Meet the Board: Jill Dunne

Jill Dunne, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Cincinnati Art Museum

Tell us a little bit about where you work and what you do there?

I’ve been Cincinnati Art Museum’s director of marketing and communications for the last five years where I’ve used my experience to help grow awareness, affinity and attendance for the museum. I manage six employees, and focus on strategy and execution for PR, promotional events, advertising and social media.

What is your earliest museum memory?

Museums have always played a big role in my life. Although I can’t recall my first museum memory, I worked at a “living museum,” the Newport Aquarium, for five years in the mid-2000s, and I had my first date with my husband at the Cincinnati Art Museum in 2006 and we got married at the museum in 2009.

What led you to go into the museum field?

The Cincinnati Art Museum has been my favorite place for as long as I can remember. I’ve loved working with major organizations in the city of Cincinnati and from the moment I saw that the marketing director position at the museum was open, I knew it would be a perfect fit.

What is your workspace like?

It’s an open office space and our team is all sitting together. It was an adjustment after having an office with a door in my last role, but it does have benefits. It has helped our team unite and creates seamless conversations.

What item in your office can you not live without?

I have a wide assortment of teas that get me through every day!

 Describe your favorite work memory. What was your best day like?

I led a media tour to see the Terracotta warriors in Xi’an, China. Part of that experience included climbing the Great Wall of China (photo above) with some of my colleagues and a small group of reporters. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was completely surreal.

What does your dream museum look like?

I do feel I’m at my dream museum. With 67,000 artworks in our permanent collection that span 6,000 years including masterpieces from Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso, I can’t imagine a better place to be. Activating the grounds, a project that is in the works, will make us even better.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

When I was at Northern Kentucky University, Dr. Robert Wallace advised me to take an internship at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. That advice and that role absolutely led me down the career path that led me to the museum.

 What are you currently reading?

I am eager to start Magnetic: The Art and Science of Engagement by Anne Bergeron and Beth Tuttle. But first I’m finishing the fictional The Dutch House by my favorite author, Ann Patchett.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am so lucky to work with a great group of smart, talented, passionate people at the museum!