Manager, Communications

Chicago, IL
Full Time
External Affairs
Mid Level
About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum of Science and Industry provide programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Manager, Communications is responsible for the development and implementation of communication strategies and projects that connect donor and member audiences to the Museum, adding a fresh approach to content and delivery that will be used across all fundraising and membership initiatives.
Responsibilities
  • Lead, plan, message and complete departmental communications from conception through production, collaborating with the content manager(s) in EA and Marketing staff who provide key support to ensure project meets the needs of the owner and is produced on time/on budget/on brand.
  • Create collateral that "tells the story" of how Griffin MSI programs positively impact community and fulfill our mission from a donor-centered perspective.
  • Develop an overarching donor communications plan that includes both fundraising and membership initiatives.
  • Create, manage, and distribute External Affairs communications project calendar.
  • Track pertinent institutional data, photography, mailing lists, promotion, and presentation materials for projects.
  • Oversee communication to various strategic task forces and committees.
  • Create and manage new system for streamlined proposal development to aid frontline fundraisers with solicitation.
  • Work directly with External Affairs and Development Leadership to develop custom proposals for high-level solicitations.
  • Partner with Stewardship, leadership, facilities and others to ensure consistent, approved language for new and updated donor recognition.
  • With Communications/ Marketing team, collaborate on the development and creation of targeted videos used to help tell the story of funding priorities to donors.
  • Create and/or edit in content management system for segmented donor and member outreach.
  • Manage the content on External Affairs web pages, updating as needed.   
  • Collaborate with the Marketing Division on videos, digital media, and social media, requests for content on Facebook, Instagram, etc.   
  • Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and a Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in communications or public relations and/or non-profit experience,
  • Strong knowledge and experience working with a content management system is required.
  • Exceptional, persuasive, and a strong writer who excels at storytelling and narrative writing.
  • Must have Microsoft Office and Project skills.
  • Experience in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator preferred.
  • Demonstrated strong collaborative, organizational and presentation skills.
  • Project management experience preferred.
  • Self-motivated and highly organized.
  • Strong communication, organization and time management skills.
  • Familiarity with non-profit environment; Salesforce CRM experience is a plus.
  • Ability to gather data, analyze information and prepare reports in a fast-paced environment, with strict deadlines, and changing priorities.
  • Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
  • Ability to work occasional weekends and evening special events.

Language: 
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, scripts, standard operating procedures, etc.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of guests and employees. 
Physical: 
  • While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to speak loudly and clearly
  • The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. 
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. 
  • The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 
Work Environment: 
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000.

This fulltime position is eligible for benefits including: 
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
10 Company Holidays 
401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
Free onsite garage parking


This position was posted on 9/14/2026

Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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