Description

Job Summary
Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens is seeking a Public Programs and Marketing Manager to join our team. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director to create, implement, and present unique mission-based programming while attracting and engaging new audiences and heightening brand awareness.

About Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property includes the manor and garage, a historic farm, crop fields, woods, and gardens. The grounds were laid out by landscape gardener, O. C. Simonds, one of the leaders of the natural landscaping movement in the early 1900s. Our mission is to celebrate the visionary work of landscape gardener O.C. Simonds, educate the public about his enduring legacy, and inspire people to see the beauty in nature. Activities take place onsite, offsite, and virtually, and include sharing the story of Esta Barrett and her beautiful estate.

Key Job Responsibilities:
Public Programs

• Develop, organize, and effectively deliver educational and engaging experiences for all ages both indoors and outdoors in the manor, gardens, woodlands, and farm
• Deliver and modify the public tour to engage individuals, families, school groups, and special interest groups
• Network and coordinate with schools to offer age-appropriate educational programming, utilizing Illinois state standards and mandates
• Develop and oversee a volunteer program, including recruitment, training, onboarding, volunteer assignment, management, and recognition
• Develop seasonal workshops, special events, programs, and activities
• Coordinate offsite and virtual programs and lectures

Marketing

• Increase awareness and drive virtual and onsite attendance
• Plan, create, schedule, and publish content across identified social media platforms.
• Coordinate updates and content for estabarrett.com and the various platforms used for ticketing and awareness
• Prepare the annual marketing budget
• Write, edit, and proofread branded marketing copy for use across communication channels
• Collect and analyze data to measure the success of marketing efforts and improve understanding of our audiences
• Implement, maintain, and improve site signage and wayfinding based on visitor feedback and design standards

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

• 2+ years of experience in managing marketing and impactful public programs in a museum, library, historic site, school, or farm/garden/nature educational setting
• Project management skills
• Exceptional writing and communication skills
• Photography, video, and storytelling skills
• WordPress, Meta Business Suite, Canva, Adobe, email marketing platforms proficiency
• Media/public relations experience

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee will operate a computer for prolonged periods on a daily basis; limited carrying and lifting of up to 25 lbs. The employee will frequently perform moderate physical activity that requires use of their arms and legs, moving their whole body, climbing stairs, and walking.
Work will be performed mostly indoors, with some outdoors for tours and public events. Work occurs over multiple levels inside historic buildings reached by stairs.

Compensation: This is an onsite, full-time position; FLSA Status: Exempt. Salary range: $45,000 - $53,000 (annually based on a 40-hour week). Benefits include paid time off and a stipend for your own health insurance. A pre-employment background check is required.

Non-Discrimination Policy: Esta Barrett Manor and Gardens, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references by August 15, 2026, to Brian Reis, Executive Director.