Chief Communications Officer

We have an opening for a Chief Communications Officer (CCO) to join our leadership team at MCA Chicago. The CCO is responsible for the architecture of communications, brand, and voice that tell the story of the MCA. Reporting to the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Pritzker Director and other museum leaders, the CCO develops and executes multichannel communication strategies that focus and raise the museum’s visibility, positioning the MCA as a place for the intersection of multidisciplinary contemporary art for a wide breadth of audiences in Chicago and around the world. To be successful in this role, you will:

• Develop and implement an overall Communications strategy that directly supports the strategic goals of the MCA, identifying potential barriers to reaching new audiences and mitigating accessibility and outreach roadblocks.
• Continually track audiences and demographics to ensure the MCA is reaching and serving its communities, especially the Chicagoland market. Provide marketing, media, visitor, and prospective audience perspectives and data to colleagues as they develop programs to align messages.
• Through messaging, interpretation, and both digital and onsite communications and wayfinding, ensure that our space is welcoming, accessible, and features meaningful content for these audiences.
• Spearhead a holistic digital content strategy, ensuring an easily navigable information hub that drives engagement and attendance (online and onsite) while reinforcing the MCA brand.
• Lead the development of an integrated marketing and digital strategy, ensuring seamless engagement across web, email, social media, online publications, and digital interpretation tools.
• Lead the MCA’s efforts to communicate and connect programmatic platforms and initiatives (exhibitions, programs, store, restaurant, etc.) externally across multiple platforms.
• Establish messaging priorities (short and long-term), consistent communications, and brand identity across all digital, interpretive, marketing, media relations, and publication platforms.
• Establish and maintain a consistent brand values system, including positioning statement, narrative, and tone of voice to be woven throughout each brand touchpoint online, in person, and in community engagement.
• Oversee the creative development and production process, ensuring that the MCA brand remains consistent across visual, tone, and mission platforms across communications channels, including web, social media, print, video, publications, and interpretative tools.
• Integrate brand identity and voice into editorial processes to ensure consistent execution across all printed and digital materials.
• Build and lead a collaborative working environment, establishing the Communications and Marketing, Creative and Design, and Content Strategy departments as key collaborators for cross-functional and cross-departmental projects and initiatives.
• Participate and collaborate as a member of the MCA’s most senior leadership team, providing input and counsel for decisions affecting the MCA’s annual and long-term operating plans, including the strategic plans, program priorities, capital needs, and human and financial resources.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Advanced degree in Communications or Integrated Marketing or equivalent experience from which that training can be acquired.
• Ten or more years’ progressive experience in the field of communications, either in an agency or in a cultural setting.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement forward-thinking communication, branding, and engagement strategies that support the museum’s mission, enhance visibility, and attract diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of the nonprofit and cultural landscape, with the ability to navigate institutional structures, collaborate across departments, and engage key stakeholders, including artists, trustees, funders, and the public.
• Proven track record of setting ambitious goals related to audience growth, public engagement, and brand positioning, with the ability to measure impact and adapt strategies to maximize success.
• Deep understanding of the intersection between arts, culture, philanthropy, and public engagement, with the ability to position the museum effectively within the contemporary art ecosystem.
• Ability to synthesize diverse perspectives—including artistic vision, curatorial intent, community needs, and institutional priorities—into clear and compelling communications strategies.
• Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire confidence, represent the museum externally, and communicate with clarity and authority across diverse audiences.
• Adept at identifying creative solutions to challenges in audience development, marketing, media relations, and digital engagement, particularly within the constraints of a nonprofit budget.
• Experience managing departmental budgets, negotiating contracts with media and creative agencies, and ensuring that communication initiatives align with financial and operational goals.
• Strong leadership abilities in mentoring and developing teams, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, and ensuring that staff are empowered to execute the museum’s vision effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and familiarity with CRM solutions.
• Ability to perform occasional light lifting.
• General mobility throughout the Museum.

Please apply on our Career Center website.