Current Openings
- Senior Director of Facility Management
Senior Director of Facility Management
The Wright Museum seeks a permanent, full-time, benefits-eligible Senior Director of Facility Management reporting to the COO/Executive Vice President.
About Us:
Founded in 1965, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has for over half a century been a leading institution dedicated to the African American experience.
The Wright Museum’s collection contains over 35,000 artifacts and archival materials and is home to And Still We Rise: Our Journey through African American History and Culture, the museum's 22,000 square foot, interactive core exhibit. This exhibit is one of the largest single encyclopedic exhibitions on African American history in existence. The Ford Freedom Rotunda and its 95-foot wide by 65-foot-high glass dome is an architectural wonder more than twice the width of the State of Michigan’s Capitol dome and just one foot shy of the width of the U.S. Capitol dome. The Rotunda’s floor contains our Ring of Genealogy, a 37-foot terrazzo tile creation by artist Hubert Massey surrounded by bronze nameplates of prominent African Americans in history. The Museum facility houses the General Motors Theater, a 317-seat facility for live performances, film, and presentations. The Wright serves over half a million people annually through its exhibitions, programs, and events.
The state-of-the-art, 125,000 square-foot facility that the museum currently occupies in Detroit, Michigan's thriving Midtown, serves as a cultural beacon for the City of Detroit, the US, and globally. The Museum champions the stories of African Americans and offers a space for rigorous contemplation for visitors of all backgrounds. Detroit was named in the Top 50 of Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2022: Extraordinary Destinations to Explore.
Our mission is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture.
Our vision is of a world in which the adversity and achievement of African American history inspires everyone toward greater understanding, acceptance, and unity!
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position
We offer a competitive employment package including salary, benefits, and employee engagement opportunities. The Wright Museum is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants without regard to ethnicity, gender identity, age, or sexual orientation.
Overview:
The Senior Director of Facility Management provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of facility management, security, and operational excellence. This role ensures the museum’s physical environment supports its mission and enhances visitor experience through proactive planning, sustainability initiatives, and rigorous compliance with safety standards. The Senior Director will lead a high-performing team, manage multimillion-dollar budgets, and drive continuous improvement in building operations, leveraging technology and best practices to optimize efficiency and mitigate risk. This position requires exceptional leadership, integrity, and the ability to collaborate across departments while maintaining confidentiality and high ethical standards. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential.
Essential Functions:
Maintains building security, serves as building coordinator and primary contact for facilities issues.
Develops operating policies and procedures and directs the work operations including building maintenance
Secures and protects the museum’s assets, including facilities and equipment
Implement general policies established by executive leadership team; directs their administration and execution
Coordinates development of operating and capital budgets according to the budget calendar; monitors monthly and other financial statements for the museum; takes effective corrective action as required.
Provides advice and recommendations to the Executive VP and COO about construction, alterations, maintenance, materials, supplies, equipment and services not provided in approved plans and/or budgets
Consistently ensures that the museum is operated in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.
Monitor and maintain museum’s physical plant including HVAC, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems
Provide facility maintenance and repair on both an as needed and regularly scheduled basis throughout the Museum owned facilities by conducting regular inspections of buildings and grounds making recommendations for improvements and repairs
Contributes to the leadership and overall effectiveness of the museum by attending all management meetings, participating in discussions, and supporting the museum’s decision-making process.
Establishes and monitors annual goals and budgets for the department
Maintains as-built plans for facility and consults with necessary contractors to plan for future facilities improvements inside and outside the museum; overseeing work and managing costs and time.
Reports employee/staff infractions to the Executive VP and COO for necessary action
Works closely with multiple departments to determine demands of new exhibitions, programming and special events, including but not limited to effective lighting, plumbing, electrical, audio-visual needs, etc., collaborating to design practical solutions to meet the requirements within time and budget
Management of the museum’s MSDS Information
Development and manage the Museum’s Safety Committee and assist in the updating, testing and monitoring of the museum’s emergency procedures. Works in tandem with Human Resources regarding OSHA compliance and reporting.
Establish and maintain good working relationships with vendors, outside contractors, firms and individuals providing services to the museum, such as police, fire, and other governmental agencies
Maintain a valid driver’s license that remains in good standing.
Develop and implement long-term strategic plans in concert with Executive VP and COO for building operations, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
Lead risk management initiatives in collaboration with Manager Security Services, including emergency preparedness and compliance with OSHA, ADA, and other regulatory standards.
Establish and monitor KPIs for building operations and report performance to executive leadership.
Drive innovation through the adoption of smart building technologies and continuous improvement practices.
Oversee vendor contract negotiations and ensure cost optimization across all operational areas.
Additional Key Responsibilities:
Manages engineering, security divisions and janitorial contract services staff
Ensures proper cleanliness and sanitation of all museum facilities and environments
Coordinates all ordering and usage of janitorial supplies and chemical
Handles emergencies such as fires, accidents and breaches of security or house rules promptly and in person
Emphasizes prevention through training, inspection and preventive enforcement
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred with 6-8 years Facility Management Experience (Museum Experience Preferred)
Must possess a keen eye for important or timely details and connections in a fast-paced work environment; exhibit a high level of organization, responsiveness, accuracy, and attention to detail
Must be able to prioritize, anticipate needs, and confidently/proactively address issues/opportunities; ability to work under pressure, and provide quick turnarounds
Must exercise good judgment and maintain a confident, professional demeanor and excellent rapport when interacting with all levels of staff and external contacts.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Must be able to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision and instruction at times; demonstrate sound decision-making skills and resourcefulness.
Strong computer skills with an emphasis on Microsoft Office programs and systems
Astute at multi-tasking, managing multiple projects at one time
Physical Factors:
Majority of the requirements of the position can be performed in normal office conditions, but must be able to work in both interior and exterior temperatures and conditions
Comfortable walking/standing for extended periods of time
Must be able to balance, bend, climb, crouch, reach, stand, sit and twist
Must have the finger dexterity to operate mechanical and office equipment as well as power tools as necessary. Must be able to lift/move up to 20 lbs.
Must exhibit mobility in order to monitor and maintain systems organization wide and to meet the daily demands of the position
Core Competencies:
Strategic Thinking
Leadership and Team Development
Risk Management and Compliance
Financial Acumen
Sustainability Expertise
Tech Savy
Preferred Certifications:
Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
OSHA Safety Certification
LEED Accreditation
How to apply:
Application will only be accepted via our website thewright.org/jobs
Interested candidates should submit (1) a resume and (2) a cover letter with salary requirements. Please no phone calls.
- Manager of Individual Engagement
Manager of Individual Engagement
The Wright Museum seeks a permanent, full-time, benefits-eligible Manager of Individual Engagement reporting to the Vice President of Development.
Position Overview:
The Manager of Individual Engagement at The Wright drives member retention, acquisition, and satisfaction by developing strategies to foster deep, personalized connections with members. This position manages the full member lifecycle—from onboarding to renewal—while analyzing engagement data, enhancing member value, and overseeing daily operations and communications. In addition, this position strengthens nonprofit revenue by developing strategies to attract, retain, and steward individual donors. This position reports to the Vice President of Development. This position may supervise staff and interns.
Essential Functions:
• Retention & Recruitment: Develop and execute strategies to increase the membership base and increase retention rates.
• Individual Engagement: Create personalized, high-touch experiences for members and individual donors, ensuring consistent, positive interactions across all channels.
• Onboarding & Support: Guide new members through onboarding, serving as a primary point of contact to ensure they utilize member benefits.
• Data Analysis, Reporting & CRM Management: Monitor membership workflows, analyze member and individual donor engagement data, and track metrics to identify opportunities for improvement. Maintaining donor databases, tracking portfolio activity, and using data to inform engagement strategies.
• Strategy Development: Align membership and individual donor initiatives with organizational goals and develop strategies for member and individual donor cultivation and satisfaction.
• Technology Utilization: Manage and maintain member and donor records within CRM systems.
• Donor Cultivation & Strategy: Developing and executing strategies for annual and mid-level giving, including identifying new prospects and nurturing existing relationships.
• Donor Communications: Managing stewardship efforts, including donor newsletters, personalized communication, and fundraising appeals.
• Relationship Management: Directly interacting with donors, conducting meetings, and ensuring high-quality donor experiences.
• Collaboration: Working with internal divisions and departments, and program teams to align donor engagement with organizational goals.
• Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred
• 3+ years of development, fundraising, membership and donor relations.
• Progressive project management responsibilities and experience overseeing complex, deadline-driven fundraising events.
• Track record of success in building relationships leading to membership or individual donations to meet organizational goals.
• Impeccable writing and speaking skills with the ability to communicate persuasively to senior executives and external groups.
• Experience creating original presentations for targeted audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in African American history and culture.
• Strong computer skills with an emphasis on Microsoft Office programs, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and CRMs and Social Media platforms
• Must be able to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and instruction at times; demonstrate sound decision-making skills and resourcefulness.
Salary:
$65K-75K Annually
The Wright Museum is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants without regard to ethnicity, gender identity, age, or sexual orientation.
How to apply:
Application will only be accepted via our website thewright.org/jobs
Interested candidates should submit (1) a resume and (2) a cover letter with salary requirements.
Please, no phone calls.
- Director of Grants & Strategic Partnerships
Director of Grants & Strategic Partnerships
The Wright Museum seeks a permanent, full-time, benefits-eligible Director of Grants & Strategic Partnerships reporting to the Vice President of Development.
Position Overview:
The Director of Grants and Strategic Partnerships leads The Wright’s efforts to secure funding through grants (government, corporate, private) while cultivating key partnerships to expand community impact and financial sustainability. This position manages the entire grant lifecycle, develops strategic relationships with stakeholders, and oversees, reports on, and aligns these efforts with organizational goals and strategic plans. This position reports to the Vice President of Development. This position may supervise staff or interns.
Essential Functions:
• Grant Management & Strategy: Identifying funding opportunities, managing grant writing, and ensuring compliance with requirements.
• Strategic Partnerships: Cultivating and maintaining relationships with corporate, private, and governmental funders to align with organizational goals.
• Reporting & Compliance: Managing grant deliverables, tracking progress, and communicating impact to partners.
• Cross Departmental Collaboration: Working with teams to define funding needs and develop proposals.
Additional Key Responsibilities:
• In partnership with institution leadership, support development strategy and oversee ongoing development efforts with public/private institutions.
• Work with key internal and external stakeholders to identify resources needed, funding prospects, and execute funding approaches.
• Design and implement an annual giving campaign in the form of an annual development plan that includes strategies and goals for annual giving.
• Support and partner with VP of Development on all major fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee development and execution of all fundraising proposals, including corporate sponsorship and local and national grants and grant compliance/reporting.
• Ensure prompt acknowledgement of foundation gifts.
• Submit grant requests, letters of inquiry, and proposals.
• Tracks performance against grant proposals and awarded grants, as well as sources of funds.
• Prioritizes projects to keep multiple projects moving in a timely manner, meets deadlines, and manages supplemental material required for proposals.
• Provides writing support for major donor and individual contribution letters and acknowledgements.
• Prepares and produces final written reports as part of evaluation of final results for grants.
• Oversee the hiring, training, and mentoring of the development team, as well as additional staff, interns or contractors related to special projects.
• Devise and implement special fundraising projects as needed (e.g., capital campaign, programmatic campaigns, etc.)
• Oversee all donor information using our membership database system, provide statistical analysis to board and senior leaders as needed, and support staff responsible for daily system functions and gift processing.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree required; master’s degree preferred in English, Journalism, Art, or related area.
• Five or more years of professional experience with grant writing and management in a nonprofit organization.
• Proven success leading and managing fundraising at the organizational level.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.
• Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives.
• Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside the organization.
• High energy and passion for the Museum’s mission.
• Exceptional computer literacy skills and familiarity with development related databases.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• A willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends is essential.
Salary:
$85K-90K Annually
The Wright Museum is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants without regard to ethnicity, gender identity, age, or sexual orientation.
How to apply:
Application will only be accepted via our website thewright.org/jobs
Interested candidates should submit (1) a resume and (2) a cover letter with salary requirements.
Please, no phone calls.
- Communications Content Manager
Communications Content Manager
Position Overview:
The Manager of Communications Content oversees the planning, creation, editing and publishing of digital and print materials to ensure accuracy, brand consistency, and high-quality user experiences. They manage editorial calendars, SEO strategy, and website updates using CMS tools, while analyzing traffic metrics to improve performance. This role requires balancing creative content development with technical, data-driven decisions to meet organizational goals. This position reports to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications. This position may supervise staff and interns.
Essential Functions:
- Content Strategy, Editing & Creation: Planning, writing, editing, and publishing content for websites, blogs, and sometimes social media.
- Website Management: Using Content Management Systems (CMS) to update layouts, add new pages, and maintain content accuracy.
- Project Management: Using systems such as Monday.com or Trello to keep track of departmental tasks, deliverables, and deadlines.
- Publication Management: Overseeing the lifecycle of content, including digital and print materials, to ensure it aligns with brand standards. High skill in Adobe Suite.
- SEO & Analytics: Monitoring website traffic (using tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console) to improve search rankings, engagement, and user experience.
- Problem-solving: Troubleshooting and providing solutions to issues in real-time.
- Collaboration & Leadership: Working with creative, marketing, and technical teams (designers, developers) to execute digital and print marketing campaigns. Building relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills with an emphasis on of CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal), HTML/CSS, and SEO tools. Demonstrated use of SharePoint, LinkedIn and other online media systems required.
- Print and Digital Content Management: 3 – 5 years consistent years of experience
- Editorial Skills: Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading capabilities.
- Project Management: Ability to manage content calendars, deadlines, and cross-functional teams.
- Analytical Thinking: Data-driven mindset to track performance metrics and optimize content.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred
- Must possess a keen eye for important or timely details and connections in a fast-paced work environment; exhibit a high level of organization, responsiveness, accuracy, and attention to detail
- Must be able to prioritize, anticipate needs, and confidently/proactively address issues/opportunities; ability to work under pressure, and provide quick turnaround
- Must exercise good judgment and maintain a confident, professional demeanor and excellent rapport when interacting with all levels of staff and external contacts.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Must be able to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
Salary: 60k-65k Annually
- Retail Sales Associate (Part-Time)
Retail Sales Associate (Part-Time)
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History seeks a dynamic par t-time, Retail Sales Associate.
The Retail Sales Associate at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is a dynamic and sales-driven role, crucial to advancing the museum's mission of opening minds and changing lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture. The associate will actively engage with visitors to promote and sell merchandise that supports the museum's vision of fostering greater understanding, acceptance, and unity.
About Us:
Founded in 1965, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has for over half a century been a leading institution dedicated to the African American experience.
The Ford Freedom Rotunda and its 95-foot wide by 65-foot-high glass dome; this architectural wonder is more than twice the width of the State of Michigan’s Capitol dome and just one foot shy of the width of the U.S. Capitol dome. Our Ring of Genealogy, a 37-foot terrazzo tile creation by artist Hubert Massey surrounded by bronze nameplates of prominent African Americans in history. The Wright serves over half a million people annually through its exhibitions, programs, and events.
Our mission is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture.
Our vision is of a world in which the adversity and achievement of African American history inspires everyone toward greater understanding, acceptance and unity!
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position
Essential Duties of the Position:
- Deliver exceptional customer service and create a welcoming environment for all visitors.
- Actively engage customers to promote and sell museum merchandise.
- Handle sales transactions efficiently and accurately in the Museum Store.
- Assist in merchandising, restocking, and maintaining the store’s visual presentation to drive sales.
- Promote museum programs and events through knowledgeable interactions with customers.
- Collect and report on visitor metrics and conduct inventory of merchandise.
- Support administrative tasks and collaborate with team members in a fast-paced environment.
- Provide assistance across in-person, phone, and online channels to maximize sales opportunities.
Qualifications
- At least one year of cashiering experience in a fast-paced admissions-related environment (e.g., museum, retail stores, entertainment, theme park, movie theater).
- Experience in a membership sales environment is a plus.
- Proficiency in data entry and knowledge of database and office systems.
- Familiarity with standard POS systems; knowledge of Shopify is preferred.
- Ability to learn and apply effective sales techniques in a team-centered environment.
- Excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
- Enthusiasm for delivering exceptional customer service and a strong interest in African American history and culture.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Available to work weekends and evenings as needed for special events.
Skills & Abilities
- Interest in Retail Management and Marketing.
- Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
- Positive attitude, enthusiastic, and outgoing.
- Self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
- Have a sense of urgency.
- People-oriented with strong interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, POS, and database entry systems.
The Wright Museum is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants without regard to ethnicity, gender identity, age, or sexual orientation.
How to apply:
Application will only be accepted via our website thewright.org/jobs
Interested candidates should submit (1) a resume and (2) a cover letter with salary requirements,
Please no phone calls.
Mission & Vision
Mission: to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African-American history and culture.
Vision: a world in which the adversities and achievements of African-American history inspire greater understanding, acceptance, and unity.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Wright is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Questions? Get in touch!