Careers

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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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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Position Overview:
This year, we will host an AIP intern within the Museum's Development Department, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fundraising, donor relations, and nonprofit development. Through this program, interns will receive 100 hours of paid work experience, gaining exposure to fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, and educational content creation and contribute meaningfully to our mission. This is an excellent position for a student interested in nonprofit management, fundraising, and educational program development.

Essential Functions:

• Fundraising Support:
  • Research grant opportunities and funding sources
  • Assist in crafting proposals for foundations, corporations, and individual donors
  • Help plan donor events (e.g., luncheons, VIP tours)
  • Analyze fundraising performance data
• Engagement Development:
  • Support creation of educational content linking programming with fundraising
  • Assist in organizing community outreach programs
  • Gather visitor feedback and propose program improvements
• Donor Communication & Stewardship:
  • Draft donor acknowledgment letters and newsletters
  • Observe and assist in donor meetings and stewardship
  • Help manage donor portfolios and ensure timely updates on contributions

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree or related experience in marketing, communications, advertising, or related field
• Excellent oral, written, and communication/presentation skills.
• Strong research skills and the ability to analyze data.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
• Well-organized, efficient, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Eagerness to learn and grow professionally in the nonprofit sector.
• General computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Interest in African American history, culture, and nonprofit management.
• Prefer a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher.
   

Work Conditions:

• Position will require flexible hours.  Full-time position - occasional nights and weekends.
• Will occasionally be asked to work at heights or in low-visibility environments.
• Will need to occasionally lift and carry items up to 75 lbs.
• Be able to bend, twist, climb, crawl, push, kneel, stoop, and reach overhead; occasionally
   

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

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Position Overview:
This Internship offers an exciting opportunity to work directly with the Museum’s Curatorial Department. The Intern will receive 100 hours of paid work experience, gaining exposure to arts & culture, creative writing and collections management. This is an excellent opportunity for an organized student that is interested in African American history and culture, research, and writing. 

Essential Functions:

The Tinsley Intern will be assigned to work on projects in several departments of the museum. The main duties and responsibilities will be as follows:

• Assisting with research on a variety of topics
• Assisting with collections management
• Assisting with drafting exhibition text
• Providing general logistical/organizational and administrative support to the team, i.e. setting up conference room for meetings, filling supply cabinets, picking up lunch, delivering documents/packages, organizing programs, instructing volunteers, leading visitors through museum, and
• Any other duties assigned 
   

Qualifications 

•  Excellent oral, written, and communication/presentation skills
• Excellent research skills
• Accuracy and an eye for detail
• Well-organized and efficient
• Desire to learn and grow professionally grow
• General computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Must be interested in African American history and culture
• Prefer G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
  
   

Work Conditions:

• Position will require flexible hours.  Full-time position - occasional nights and weekends.
• Will occasionally be asked to work at heights or in low-visibility environments.
• Will need to occasionally lift and carry items up to 75 lbs.
• Be able to bend, twist, climb, crawl, push, kneel, stoop, and reach overhead; occasionally
• Be exposed to humidity and temperature outside normal ranges
  
   

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

APPLY

Position Overview:
The Sales and Retail Operations (SRO) Team Lead is responsible for enhancing the museum visitors’ experience by delivering exceptional customer service. This position assists the Director of Sales and Retail Operations with the overall planning and management of the Museum Store, including administrative tasks, sales reporting, visual merchandising, and other related duties.

Essential Functions:

Team Management

• Manage the store sales team to ensure customers receive timely assistance.
• Encourage and support team members, communicate goals, and identify areas for training or skill development.
• Manage, train, and develop store staff, ensuring they are well-prepared to perform their duties effectively.
• Create and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during all operating hours.
• Leverage individual staff strengths to create developmental plans and prepare employees for growth within the organization.
• Assist in employee recruitment, training, and development.
• Deliver real-time feedback and coaching in collaboration with the Director.
   

Store Operations:

• Assist in all areas of store, including sales, shipping/receiving, reconciling, merchandising, and cash management.
• Open and close the Museum Store, including POS operations, and generating end-of-day reports.
• Ensure timely incorporation of new products and merchandise onto the Museum Store floor in an attractive and sales-driven manner.
• Oversee and maintenance of stockroom & satellite location, including back stock, supplies, and surrounding areas.
• Restock merchandise and maintain cleanliness in the Museum Store and stockroom.
• Supervise sales associates in incorporating new merchandise into the store. 

Inventory and Sales:

• Oversee inventories and stock, including detailed record-keeping of inventory use and sales, and recommend orders where necessary.
• Monitor and control inventory levels and reordering as necessary, within budget, while managing shrink.
• Assist in the development of merchandise plans for special exhibitions and seasonal change

Customer Service

• Consistently create a welcoming environment by greeting and assisting customers and responding promptly to their needs.
• Demonstrate leadership behaviors, including driving sales, handling complex sales, managing cash, and ensuring customer follow-up.
• Assist the Director by providing a strong leadership presence, ensuring exceptional customer experience and quality merchandise.

Store Promotions and Visual Merchandising:

• Assist with store promotions and event preparations as needed.
• Ensure accuracy of pricing, signage, and displays at all times.
• Maintain Museum standards for the appearance of the store and staff.

Cash and POS Management:

• Manage cash operations for the Museum Store and during special events
• Report and troubleshoot POS issues as necessary.
• Oversee the ordering of office and store supplies as needed
• Receive and process incoming shipments, invoices, and returns.

Required Education, Desired Skills and Experience:

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency in computers with the ability to learn department-specific systems.
• Two years of retail and customer service experience required. 

Salary: $37k-40k annually

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