Director of Marking and Development - Henry Ford Estate

Posted on 9/8/25 

Henry Ford Estate

Fair Lane: Home of Clara & Henry Ford

1 Fair Lane Drive Dearborn, MI 48128

POSITION TITLE: Director of Marketing & Development

CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt

COMPENSATION: $100,000/year

DEPARTMENT: Development

REPORTS TO: President & CEO

POSTING DATE: September 5, 2025

START DATE: Q4 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Marketing & Development plays a crucial role in the day-to-day marketing, fundraising and donor cultivation efforts at Henry Ford Estate, Fair Lane: Home of Clara & Henry Ford. Overseeing the Development & Marketing Manager (full-time) and Corporate Relations Manager (part-time), and reporting to the President & CEO, this role will be responsible for fundraising and marketing efforts to grow and sustain the organization. The Director of Marketing & Development will need to think critically, creatively, and proactively to cultivate relationships with donors, stakeholders, and prospective partners. This role will also help lead the creation and implementation of a communications and marketing plan that aligns with Fair Lane’s 2027 planned opening.

While this is a new role at Henry Ford Estate, it has been filled in different capacities by the President & CEO, the previous Director of Operations, and the previous Site Management team; Henry Ford Estate has now identified that this role needs to dedicate their efforts on marketing and development while also crafting a growing team of professionals.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Percentages related to duties & responsibilities are estimates and will fluctuate based on the needs of the Estate.

Marketing Responsibilities (40%)

• While leveraging existing planning and partnerships, develop and execute the marketing, communications, and branding plan in anticipation of Fair Lane’s 2027 opening.
• Develop and implement robust content strategies across all platforms, including web, email, social, print, and press, in an effort to increase visibility, enhance community engagement, and drive participation in Fair Lane’s programs and fundraisers.
• Work closely with staff and stakeholders to develop, review, and approve communications and marketing materials intended for distribution to donors, members, corporate partners, and other interested parties.
• Generate resources and key communication procedures to equip staff, the board, and brand ambassadors with the means to progress Fair Lane’s mission.
• Lead the growth and maintenance of Fair Lane’s online presence, including the continued development of Fair Lane’s website via Squarespace. 
• Support and effectively utilize software and platforms to progress Fair Lane’s marketing, communications, and branding plan, including Bloomerang, JotForm, PayPal, TapKat, Mailchimp, Meta/Google/Microsoft Advertising, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
• Direct and manage external marketing, advertising, and communications contractors while defining how these external relationships will fit into Fair Lane’s long-term strategy.
• Serve as spokesperson when delegated by the President & CEO, which may include participation in press interviews, video and audio recordings, and presentations to donors, advertising partners, community groups, and other stakeholders.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned by the President & CEO.

Development & Fundraising Responsibilities (40%)

• Develop and execute a strategic, comprehensive fundraising plan to achieve financial objectives and support the organization's mission, which will include major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, and capital campaigns.
• Work to broaden a diverse and sustainable donor base by prospecting, identifying, and cultivating new donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies.
• Design innovative and personalized campaigns, initiatives, and stewardship strategies to engage and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective donors.
• Set ambitious fundraising goals to raise funds in an efficient, effective and value-aligned manner.
• Serve as a voice/face of Fair Lane to external parties during development- and fundraising-focused events, rentals, tours, and gatherings.
• Support Fair Lane’s annual signature fundraising event, Fair Lane’s annual sweepstakes fundraiser, Fair Lane’s capital and annual campaigns, and smaller cultivation events and appeals: Tribute Garden, Membership, Music Guild, Restoration Showcase, Plant Sale, etc.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising efforts and adjust strategies to optimize results.
• Work with the Development & Marketing Manager to evaluate and enforce compliance with fundraising and donor management policies, including the collaborative reconciliation of the donor management (CRM) and finance systems.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned by the President & CEO.

Leadership & Administration Responsibilities (20%)

• Lead, mentor, and provide professional development for two direct reports, fostering a collaborative and high performing team: full-time Development & Marketing Manager, part-time Corporate Relations Manager.
• Lead and own the day-to-day responsibilities of all marketing, communications, and development activities.
• Forecast, develop, and maintain staffing plans and budgets for the continued growth and alignment of Fair Lane’s development, marketing, and communications efforts.
• Intentionally collaborate with Henry Ford Estate’s other departments to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of all development, marketing, and leadership efforts.
• Provide support in the creation, execution, and maintenance of the Fair Lane’s visitor experience.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Finance & Administration to monitor staffing plans, revenue goals, and expenditure budgets, aligning during biweekly meetings.
• As a member of Fair Lane’s Leadership Team, actively participate in discussions regarding the improvement and alignment of Fair Lane’s culture and strategies, including participation in quarterly Board Meetings.
• Generate reports that present marketing and development data in a digestible and valuable manner for use in regularly scheduled meetings.
• Regularly evaluates organizational efficiency by identifying opportunities for improvements, making recommendations, and leading the implementation of those improvements.
• As a member of the Fair Lane team, participate and assist in special programs, events, projects, and activities as needed.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned by the President & CEO.

WORKING LOCATION & SCHEDULE:

• This role will primarily be in-person, with some flexibility. This role is eligible for limited remote work. This role will be required to attend on-site events, tours, and meetings as scheduled.
• Some evening and weekend work will be required. This role will have flexible hours to compensate for the attendance of events, tours, and meetings.
• Expected schedule M-F with mutually agreeable start times

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Passion for the mission and work of Fair Lane: Home of Clara and Henry Ford. An understanding of the cultural sector and an appreciation of the importance and relevance of the lives and the many contributions of Clara and Henry Ford.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business administration, or other applicable field; applicable experience may be substituted for this educational requirement.
• At least 7 years of professional marketing, communications, and/or fundraising experience.
• At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience with proven practice in managing a team and achieving results.
• Dynamic and energetic leadership with a proven track record of successful fundraising, particularly in securing major gifts and grants.
• Strong knowledge of marketing and development principles, techniques, and best practices.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to ensure professional and creative verbal and written communication with staff, guests, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong project management and strategic planning skills, with a desire to support via “boots on the ground” implementation and a collaborative mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgement with confidentiality and integrity.
• Confident and professional demeanor including being comfortable interacting with senior business officials, community leaders, and high net worth individuals.
• Ability to effectively set and evaluate goals, resolve problems, and make decisions.
• Ability to work well under pressure, meet objectives, and be flexible in a changing and growing organization.
• Some familiarity with the automotive sector, specifically Ford Motor Company, a plus.
• Collaborative and inclusive “team player” nature. The desire to be part of and contribute to Fair Lane’s collaborative culture is a must.
• Proficiency in using marketing and development software and platforms, such as Bloomerang, Squarespace, Mailchimp, Canva, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Google/Microsoft Ads.
• Ability to leverage and work with common applications such as Outlook, Word, and Excel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• N/A

BACKGROUND & REFERENCE CHECKS:

• All offers of employment at Henry Ford Estate are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates. Background checks include Prior Employment Verification, Personal and Professional Reference Checks, Educational Verifications, and Criminal Conviction Reviews.
• A criminal conviction will not result in an instant withdrawal of an employment offer. Henry Ford Estate considers the nature of crimes and their relationship to positions, the time since conviction, and the number of convictions when deciding if a candidate has clear results.

COMPENSATION:

This is a full-time, salary-exempt, year-round permanent position with benefits. Annual salary will be$100,000 per year; this position is not eligible for overtime pay.

Full benefits include the following.

• 70% employer-paid BCBSM/BCN medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and family, effective upon start date.
• HSA available with enrollment in BCBSM HDHP.
• 100% employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• 100% employer-paid Employee Assistance Program.
• 403(b) plan with a 3% employer contribution and 3% employer match.
• Generous paid time off package including:
• 21 days (168 hours) of Paid Time Off (PTO) earned annually; PTO is accrued biweekly at a rate of 6.46 hours.
• 2 paid holidays
• 1 day (8 hours) of paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Paid parental leave after one year of service
• Paid bereavement leave
• Ford X-Plan Discount
• Professional development
• In-house perks, including one free photo permit per year, Tribute Garden discounts, and a Patron Level membership

HOW TO APPLY

Apply at Henry Ford Estate’s careers portal: https://bit.ly/HFECareers

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Henry Ford Estate is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.