Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com Mission & History

For more than 200 years, the White House has been more than just the home of the Presidents and their families. Throughout the world, it is recognized as the symbol of the United States and of executive power in the country. The White House Historical Association (WHHA) is charged with enhancing the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the White House as a residence, a piece of history, and an international symbol. History of the Association

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy founded the White House Historical Association in 1961 to help the White House collect and exhibit the very best artifacts of American history and culture. The WHHA was charged with funding the maintenance and refurbishment of the public rooms of the White House and serving as the steward of the White House’s fine and decorative arts, including both historic objects associated with the building and Presidency and significant works by various American and European artists and craftsmen. The WHHA was also charged with historic special projects, such as the Blue Room renovation.

Today, the WHHA’s acquisition, preservation, research, and education efforts continue through generous private donations and the sale of books, products, and the official White House Ornament. The WHHA produces educational literature and films, develops special programs, and maintains a website interpreting the White House, its history, and the persons and events associated with it. The WHHA supports the acquisition of artwork and objects for the White House collection and contributes to the conservation of public rooms. Traveling exhibits and videos are circulated to the presidential libraries and museums and the WHHA also sponsors lectures, exhibits, and other outreach programs. The WHHA offers a variety of free field trip programs to students in the D.C. metropolitan area and visiting students from around the country. It also offers in-school programs with lesson plans that thousands of schools, universities, and libraries have received. David M. Rubinstein National Center for White House History

On January 1, 2010, the White House Historical Association established the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History at Decatur House. The center provides ongoing educational programs for students, teachers, scholars, and the general public on the history of the White House and the President's neighborhood. It hosts a digital library that offers unparalleled opportunities for online research and distance learning; lecture programs for public audiences and scholarly symposia for academic audiences; scheduled tours for the general public; and open houses and family days on focused themes.

Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com

2 The Marketing Department

The marketing program at the WHHA supports retail sales and promotes the Association’s wide range of cultural and educational programs. Under the leadership of President Stewart D. McLaurin, sales revenue and visibility at the WHHA have grown over the last 7 years, driven in part by the WHHA’s increasing digital media presence. WHHA’s Retail Operation

Under normal circumstances, the WHHA operates three retail shops that allow thousands of annual visitors to bring the history of the American presidential residence into their own homes. From its brick-and-mortar locations to its growing online presence (representing 80% of retail sales), retail operations create both a sizeable revenue stream and an opportunity to promote the WHHA brand.

One of the WHHA’s chief retail offering is the annual Christmas ornament, which offers a miniaturized embodiment of American history, tracing the celebration of Christmas at the White House through war and peace, the reinvention of economies and technologies, and the lives of the people who have inhabited the nation’s most famous home. WHHA Publications

The WHHA published its first book, The White House: An Historic Guide, in 1962. It was the wish of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy that such a book be written, and she participated actively in the editing. Now in its 22nd edition, it has sold more than 4.5 million copies to date. Since 1962, the White House Historical Association publications program has produced on a wide range of subjects related to the history of the President's House, from its architecture, gardens, fine and decorative arts to the Presidents and First Ladies who lived there over the years. The list includes titles that will appeal to history buffs and art lovers, connoisseurs and curious amateurs, scholars and tourists, adults and children. WHHA Programs

In addition to its sales promotions, the WHHA Marketing department also promotes the wide variety of educational programs run by the association. In 2016, the WHHA began a quarterly public lecture series at the David M. Rubinstein National Center for White House History. It also formed a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to create a White House history curriculum for students in after- school settings. Events like these enliven and educate the WHHA’s digital and physical visitors.

Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com 3 The Opportunity The White House Historical Association is soliciting applications for the full-time position of Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Reporting to the President of the Association, the Vice President manages a staff team consisting of the Director of Marketing, Director of Communications, Director of Digital Outreach, and a Digital Content and Communications Manager. The Vice President will also work with technical consultants and collaborate with other WHHA departments on a regular basis. The Vice President’s responsibilities include:

Product Marketing ❖ Develop and execute marketing strategies consistent with the Association’s brand guidelines, working in collaboration with the Director of Digital Outreach and Director of Communications to align initiatives with the Association’s mission, message, and values. ❖ Own and manage consumer experience including design, content, navigation, and information architecture of all e-commerce websites. ❖ Create, execute, and manage strategic online marketing initiatives, including budget forecasting on all internal and external marketing. ❖ Oversee the promotion of the Association’s retail and online stores and all educational and decorative items, developing both marketing collateral and branding material for products. ❖ Produce and edit compelling photography and copy for the Association’s retail catalog (including the White House Christmas Ornament, books, fine art, jewelry, home and office supplies, and children’s products). ❖ Develop a print advertising plan and paid advertisements designed to increase traffic at the Association’s online retail shops. ❖ Develop segmented direct mail appeals that promote the Association’s revenue-generating activities, including its retail catalog as well as small dollar donor outreach and event rentals. Outreach Initiatives ❖ Work directly with internal Association departments—including retail, publications, rentals, education, and public programs—to help develop and execute promotional plans for various initiatives and projects. ❖ Design, develop, and oversee the creation and use of a wide range of print collateral that attracts visitors, customers, and supporters. ❖ Create copy, flyers, and on-site displays to attract participants to and facilitate public events. Operational Management ❖ Provide day-to-day management and leadership to the staff and collaborate directly with the President of the Association for the conceptualization and execution of strategic plans. ❖ Engage and supervise graphic design vendors as needed to support both marketing and outreach activities. ❖ In collaboration with the Director of Digital Outreach, maintain brand consistency in all graphic productions. ❖ In collaboration with the Director of Communications, coordinate promotional materials for representation of the Association to outside media.

Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com

4 The Candidate The ideal Vice President of Marketing and Communications will be an adept team player who is able to lead other marketing and communications professionals in understanding and proactively responding to organizational needs. The Vice President will have a history of working across an organization to develop creative marketing plans to support retail sales and executing them with aggressive follow-through and attention to detail. They will have experience doing this work in a broad range of internet and print-based marketing vehicles, including retail catalogs and other publications, paid advertising, and direct mail. Specific qualifications include:

Background ❖ At least 10 years of progressive experience implementing and overseeing large-scale successful marketing and communications operations with a retail (both online and traditional) focus. ❖ Strong background in digital communications strategy is required. ❖ A master’s degree is preferred, although work experience in lieu thereof will be considered.

Accomplishments and Skills ❖ Successful experience in the marketing program of a multi-functional organization, including the full online retail lifecycle from attracting customers through effective digital marketing, to implementing effective e-commerce strategies. ❖ Demonstrated ability to develop online marketing initiatives that are consistent with an established organizational brand. ❖ Track record of building innovative partnerships to define and promote a brand. ❖ Creative approach to promotional strategy, with the ability to define target audiences and to adjust messaging and delivery to attract and engage them. ❖ Outstanding written and oral communication skills and the demonstrated ability to apply them across a range of media and platforms. ❖ Talent for graphic design with the technical skills to match, and an appreciation for visual brand consistency; experience providing art direction on photography in a retail environment is preferred. ❖ Strong organizational and project management skills, both in scheduling one’s own projects and in coordinating with others. ❖ Experience overseeing and placing paid advertising. ❖ Basic proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign (CS4 or higher).

Personal Characteristics and Work Style ❖ Team player mentality with the ability to adapt and excel in a continually growing environment. ❖ Initiative and discipline to work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment. ❖ Unfailing follow-through and attention to detail necessary to ensure accuracy in public materials. ❖ Interest in history, government, and/or American culture.

Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com

5 To Apply

Vice President of Marketing and Communications Washington, DC

Questions, resumes, and CVs should be sent to [email protected]

All first-round interviews for this position will take place via video chat with Development Resources, inc.

DRi is an executive search and development consulting firm that recruits senior leaders and works with them to build talented teams, create bold strategic plans, and design powerful fundraising programs.

The White House Historical Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is seeking a diverse slate of qualified candidates for formal consideration.

Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com

6