 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.