Marketing & Communications Director

Job Description

Job Description

Description : About Hildene :

This year, Hildene is celebrating its 120th.anniversary. Located in southwestern Vermont, Hildene was the seasonal residence of Robert Lincoln and his wife, Mary. Robert was the only child of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. Between 1905 and the death of their granddaughter Mary Lincoln Beckwith in 1975, more Lincolns (three successive generations) lived at Hildene than at any other place in the world. In 1978, the nonprofit Friends of Hildene purchased and preserved the estate, which is open to the public year-round.

Hildene is among Vermont’s top cultural heritage sites and tourist destinations. The rich tapestry of the Lincoln family legacy and Abraham Lincoln's enduring greatness are woven into the fabric of contemporary life at Hildene. Our nonprofit attraction is comprised of Lincoln’s 1905 Georgian Revival home, formal and working gardens, restored Pullman railcar Sunbeam, agricultural operations, cheesemaking facility, twelve miles of trails, and year-round programming, all on 412 acres in beautiful Manchester, Vermont.

Throughout 2025, stories and notable dates on the Lincoln family and Hildene’s 120-year history will be shared with visitors to the estate.

Learn more at : hildene.org.

Position Overview :

Reporting to the President, the Marketing & Communications Director’s primary focus is promoting engagement with existing and new audiences to drive increases in membership, visitor attendance, fundraising, revenue streams, public relations, and partnerships. In this capacity, this role raises awareness of Hildene locally, regionally, and nationally, with a focus on utilizing broadcast, print, and online media to increase editorial placements in targeted media markets.

This position develops, executes, and measures a Multi-year Marketing, Communications and Public Relations Plan consistent with Hildene’s brand, goals, and growth objectives.

This leadership position works closely with the President and other key staff members to define, develop, and advance the strategic goals of the organization.

Responsibilities :

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Brand Management, Content Strategy, Press, Public Relations, and Outreach.
• Communicate the brand of Hildene : The Lincoln Family Home with clarity to internal and external audiences to support the organization's mission.
• Implement email and social cadence; analyze all data behind these efforts to refine strategy in driving awareness and traffic to Hildene.
• Work closely with the President and in partnership with the Advancement Director, Director of Retail Operations & Guest Services, and other key staff members to define, develop and advance the strategic goals of the organization.
• Establish brand position through competitor analysis.
• Raise awareness of Hildene locally, regionally, and nationally, with a focus on utilizing broadcast, print, and online media to increase editorial placements in targeted media within a four-hour radius of our nonprofit attraction.
• Develop, execute, and measure a Multi-year Marketing, Communications and Public Relations Plan consistent with Hildene’s brand, strategic goals, and growth objectives. Central to this plan is Lincoln Hall, our 14,000 ft four-season assembly building that opens in May 2024, as well as the robust world-class educational and civic programming that will be a transformational asset to our campus and the community.
• Develop and optimize the annual Marketing & Communications budget and evaluate performance of paid campaigns.
• Define, quantify, and measure the target market segment(s) and the desired outcomes.
• Oversee strategy of both creative and data metrics of marketing plan.
• Stay current with market research and trends; Track trends internally and externally; locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Manage website, on-property video presentations and all communications channels.
• Supervise and manage Marketing Assistant to ensure that brand identity, messaging, marketing, and communications strategy are infused in all organizational and program materials and efforts (Programming, Development, Guest Experience, Retail).
• Organization and archiving of all Hildene creative both past and present.

Requirements : Required Skills

Required Experience

Minimum of 5 years in a director or manager-level marketing and / or communications role leading a high-growth organization.

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or Management is preferred.

Physical Requirements

Compensation : Competitive Salary

Benefits include dental and vision; life and AD&D insurance; paid time off; holidays; Simple IRA account with employer 2% contribution. Hildene employees also enjoy a free Hildene Family membership, a 20% employee discount at The Museum Store and employee purchases of organic eggs, cheese, and meat.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates for employment who will contribute to our diversity.