Current Opportunities

Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.

Founded when the university opened in 1891, the Cantor Arts Center is an established resource for teaching and research on campus, and for the broader Bay Area community. The Cantor’s collection spans 5,000 years and includes 41,000 works of art from around the globe, and the museum presents some 15 special exhibitions each year. In 2014, the Anderson Collection at Stanford University opened next to the Cantor Arts Center, featuring a world-class collection of modern and contemporary American paintings and sculpture including Bay Area Figuration, Abstract Expressionism, and Light and Space Minimalism.

Reporting to the Director of the Cantor Arts Center (80% time commitment) and working with the Director of the Anderson Collection (20% time commitment), the Director of Marketing and Communications develops, aligns, and implements communication strategies to articulate and advance the missions of the two Stanford art museums. This position will encompass the full breadth of responsibilities from day-to-day tasks to strategic planning for both museums, and works collaboratively with all departments across both museums. The Director will oversee institutional messaging, media relations, advertising, digital communications, social media, and collateral materials, as well as provide direct supervision to marketing and communications personnel, and management of select outside vendors and consultants. Additionally, this position will oversee the Cantor’s visitor experience, supervising a Visitor Services Manager.

The Cantor and the Anderson Collection are part of the Office of the Vice President for the Arts (VPA) at Stanford, and exist in relation to a large research university. The Director of Marketing and Communications will therefore also work with the VPA office to coordinate messaging and collaborative communications strategies across the VPA units, and coordinate with Stanford’s central communications team on university-wide strategies, initiatives, and protocols.

In this role you will:

• Recommend, manage and execute integrated marketing programs and strategies to meet institutional priorities for both museums while managing marketing budgets at the Cantor.
• Develop and implement the museums’ communication and brand strategy for the Stanford University community, the regional Bay Area, and for national, international, and virtual audiences using appropriate electronic and print media.
• Manage the museums’ brands in all content, including exhibition and graphic identity, collateral materials, digital presence, advertising, promotional programs, and signage.
• Develop and oversee content for the Cantor’s website. Oversee and contribute to content decisions for the Anderson Collection’s website.
• Write and edit materials for web, press releases, news stories, ad copy, newsletters, talking points, leadership messages, etc.
• Support Exhibitions as well as Academic and Public Programs in promoting their programs to the campus community and the public.
• Support the efforts of Development and Membership in promoting the museums and their programs to the public and other sponsors.
• Serve as representative and spokesperson for the museums at the university, in the community, and in the media, working in close collaboration with the University Communication Media Relations team.
• Work collaboratively and cross-departmentally on initiatives, projects, and other institutional goals.
• Supervise staff, including recruitment, management, development, and retention.
• Oversee visitor services staff and volunteers at the Cantor.
• Manage vendors and consultants on specific projects for both museums.

Please note that this position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered a hybrid role (3 or more days/week on campus). You may need to work extended or non-standard hours, weekends and holidays based on business needs.

In order to be successful, you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Knowledge of the visual arts; previous museum, nonprofit or arts experience; visitor experience awareness.
• Previous experience in marketing, preferably in a visual arts context.
• Experience with digital, web, print, social media marketing.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams toward a common goal.
• Experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with market research and data analysis.
• Understanding of how to implement effective marketing programs across multiple channels.
• Creative problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Prior experience in planning and managing program budgets.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enriched the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities to audit courses. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

To apply for this position, please click here and follow the prompts to submit your application and cover letter.