Job Description
Location: Navy Pier – Chicago, IL
Reports to: President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Direct Reports: Marketing, Communications, Guest Experience, Pier Park
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary
Navy Pier is more than Chicago’s most visited destination—it is the city’s front porch to the world. The Chief Marketing & Experience Officer (CMO) will serve as the architect of Navy Pier’s story and the designer of its most memorable experiences. This executive will shape how millions connect with the Pier each year, blending creativity, data-driven strategy, and operational excellence to amplify its brand and deliver sustainable revenue growth.
As strategist and storyteller, the CMO will lead bold marketing and communications initiatives while curating transformative guest experiences that reinforce Navy Pier as an iconic destination for local and global audiences. As chief brand steward, this leader will broaden the Pier’s reach, elevate its identity, and deepen guest loyalty for new and repeat visitors.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, revenue-driven marketing strategy that elevates Navy Pier’s position as a premier cultural, entertainment, and hospitality destination, with measurable outcomes tied to revenue growth, audience engagement, and brand visibility.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, ensuring all marketing initiatives are strategically aligned with organizational goals and financial objectives.
- Lead integrated marketing and communications efforts, building a consistent and compelling brand narrative across all platforms, while overseeing strategies for growth, crisis management, and reputation protection.
- Oversee guest experience design and Pier Park attractions, ensuring experiences remain fresh, innovative, and profitable, while curating offerings that surprise, delight, and inspire repeat visitation.
- Direct and innovate ticketing operations—including pricing, packaging, and promotions—using data, analytics, and visitor insights to optimize sales, capacity, and revenue, while balancing access, inclusivity, and sustainability.
- Design, promote, and drive sales of experience passport programs that expand guest access, amplify awareness, and generate incremental revenue.
- Drive digital marketing and engagement strategies across web, SEO, SEM, social media, CRM, and content platforms, leveraging marketing technologies to enhance personalization, visitor acquisition, and retention.
- Inspire and lead a multidisciplinary team across marketing, communications, guest experience, and Pier Park operations, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and innovation.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Programming, Advancement, Operations, Guest Services, and Tenant Relations to ensure alignment and integration of marketing within organizational planning.
- Deliver data-driven insights and performance updates to the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team, translating complex analytics into compelling narratives that inform strategic decisions.
- Represent Navy Pier externally in high-profile forums, conferences, and media engagements, serving as a visible ambassador for the brand.
Candidate Profile
Experience: 10+ years of progressive marketing leadership, including 5+ years in a senior executive role; proven expertise in attractions, sports entertainment, tourism, or destination marketing.
Track Record: Demonstrated success in driving measurable revenue growth through innovative marketing and pricing strategies.
Brand Stewardship: Proven ability to build, elevate, and protect a major public-facing brand.
Digital Fluency: Proficiency in marketing technology platforms, CRM systems, and analytics tools.
Leadership: Talent for inspiring high-performing teams, cultivating collaboration, and managing in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Presence: Ability to navigate confidently between boardrooms, media stages, and community forums.
Key Competencies
- Strategic and analytical thinking with creative vision
- Strong communication and storytelling skills
- Expertise in ticketing systems, revenue optimization, and guest experience design
- Project and vendor management with attention to detail and results
- Deep understanding of destination marketing, seasonal business cycles, and visitor trends
Preferred Experience
- Leadership in large-scale attractions, sports entertainment, or theme parks
- Success in dynamic pricing strategies, revenue optimization, and ticketing innovation
- Experience leading rebranding or repositioning initiatives for major cultural institutions
- Knowledge of the Chicago tourism landscape and regional visitor demographics
- Media relations expertise, including crisis communications and reputation management
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $250,000 – $300,000
- Performance Bonus: Eligibility for annual incentive compensation
- Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Retirement: 401(k) with employer match up to 6% (immediate vesting) and optional 457(b) plan
- Time Off: Generous vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
- Additional Perks: Opportunity to lead marketing for one of the nation’s most iconic cultural destinations and shape experiences that millions will carry for a lifetime
Additional Requirements
- Onsite and present worksite participation with flexible schedule
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs
- Commitment to Navy Pier’s values of inclusion, community, and accessibility
Equal Opportunity Statement
Navy Pier values an inclusive workforce and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Navy Pier, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.
Job Tags
Full time, Seasonal work, Local area, Immediate start, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,