Careers

Current Openings

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Position Overview:
The Vice President of Marketing & Communications will be responsible for the planning, development and implementation of The Wright’s marketing strategies, communications, and public relations activities, including project management; media planning and placement; design and production of materials, deliverables, and reviews; marketing team leadership; and ensuring that campaigns remain on track to meet strategic objectives. Inter- and cross-departmental collaboration and external relationship management with media partners, vendors, agencies, and designers are integral to this role. This position reports to the President/CEO and may have various direct reports.  

Essential Functions:

  • Create, implement and monitor comprehensive multi-channel marketing, communications and public relations plans and programs that enhance the organization’s image and position within the marketplace and facilitate internal and external communications
  • Budgetary creation and oversight
  • Lead marketing project management for select museum exhibitions and programs such as museum initiatives, programs, and tourism development
  • Draft all President/CEO’s comments and speeches for public meetings and appearances
  • Ensure articulation of The Wright’s desired image and position, assure consistent communication of image and position throughout the organization, and assure communication of image and position to all constituencies both internal and external
  • Acts as The Wright’s representative with the media, ensuring regular contact with targeted media and appropriate responses to media requests
  • Work with graphic designers to create all collateral in use by the museum, supporting development, educational, and programming efforts
  • Monitor trends. Keep informed of developments in the fields of marketing, communications and public relations, not-for-profit management and governance, and use this information to help The Wright operate with initiative and innovation
  • Oversee internal and external designers and agencies producing print ads and radio spots, direct mail, e-mail promotions, banner ads, social media graphics, and other items. Ensure that evaluation systems are in place related to these goals and objectives and report progress to the President/CEO or their designee.
  • Oversee production of marketing materials including: setting up project schedules, issuing insertion and work orders, obtaining vendor bids, coordinating with printers and mailing services to assure timely, high-quality delivery
  • Manage paid digital advertising. Set and monitor campaign effectiveness (especially for online and social media campaigns), produce timely reports, and develop contingency strategies if required
  • Manage marketing staff and interns to meet job requirements 

     

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s Degree or related experience in marketing, communications, advertising, or related field
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in marketing, advertising, communications or related field with progressive management experience
  • Deep and abiding interest in and appreciation for African American history and culture, the Arts, and a genuine willingness to continue to immerse oneself in these areas
  • Broad-based understanding of communications fundamentals, big-picture conceptual abilities and an unwavering eye for detail
  • Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Be able to dive deep, learn about, and adopt the voice of the museum.
  • Must be able to eloquently and efficiently speak to the importance of the museum and its mission in a compelling, engaging manner in a variety of settings and through a variety of channels
  • Exceptional writing skills. Marketing copy and article-length writing is expected on a regular basis.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and managing integrated multi-channel marketing plans. Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications and public relations activities.
  • Must be able to work quickly and accurately assess priorities
  • Ability to organize work assignments and manage multiple projects effectively
  • Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational, and personal sales skills
  • Strong written and verbal communications and project management skills
  • Strong knowledge of digital marketing including social media.

Salary: $135k-$140 annually 

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position

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Vice President of Development

Position Overview:
The Vice President of Development is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the museum’s mission and long-term sustainability. This role oversees all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, membership programs, and special events. The VP of Development must have a deep understanding of the Metro Detroit philanthropic landscape, including key corporate, foundation, and individual donors, as well as the ability to build strong relationships within the community. This position will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to secure financial support, identify new funding opportunities, and drive donor engagement. 
 

Essential Functions:

  • Design development strategy and oversee ongoing development efforts for the Museum working with the senior management team to identify funds needed, funding targets, and funding approaches.
  • Designs and implements an annual giving campaign in the form of an annual development plan that includes strategies and goals for annual giving.
  • Support and partner with the President/CEO and Board of Trustees on all major fundraising initiatives and staff/oversee a Development Committee.
  • Oversee development and execution of all fundraising proposals, including corporate sponsorship and local and national grants and grant compliance/reporting.
  • Oversee special event fundraising.
  • Helps the organization define performance measures for fund development and systematically monitor results
  • Oversee and support membership efforts with focus on outreach and growth initiatives, with special emphasis on relationship-building and donor management.
  • Devise and implement special fundraising projects as needed (e.g. capital campaign, programmatic campaigns, etc.
  • Oversee the management and utilization of the museum’s donor and membership database, ensuring accurate record-keeping, data analysis, and strategic insights to enhance fundraising efforts.
  • Oversee the hiring, training, and mentoring of the development team, as well as additional staff, interns or contractors related to special projects.
     

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree required, Master Degree preferred.
  • Five or more years of professional experience in a nonprofit organization.
  • Proven success leading and managing fundraising at the organizational level.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships
  • Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives.
  • Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside the organization.
  • High energy and passion for Museum’s mission.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends is essential.
     

Salary: $135k-$140 annually 

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position

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Security Officer

Position Overview:
Under general direction of the Security Supervisor, the Security Officer is responsible for general security for the Museum and its contents.    The Security Officer also guards the Museum property against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry.  The Officer assists customers and responds to various inquiries and requests.  The incumbent also takes on a primary role in the event of a medical emergency.  

Essential Functions:
•    Secures Museum and its assets, collections and general contents 
•    Prohibits unlawful entry, both during and after standard Museum hours
•    Provides general assistance to visitors and customers as needed 
•    Executes tactical aspects of special event security plans
•    Patrol, periodically, exhibits, meeting rooms and immediate parking area
•    Control access to parking lots
•    Examine doors, windows, and gates to determine that they are secure
•    Provide first aid and other assistance to injured staff or visitors, including contacting EMS and preparing incident reports
•    Watch for and report irregularities such as fire hazards, leaking water pipes, and security doors left unlocked
•    Observe departing personnel to guard against theft of company property
•    Sound alarm or call police or fire department by telephone in case of fire or presence of unauthorized persons
•    Permit only authorized persons to enter property during off hours
•    Accept and record time of any deliveries as is appropriate
•    Record data such as property damage, unusual occurrences, accidents or injuries, and completes incident report for use of supervisory staff
•    Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 
•    High School Diploma or GED required
•    Previous experience in a security or law enforcement capacity is desired
•    Exposure to a similar destination customer service environment
•    Experience in a gallery or museum setting is desirable
•     First Aid and AED certification is desired


Physical Factor/Working Conditions
•    Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time
•    Must be able to lift 25 lbs
•    May require work on nights and weekends and possibly holidays

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Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position

Mission & Vision

Mission: to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African-American history and culture.

Vision: a world in which the adversities and achievements of African-American history inspire greater understanding, acceptance, and unity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Wright is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Questions? Get in touch!