Director of Communications

Job Type

Full-time

Description

The Communications Director is responsible for developing and implementing the museum's communication plans, including comprehensive public relations and marketing strategies that promote the museum's brand and increase public engagement. This position leads a team of communication professionals, collaborating cross-departmentally to ensure that all messaging consistently articulates the mission of Science Museum Oklahoma (SMO), promotes its programs, and strengthens the Museum's brand identity across all audiences. Additionally, the Director of Communications plays a crucial role in supporting and executing strategic initiatives, such as fundraising campaigns and special events, while also monitoring the museum's reputation and managing crisis communications as needed. This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of marketing and public relations in the museum industry.

• Lead a team of communication professionals, collaborating cross-departmentally to ensure that all messaging consistently articulates the museum's mission, promotes its programs, and strengthens the Museum's brand identity across key stakeholder audiences
• Actively cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage of issues of strategic importance to the sector, as well as SMO's programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects
• Create and distribute marketing and promotional materials, such as press releases, bi-monthly newsletters, and social media content
• Develop and implement a digital marketing strategy that includes advertising, social media, email marketing, graphic design, video production initiatives, and other digital channels
• In addition to media related content, assist with writing content for public representation of the museum, such as speeches, talks and presentations as appropriate
• Analyze and report on communication efforts to measure effectiveness and inform future strategies
• Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed
• Manage relationships with any communications related vendors or consultants
• Identify and develop productions intended for the general public, including print and branded materials
• Increase public awareness of, and interest in, Science Museum Oklahoma and its programs
• Coordinate hiring, scheduling, motivating, training, coaching, evaluating, disciplining and terminating of department staff
• Support cross-departmental projects and develop appropriate marketing strategies
• Develop and adhere to an appropriate departmental budget
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule, on budget and with the highest quality and efficiency
• Oversee the continued development and appropriate use of the SMO brand
• Manage the Museum's crisis communications plan
• Other duties and reasonable tasks necessary for the smooth functioning of the role

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field. Master's degree preferred
• 7+ years of experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Recent team supervisory experience. Must include at least three years of experience directly supervising a team of two or more people
• Experience in the museum industry or a related field
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing comprehensive communication plans
• Experience with crisis communication and reputation management
• Experience in digital marketing, including social media, email marketing, and other digital channels
• Open availability to work weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays as occasionally required for Museum programs and events
• Provide upload or link demonstrating a diverse portfolio of writing and work examples that include press releases and/or program campaigns

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional writing, editing, fact checking and verbal communication skills are all critical for success in this position
• Experience developing and implementing diverse communications strategies
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to facilitate discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels
• Adaptive communications style with the ability to tailor message and voice to specific audiences
• Expertise in optimizing social media platforms
• Expertise in e-mail marketing; MailChimp experience preferred
• Comfortable writing in both AP and CMS styles
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and consultants
• Expertise in basic digital workspaces, proficient in using computer software, hardware and managing digital files. Familiarity with audiovisual technology and networking is a plus
• Creative risk-taker
• Capacity to maintain strategic focus and professionally handle challenges in a fast-paced, collaborative, diverse and creative environment

This position works in an active and busy museum setting. This position works in a climate controlled office setting and may be subjected to a fast paced decision making environment.

• Work involves frequent standing and walking for long periods of time
• Some duties are performed from a seated position
• May require working on a computer for long periods of time, using a keyboard, viewing a digital screen
• Work may include occasional pushing and/or pulling, lifting, and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds

This position may require the employee to drive for business purposes in either their own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the Museum. Employees that drive for business purposes must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and provide proof of insurance and a valid license to drive on an annual basis.

Employee must be able to meet physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position is part of the museum directorial leadership team and reports to the museum CEO and supervises the following positions/Programs: Communications Department Staff. This position must maintain positive working relationships with management, employees, applicants, vendors and the general public.

Salary Description

$80,000.00