Chief Marketing Officer

Description

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is a dynamic and visionary leader responsible for driving sustained growth in attendance and ticket revenue at the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass—two of Seattle’s most iconic, high-volume destinations. This role bridges the worlds of tourism, culture, and art, helping to position these venues as both premier visitor attractions and significant cultural institutions.

The CMO will shape and elevate the profile of Chihuly Garden and Glass as a world-class art exhibition experience through compelling brand storytelling and integrated campaigns. This includes stewarding the voice and legacy of Dale Chihuly in partnership with Chihuly Studio and ensuring the art-centric identity of the Exhibition is honored and amplified in all marketing and public-facing strategies.

This role demands a proven track record in growing visitation, increasing per capita revenue, and deepening audience engagement at high-profile cultural, entertainment, or tourism destinations. The ideal candidate is a data-driven strategist and brand steward who thrives in complex, creative environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Attendance & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute innovative marketing strategies to grow annual attendance and maximize ticketing revenue through yield optimization, segmentation, and conversion tactics.
• Increase visibility and reach for Chihuly Garden and Glass within both the global art world and broader travel/tourism sectors.

Guest-Centric Experience Marketing

• Leverage market research and audience insights to develop marketing programs that resonate emotionally and intellectually with guests, particularly those engaging with art, and cultural experiences.
• Create storytelling frameworks that highlight the artistic legacy of Dale Chihuly and position the Exhibition as an essential stop for art lovers, collectors, and cultural tourists.

Channel and Partner Development

• Expand brand reach through affiliate marketing, OTAs, tourism bureaus, museum networks, and travel trade partnerships.
• Foster collaborations with art institutions, cultural alliances, and academic partners to further the Exhibition’s cultural relevance.

Pricing & Promotions

• Lead dynamic pricing strategies and premium experience offerings tailored to visitors of art exhibitions and cultural destinations.
• Align promotions with seasonality, exhibition events, and community art initiatives.

Integrated Brand Strategy

• Oversee all aspects of brand marketing, including media, digital content, social media, PR, influencer campaigns, and storytelling across platforms.
• Ensure that all brand expressions—especially for Chihuly Garden and Glass—reflect the values and aesthetics of a museum-caliber art experience.

Signature Events & Cultural Relevance

• Develop events that reinforce the cultural significance of both attractions, including exhibition openings, artist collaborations, and seasonal art programs.
• Serve as a strategic leader in planning events that bring community, press, and partners into deeper relationship with Chihuly Studio and the artist’s legacy.

Reputation & Media Management

• Act as a senior spokesperson and oversee PR efforts, media relations, and community engagement, with an emphasis on supporting the artistic mission of Chihuly Garden and Glass.
• Strengthen the Exhibition’s identity as a center for creativity, inspiration, and artistic innovation.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Inspire and guide a high-performing marketing and communications team.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Sales, Guest Experience, Chihuly Studio, and external cultural partners to align marketing strategies with mission and growth objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 15 years of progressive marketing leadership, ideally within tourism, cultural institutions, arts organizations, attractions, or destination marketing.
• Demonstrated success growing attendance and revenue at top-tier art exhibitions, museums, or visitor attractions.
• Proven experience managing integrated marketing functions including digital, e-commerce, brand development, content, public relations, and audience development.
• Deep understanding of art and museum audiences, with experience positioning artistic brands or exhibitions on local, national, and international levels.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into strategic action.
• Budget management expertise and commitment to ROI-driven decision making.
• Exceptional team leadership, storytelling, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or Arts Administration (Master’s preferred).

Additional Expectations:

• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and special events (New Year’s Eve required).
• Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and representing Seattle’s most iconic and artistic landmarks with pride.
• Passion for creating unforgettable guest moments and honoring the artistic and cultural legacy of Dale Chihuly.  

Full time, Salaried position  

Salary Range: $200,000 - $250,000 yearly DOE + Bonus up to 30%

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long Term Disability   
• 401k plan, we will match 50% of the first 6% you contribute, equivalent to 3% of your wages 
• Deferred compensation into 401(k) account at company Shareholder discretion. Eligible to begin participating after one year of service with an annual plan entry date of October 1st.    
• Paid Personal Days (14 per year)  
• Paid Time Off of 14 days / year  
• Tuition reimbursement of 50%, up to $2500  / year 
• New child family leave up to 4 weeks while on approved FLMA and enrolled in company sponsored medical plan  
• 50% discount for many purchases at the Space Needle (Retail, Food and Beverage)  
• Charitable Contributions / Matching Gift, up to $200 year  
• Paid parking or up to $250 / month towards an orca card 

The Space Needle symbolizes the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Seattle. Our Team Members reflect our inclusive city, diverse country, and multicultural world. As an equal opportunity employer, we make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, physical, or mental disability, military status, political ideology, genetic information, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law. All Team Members and potential Team Members who apply for an opening will be considered without regard to these factors. We carefully screen applicants based on qualifications such as their training, education, skills, aptitude, experience, and previous work record.