Director of Marketing & Philanthropy

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Marketing & Philanthropy plays a crucial role in the day-to-day marketing fundraising and donor cultivation efforts at Henry Ford Estate Fair Lane: Home of Clara & Henry Ford. Overseeing the Development & Marketing Manager (full-time) and Corporate Relations Manager (part-time) and reporting to the President & CEO this role will be responsible for marketing communications and fundraising efforts to grow and sustain the organization. The Director of Marketing & Philanthropy will lead the creation and implementation of a communications and marketing plan that aligns with Fair Lanes 2027 planned opening. This role will also need to think critically creatively and proactively to cultivate relationships with donors stakeholders and prospective partners.

While this is a new role at Henry Ford Estate it has been filled in different capacities by the President & CEO the previous Director of Operations and the previous Site Management team; Henry Ford Estate has now identified that this role needs to dedicate their efforts on marketing and philanthropy while also crafting a growing team of professionals.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Percentages related to duties & responsibilities are estimates and will fluctuate based on the needs of the Estate.

Marketing Responsibilities (50%)

• While leveraging existing planning and partnerships develop and execute the marketing communications and branding plan in anticipation of Fair Lanes 2027 opening.
• Develop and implement robust content strategies across all platforms including web email social print and press in an effort to increase visibility enhance community engagement and drive participation in Fair Lanes programs and fundraisers.
• Work closely with staff and stakeholders to develop review and approve communications and marketing materials intended for distribution to donors members corporate partners and other interested parties.
• Generate resources and key communication procedures to equip staff the board and brand ambassadors with the means to progress Fair Lanes mission.
• Research and establish a comprehensive ticketing system that serves both online and onsite offerings.
• Lead the growth and maintenance of Fair Lanes online presence including the continued development of Fair Lanes website via Squarespace or a different website hosting provider.
• Support and effectively utilize software and platforms to progress Fair Lanes marketing communications and branding plan including services like Bloomerang JotForm PayPal TapKat Mailchimp Meta/Google/Microsoft Advertising Facebook Instagram Twitter and YouTube.
• Direct and manage external marketing advertising and communications contractors while defining how these external relationships will fit into Fair Lanes long-term strategy.
• Serve as spokesperson when delegated by the President & CEO which may include participation in press interviews video and audio recordings and presentations to donors advertising partners community groups and other stakeholders.

Philanthropic Responsibilities (25%)

• Expand upon develop and execute a strategic comprehensive fundraising plan to achieve financial objectives and support the organizations mission which will include major gifts planned giving corporate sponsorships grants and capital campaigns.
• Serve as a voice/face of Fair Lane to external parties during development- and fundraising-focused events rentals tours and gatherings.
• Support Fair Lanes annual signature fundraising event Fair Lanes annual sweepstakes fundraiser Fair Lanes capital and annual campaigns and smaller cultivation events and appeals: Tribute Garden Membership Music Guild Restoration Showcase Plant Sale etc.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising efforts and adjust strategies to optimize results.
• Work with the Development & Marketing Manager to evaluate and enforce compliance with fundraising and donor management policies including the collaborative reconciliation of the donor management (CRM) and finance systems.

Leadership & Administration Responsibilities (25%)

• Lead mentor and provide professional development for two direct reports fostering a collaborative and high-performing team: full-time Development & Marketing Manager part-time Corporate Relations Manager.
• Lead and own the day-to-day responsibilities of all marketing communications and philanthropic activities.
• Forecast develop and maintain staffing plans and budgets for the continued growth and alignment of Fair Lanes philanthropic marketing and communications efforts.
• Intentionally collaborate with Henry Ford Estates other departments to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of all philanthropic marketing and leadership efforts.
• Provide support in the creation execution and maintenance of the Fair Lanes visitor experience.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Finance & Administration to monitor staffing plans revenue goals and expenditure budgets aligning during biweekly meetings.
• As a member of Fair Lanes Leadership Team actively participate in discussions regarding the improvement and alignment of Fair Lanes culture and strategies including participation in quarterly Board Meetings.
• Generate reports that present marketing and philanthropic data in a digestible and valuable manner for use in regularly scheduled meetings.
• Regularly evaluates organizational efficiency by identifying opportunities for improvement making recommendations and leading the implementation of those improvements.
• As a member of the Fair Lane team participate and assist in special programs events projects and activities as needed.

• Other duties and tasks as assigned by the President & CEO.

WORKING LOCATION & SCHEDULE:

• This role will primarily be in-person but is eligible for limited remote work which may include occasional remote flexibility of 4-8 hours per week.
• This role will be required to attend on-site events tours and meetings as scheduled. This role will have flexible hours to compensate for the attendance of events tours and meetings. Some evening and weekend work will be required.
• Expected schedule M-F with mutually agreeable start times.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Passion for the mission and work of Fair Lane: Home of Clara and Henry Ford. An understanding of the cultural sector and an appreciation of the importance and relevance of the lives and the many contributions of Clara and Henry Ford.
• Bachelors degree in marketing communications business administration or other applicable field; applicable experience may be substituted for this educational requirement.
• At least 7 years of professional marketing and communications experience.
• At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience with proven practice in managing a team and achieving results.
• Dynamic and energetic leadership with a proven track record of successful fundraising particularly in securing major gifts and grants.
• Strong knowledge of marketing and philanthropic principles techniques and best practices.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to ensure professional and creative verbal and written communication with staff guests donors and other stakeholders.
• Strong project management and strategic planning skills with a desire to support via boots on the ground implementation and a collaborative mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgement with confidentiality and integrity.
• Confident and professional demeanor including being comfortable interacting with senior business officials community leaders and high net worth individuals.
• Ability to effectively set and evaluate goals resolve problems and make decisions.
• Ability to work well under pressure meet objectives and be flexible in a changing and growing organization.
• Some familiarity with the automotive sector specifically Ford Motor Company a plus.
• Collaborative and inclusive team player nature. The desire to be part of and contribute to Fair Lanes collaborative culture is a must.
• Proficiency in using marketing and philanthropic software and platforms such as Bloomerang Squarespace Mailchimp Canva Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Twitter LinkedIn YouTube and Google/Microsoft Ads.
• Ability to leverage and work with common applications such as Outlook Word and Excel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• N/A

BACKGROUND & REFERENCE CHECKS:

• All offers of employment at Henry Ford Estate are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. Background checks include Prior Employment Verification Personal and Professional Reference Checks Educational Verifications and Criminal Conviction Reviews.
• A criminal conviction will not result in an instant withdrawal of an employment offer. Henry Ford Estate considers the nature of crimes and their relationship to positions the time since conviction and the number of convictions when deciding if a candidate has clear results.