Milken Institute
Director of Marketing and Communications
Milken Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
About the Milken InstituteThe Milken Institute is a globally minded, publicly supported, non-partisan, and nonprofit think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, with offices in Washington, DC, New York, London, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. For the past three decades, the Milken Institute has served as a catalyst for practical, scalable solutions to global challenges by connecting human, financial, and educational resources to those who need them. Guided by a conviction that the best ideas, under-resourced, cannot succeed, we conduct research and analysis and convene top experts, innovators, and influencers from different backgrounds and competing viewpoints. We leverage this expertise and insight to construct programs and policy initiatives. These activities are designed to help people build meaningful lives in which they can experience health and well-being, pursue effective education and gainful employment, and access the resources required to create ever-expanding opportunities for themselves and their broader communities.
The Milken Institute’s events and programmatic activities involve the exchange of ideas with leaders from around the world. The Institute hosts more than 200 events each year, with our annual flagship event, Global Conference, bringing together 4,500+ participants from around the world, featuring more than 900+ speakers throughout 200+ sessions over the course of the event.
About the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) , the newest center within the Institute, is catalyzing this work by building a new type of cultural center in the heart of Washington, DC. At MCAAD we celebrate the ideal of the American Dream and explore the ongoing challenges people face in pursuing opportunity, through exhibitions, programs and educational programs. To accomplish this, we focus on four pillars of the American Dream: education, health, finance, and entrepreneurship. MCAAD’s physical home, with a planned opening in 2025, is a remarkable renovation of several 120-year-old historic bank buildings, including Riggs Bank, known as the “Bank of Presidents.” The Center’s main halls are in the National Register of Historic Places, and our stewardship of the property—along with adjacent buildings on 15th St NW—will showcase and honor the history of these buildings while adapting them for use as a modern cultural center with immersive exhibition galleries. There will also be a state-of-the-art theater, events and lecture spaces, a holodeck experience, store and an atrium with café. The six-building complex featuring nearly 300,000 square feet of space will also include a conference center, recording and broadcast studios, and the Washington, D.C., headquarters of five centers of the Milken Institute.
About the Position
The Center’s External Affairs Team seeks a dynamic, flexible, and experienced communications, marketing, and audience development professional to join our growing team. Reporting to the Senior Director of External Affairs, the Director of Marketing and Communications will be part of a multidisciplinary leadership team and will lead the planning and execution of the Center’s media, and audience outreach. The Director of Marketing and Communications will build reach and impact by building a communications strategy that integrates the organization’s brand work, media relations, paid and free marketing placements. The role will be essential to drive the vision and execution of this work, while working closely with the entire MCAAD team and the Milken Institute’s communications teams.
MCAAD’s approach to audiences is key to its successful opening and we put a high value on our communications team. This position is especially important in shaping MCAAD’s approach to navigating contemporary events, public opinion, media, and partners during a dynamic time as the Center prepares to open and beyond. Marketing and Communications will support our exhibitions, thought leadership, online offerings, and public programs and give visitors new ways of connecting with and being inspired by the American Dream.
Responsibilities
Audience Development and Engagement StrategyReporting to the Senior Director, External Affairs, craft and implement high-level vision for audience engagement leading to MCAAD’s public opening and further out, with actionable plans for seeing campaigns to fruition and measuring success. Identify key audiences and develop strategies and tools to reach those audiences. Drive audiences to in person or online visitation or additional actions as identified by MCAAD’s strategic goals.Build an ongoing outreach strategy for multiple stakeholders—including media, partners, donors, communities, families, students, tourists, subject matter experts, and the public—leading up to opening for maximum positive awareness and enthusiasm.Brand Development and Management
Working closely with the MCAAD and MI teams, build a dynamic and flexible brand. Manage brand work and compliance with internal and external collaborators.Communications and Marketing
Manage and deploy paid and earned media, marketing, partnerships, and owned channels. Draft all media materials, talking points, messaging plans. With Sr. Director oversee marketing, social media, crisis communications and thought leadership.Work closely with MCAAD’s Content team, MI teams, and stakeholders to translate exhibition content into engaging and exciting communications and content. Work closely with the Senior Director External Affairs, content teams, and other relevant colleagues to map out programmatic and content calendars, taking advantage of—and in some cases, shaping—public conversation and awareness.Build and lead a team of audience engagement managers and coordinators to support the above, including social media and email platforms, community outreach, and press specialists, as well as relevant external vendors.Build productive, positive relationships with teams across MCAAD and MI responsible for fundraising, special events, visitor services, and others as required. Help establish and maintain effective policies and procedures and coordination workflows. Develop crisis reaction and response plans, and act as key member of response team.With Senior Director, External Affairs, and in coordination with other stakeholders, act as a spokesperson for MCAAD to outside organizations, press and thought leaders, building strong, beneficial relationships. Present to stakeholders, the media, and the public when requested. Multi-lingual is a plus.Communications Special Events
With a small internal team, serve in a lead role planning communications and marketing for major openings and festivals, including MCAAD’s public opening in early 2025.Be responsible for all media and audience engagement, including booking, planning, and coordination, in close collaboration with related MI/MCAAD teams.Requirements
The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude, a creative and collaborative approach to problem-solving, a good sense of humor and at least 8 years of experience working in communications, audience engagement, community engagement, or marketing at a museum, history center, science center, or public-facing cultural organization, with 3 years of management experience.A proven track record of media placements, social media platform management and growth and developing key audiences.A strong background in managing design and maintaining brand integrity for an organization.Demonstrated track record of successful implementation of a wide variety of strategic approaches to successfully build awareness and enthusiasm to broad audiences, from concept to execution.Creativity on tight timelines, a flair for memorable and exciting experiences, and a deep network within communications and communities is a plus.Impeccable writing and editing skills.Strong project management, team leadership, budgeting, and logistics skills are required.MCAAD’s topical focus means a background and special interest in its mission and pillars is beneficial: health and science, education and learning, finance, entrepreneurship, plus unique aspects of the American journey (U.S. history, immigration, aspiration and inspiration, advocacy, democracy, civic engagement, community development, and more).The ability to quickly develop positive working relationships, support colleagues, be flexible, and thrive in a fast-paced, fun and creative environment is a must.Working Conditions & Travel Requirements
This position will work in a professional office environment. This person will also be required to travel occasionally to other offices and/or venues to assist with events as needed, requiring occasional work outside of traditional hours. Additionally, this position requires interacting virtually on a regular basis with Milken Institute staff based in other locations in the United States.
Note
We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.
This position will work a hybrid schedule consisting of three (3) days per week reporting in-person to your respective office location (Tuesday – Thursday), with the remaining two (2) days working remotely. Please understand, this schedule is subject to change in the Institute’s sole discretion.
The statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Please submit resume and cover letter illustrating how your experience and skills will contribute to the department and any unique qualities you bring to the position. If applying via Indeed, please upload your resume and any supporting documentation as
one
attachment.
Any application that does not include both a resume and cover letter will be rejected . If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact our Human Resources department to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.
Our Culture
The Milken Institute is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.
Every person at the Milken Institute is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge and passion with both clients and colleagues. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone.
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)Retirement Plan - 403b (5%)Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)Family Leave (Maternity & Paternity)Short-Term & Long-Term DisabilityFlexible Spending Account (FSAs)Training & Development:
LinkedIn Learning –over 15,000 classes offered, self-guided.Mentor Program
Wellness Resources:
Employee Assistance ProgramCALM app membership
The Milken Institute’s events and programmatic activities involve the exchange of ideas with leaders from around the world. The Institute hosts more than 200 events each year, with our annual flagship event, Global Conference, bringing together 4,500+ participants from around the world, featuring more than 900+ speakers throughout 200+ sessions over the course of the event.
About the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) , the newest center within the Institute, is catalyzing this work by building a new type of cultural center in the heart of Washington, DC. At MCAAD we celebrate the ideal of the American Dream and explore the ongoing challenges people face in pursuing opportunity, through exhibitions, programs and educational programs. To accomplish this, we focus on four pillars of the American Dream: education, health, finance, and entrepreneurship. MCAAD’s physical home, with a planned opening in 2025, is a remarkable renovation of several 120-year-old historic bank buildings, including Riggs Bank, known as the “Bank of Presidents.” The Center’s main halls are in the National Register of Historic Places, and our stewardship of the property—along with adjacent buildings on 15th St NW—will showcase and honor the history of these buildings while adapting them for use as a modern cultural center with immersive exhibition galleries. There will also be a state-of-the-art theater, events and lecture spaces, a holodeck experience, store and an atrium with café. The six-building complex featuring nearly 300,000 square feet of space will also include a conference center, recording and broadcast studios, and the Washington, D.C., headquarters of five centers of the Milken Institute.
About the Position
The Center’s External Affairs Team seeks a dynamic, flexible, and experienced communications, marketing, and audience development professional to join our growing team. Reporting to the Senior Director of External Affairs, the Director of Marketing and Communications will be part of a multidisciplinary leadership team and will lead the planning and execution of the Center’s media, and audience outreach. The Director of Marketing and Communications will build reach and impact by building a communications strategy that integrates the organization’s brand work, media relations, paid and free marketing placements. The role will be essential to drive the vision and execution of this work, while working closely with the entire MCAAD team and the Milken Institute’s communications teams.
MCAAD’s approach to audiences is key to its successful opening and we put a high value on our communications team. This position is especially important in shaping MCAAD’s approach to navigating contemporary events, public opinion, media, and partners during a dynamic time as the Center prepares to open and beyond. Marketing and Communications will support our exhibitions, thought leadership, online offerings, and public programs and give visitors new ways of connecting with and being inspired by the American Dream.
Responsibilities
Audience Development and Engagement StrategyReporting to the Senior Director, External Affairs, craft and implement high-level vision for audience engagement leading to MCAAD’s public opening and further out, with actionable plans for seeing campaigns to fruition and measuring success. Identify key audiences and develop strategies and tools to reach those audiences. Drive audiences to in person or online visitation or additional actions as identified by MCAAD’s strategic goals.Build an ongoing outreach strategy for multiple stakeholders—including media, partners, donors, communities, families, students, tourists, subject matter experts, and the public—leading up to opening for maximum positive awareness and enthusiasm.Brand Development and Management
Working closely with the MCAAD and MI teams, build a dynamic and flexible brand. Manage brand work and compliance with internal and external collaborators.Communications and Marketing
Manage and deploy paid and earned media, marketing, partnerships, and owned channels. Draft all media materials, talking points, messaging plans. With Sr. Director oversee marketing, social media, crisis communications and thought leadership.Work closely with MCAAD’s Content team, MI teams, and stakeholders to translate exhibition content into engaging and exciting communications and content. Work closely with the Senior Director External Affairs, content teams, and other relevant colleagues to map out programmatic and content calendars, taking advantage of—and in some cases, shaping—public conversation and awareness.Build and lead a team of audience engagement managers and coordinators to support the above, including social media and email platforms, community outreach, and press specialists, as well as relevant external vendors.Build productive, positive relationships with teams across MCAAD and MI responsible for fundraising, special events, visitor services, and others as required. Help establish and maintain effective policies and procedures and coordination workflows. Develop crisis reaction and response plans, and act as key member of response team.With Senior Director, External Affairs, and in coordination with other stakeholders, act as a spokesperson for MCAAD to outside organizations, press and thought leaders, building strong, beneficial relationships. Present to stakeholders, the media, and the public when requested. Multi-lingual is a plus.Communications Special Events
With a small internal team, serve in a lead role planning communications and marketing for major openings and festivals, including MCAAD’s public opening in early 2025.Be responsible for all media and audience engagement, including booking, planning, and coordination, in close collaboration with related MI/MCAAD teams.Requirements
The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude, a creative and collaborative approach to problem-solving, a good sense of humor and at least 8 years of experience working in communications, audience engagement, community engagement, or marketing at a museum, history center, science center, or public-facing cultural organization, with 3 years of management experience.A proven track record of media placements, social media platform management and growth and developing key audiences.A strong background in managing design and maintaining brand integrity for an organization.Demonstrated track record of successful implementation of a wide variety of strategic approaches to successfully build awareness and enthusiasm to broad audiences, from concept to execution.Creativity on tight timelines, a flair for memorable and exciting experiences, and a deep network within communications and communities is a plus.Impeccable writing and editing skills.Strong project management, team leadership, budgeting, and logistics skills are required.MCAAD’s topical focus means a background and special interest in its mission and pillars is beneficial: health and science, education and learning, finance, entrepreneurship, plus unique aspects of the American journey (U.S. history, immigration, aspiration and inspiration, advocacy, democracy, civic engagement, community development, and more).The ability to quickly develop positive working relationships, support colleagues, be flexible, and thrive in a fast-paced, fun and creative environment is a must.Working Conditions & Travel Requirements
This position will work in a professional office environment. This person will also be required to travel occasionally to other offices and/or venues to assist with events as needed, requiring occasional work outside of traditional hours. Additionally, this position requires interacting virtually on a regular basis with Milken Institute staff based in other locations in the United States.
Note
We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.
This position will work a hybrid schedule consisting of three (3) days per week reporting in-person to your respective office location (Tuesday – Thursday), with the remaining two (2) days working remotely. Please understand, this schedule is subject to change in the Institute’s sole discretion.
The statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Please submit resume and cover letter illustrating how your experience and skills will contribute to the department and any unique qualities you bring to the position. If applying via Indeed, please upload your resume and any supporting documentation as
one
attachment.
Any application that does not include both a resume and cover letter will be rejected . If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact our Human Resources department to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.
Our Culture
The Milken Institute is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.
Every person at the Milken Institute is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge and passion with both clients and colleagues. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone.
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)Retirement Plan - 403b (5%)Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)Family Leave (Maternity & Paternity)Short-Term & Long-Term DisabilityFlexible Spending Account (FSAs)Training & Development:
LinkedIn Learning –over 15,000 classes offered, self-guided.Mentor Program
Wellness Resources:
Employee Assistance ProgramCALM app membership