Senior Manager, Membership and Event Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, Membership and Event Marketing

🔹 Company: Whitney Museum of American Art

🔹 Location: New York, New York, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

🔹 Category: Museum, Historical Sites, and Zoos

🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 6-8+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic event planning and execution to drive new audiences and engage members
• Cross-functional collaboration with various departments to generate engaging programming
• Budget management and resource allocation for events and member benefits
• Cultivation and engagement of key audiences, members, and influencers
• Relationship management of member groups and orientation of new members

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Design and implement event programming to support audience development and growth objectives

✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate engaging programming and amplify institutional moments

✅ Oversee and execute events for members and key audiences, managing budgets and resource allocation

✅ Identify and cultivate partners and programming relationships to grow popularity and build word of mouth

✅ Work closely with Communications, Press, and Marketing teams to generate awareness and track event performance

✅ Act as relationship manager for Whitney Contemporaries and main point of contact for member groups

✅ In collaboration with the Assistant Director, Marketing, build relationships with influencers to amplify institutional ideas and moments

✅ Ensure events and other benefits adhere to a schedule of fulfillment and communicate member benefits effectively

✅ Work closely with Director, Membership to assess and benchmark member benefits and pricing, and strategize new offerings

✅ Effectively communicate and promote utilization of all member benefits

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: BA / BS required, with additional coursework in marketing or loyalty building a plus

Experience: 6-8+ years of work experience in managing and executing events of all formats

Required Skills:

• Event planning and execution
• Budget management
• Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
• Data-driven decision making
• Relationship management
• Marketing and audience development
• Basic HTML and email marketing proficiency
• Raiser’s Edge proficiency
• Understanding of membership programs and art world landscape
• Experience setting up and leading digital programs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Passion for modern and contemporary art and/or culture

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with POS and/or database programs
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the arts and culture sector or a related field may have an advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 per year

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and 403(b) elections
• Generous Paid Time Off benefits
• Commuter benefits (parking and mass transit)
• Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
• Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike
• Union representation (UAW Local 2110)

Working Hours: Full-time, with nights and weekends as needed for events staffing and execution

ASSUMPTION: The advertised pay scale reflects the minimum and maximum salary range for this role. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on various factors, including experience, education, and other qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: 1930

Company Description:

• Founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the Whitney Museum of American Art houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries
• Dedicated to championing the most innovative art of the United States and supporting artists
• Seeks to be the defining museum of twentieth- and twenty-first-century American art

Company Specialties:

• Museum
• Non Profit
• Contemporary Art
• American Art
• and Twentieth and Twenty-First Century American Art

Company Website: whitney.org

ASSUMPTION: The Whitney Museum of American Art is a leading institution in the American art world, with a strong commitment to supporting and showcasing contemporary artists.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Manager

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director, Membership

Work Arrangement: On-site, with nights and weekends as needed for events staffing and execution

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow within the Membership department or explore other opportunities within the Museum
• Chance to work on high-profile events and collaborate with prominent artists and influencers
• Opportunity to develop and refine event planning and management skills

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand responsibilities and take on new challenges.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Museum setting, with a focus on collaboration and creativity

Office Location(s): 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, New York 10014, US

Geographic Context:

• New York City, with a vibrant arts and culture scene
• Close proximity to other major museums and cultural institutions
• Accessible by public transportation

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours to accommodate events and programming

ASSUMPTION: The Museum's location in New York City offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic cultural environment, with access to a wide range of arts and cultural events.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Director, Membership
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Event planning and management skills
• Budget management and resource allocation
• Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
• Data-driven decision making
• Relationship management and communication skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Demonstrate your passion for modern and contemporary art and your understanding of the Museum's mission
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your event planning and management experience
• Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and cross-functional teamwork

ATS Keywords: Event Planning, Budget Management, Collaboration, Marketing, Relationship Management, Member Benefits, Art World, Museum, Non-Profit

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve multiple stages, with a focus on assessing the candidate's skills and fit for the position.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Raiser’s Edge
• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• HTML and email marketing tools (preferably MailChimp)
• Asana
• POS and/or database programs

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in these tools is essential for success in this role, as they are used daily for event planning, communication, and data management.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to American art and artists
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and creativity
• Excellence in all aspects of Museum operations
• Accessibility and inclusivity

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on meeting deadlines and achieving results
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork
• Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to work well under pressure
• Creative and strategic, with a focus on driving audience engagement and growth

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you approach event planning and execution, and how have you handled challenges in the past?
• Can you provide an example of a successful event you've planned and executed, and what made it successful?
• How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously?
• How do you communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including artists, influencers, and Museum staff?
• How do you stay organized and ensure that events and member benefits are executed according to schedule?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with the Museum's values and work style will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working nights and weekends as needed for events staffing and execution
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including members, artists, and Museum staff
• Adapting to changes in event plans and priorities
• Meeting the high standards set by the Museum for event quality and member experience

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work well under pressure.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other event planning roles, this position focuses on driving audience engagement and growth within a museum setting
• This role requires a strong understanding of the art world and the ability to cultivate relationships with artists, influencers, and members
• Career progression may involve moving into a Director or Executive Director role within the Membership department or exploring other opportunities within the Museum

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar positions in other industries or sectors.

📝 Sample Projects

• Planning and executing a successful exhibition opening event, including managing logistics, coordinating with artists, and promoting the event to key audiences
• Developing and implementing a new member benefit program, including assessing member needs, designing benefit offerings, and communicating the benefits effectively
• Collaborating with the Communications and Marketing teams to generate awareness of a major Museum initiative, such as a new exhibition or program

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the strategic, collaborative nature of the role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most pressing challenges facing the Membership department, and how can this role help address them?
• How does this role fit into the Museum's long-term strategic plans for audience engagement and growth?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Museum?
• How does the Museum support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the team culture like, and how do team members support one another in achieving success?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the Museum's mission, as well as your commitment to understanding the work environment and culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your event planning and management experience
• Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and the Museum's mission

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.