The Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing is responsible for initiating, directing, and implementing a comprehensive range of Marketing and Communication activities that advance the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
Central to this role is the partnership with key staff throughout the Museum; ongoing creation, development and implementation of the Museum’s communications campaigns. The Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing will work closely with staff to manage the internal messaging to staff and Board of Trustees. This role will be responsible for materials to effectively represent the Cummer Museum to visitors, members, and potential donors.
The Director must excel at integrating and implementing a coherent communication program, creatively and effectively positioning key messages through a comprehensive communications, marketing, and media relations plan, creating engaging copy, leveraging social media and new media platforms, stakeholder outreach, and partner relations. The successful candidate will demonstrate a clear commitment to the values and mission of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, exceptionally strong written and oral communications skills, and solid experience in strategic thinking and project management.
Essential Functions:
- Support the Cummer’s mission, vision and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, respect of individual, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership.
- Build broad public awareness and brand identification with the Museum.
- Effectively articulate the Cummer Museum and Gardens’ brand.
- Create, steward, and implement the ongoing communication plans of the Museum in alignment with short, medium, and long-range goals. Including but not limited to: exhibitions, learning & engagement offerings, public programming, donor relations and retail products.
- Work with Advancement staff to develop marketing campaigns for members, affinity groups, and upper-level patron groups.
- Integrate and successfully deploy the Museum’s wide range of communications and outreach capabilities through
-print publications, including brochures, annual reports, program guides
-impact statements and other partnership materials
-electronic media, including website, blogs, e-newsletter, and social media platforms
-publicity, advertising, awards, and promotional opportunities
-video productions
-local, regional and national media relations, including interviews, articles, and opinions
- Supervise the communications staff and a broad constellation of consultants, vendors, and partners.
- Ensure that the Museum’s communications initiatives fully align and strengthen the goals and priorities of the Museum and its various programs and partnerships.
- Evaluate and manage direct report(s) in a manner consistent with the Museum’s employee review and management policies.
- Develop and manage positive and effective relationships with public, private, corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit sector partners to advance the Museum’s goals and build its profile.
- Ensure that all Museum events are included and remain current in local community listing, and tourism materials.
- Work interdepartmentally to support all media (including digital and print) platforms to market and promote the Museum, placing an emphasis on the arts, gardens, and education.
- In coordination with Chief Advancement Officer, develop and manage marketing budget.
- Proof and edit marketing materials, renewals, proposals, and acknowledgment materials for accuracy before review by Chief Advancement Officer.
- Serve as an active member of the Executive Leadership Team, working collaboratively with leaders across the Museum to provide strategic oversight, management, and leadership.
- Attend Museum events as needed.
- Participate in networking and community meetings.
- Perform other job duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Bachelor’s Degree, required
- Master’s Degree in Communications, Public Affairs, or equivalent, is preferred
- 7 years of experience in managing effective communications and external relations
- Prior experience working in a nonprofit and fundraising environment preferred
- Expert program management skills, driven by a commitment to mission, quality, timely and effective outcomes, fiscal responsibility, and efficiency
- Supervisory experience with employees and vendors
- Outstanding written communications skills with full capability to write articles, press releases, position statements, print, and e-communications.
- Public speaking and making presentations to stakeholder groups and the public, with strong ability to influence and inspire
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to network effectively, build relationships and engage others, and operate with demonstrated savvy, diplomacy, and respect
- Strong contributor in team environment
- Creative and innovative spirit
- Ability to coordinate the efforts of multiple parties and multiple projects while maintaining strong attention to detail
- Sound, strategic decision-making, based on analysis, experience, and judgment
- Track record of setting and achieving goals, with willingness to do what it takes to get the job done
- Experience working in deadline-driven environments while maintaining strong attention to detail.
- Proficient including the full suite of Microsoft Office and the ability and affinity to leverage new media, social media, and technology platform innovations
- Proficiency in Blackbaud Altru software is a plus
- Must have excellent work habits, including a willingness to work the hours necessary to get the job done, especially when important deadlines cause greater than normal departmental pressures.
- Schedule may include nights and weekends due to events.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
- Must be able to occasionally lift/move up to 10 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Normal building and office environment with occasional outside work.
- Frequently required to talk or hear.
- Frequent periods of sitting (6+ hours) may be required during the workday
- Frequent periods of standing (4+ hours) may be required during events
Why us?
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, telemedicine, short-term and long-term disability coverages.
- 403b retirement plan with match up to 5%
- Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday Structure
- Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion throughout our organization
- Early Access to exhibitions before public access
- Museum membership with North America Reciprocal Museum (NARM) access
- Discounts in café and shop
- Competitive compensation with opportunity for professional development.
- Did we mention this is a museum and historical gardens? We’re surrounded by beauty.
Our Mission: To Engage and Inspire through the arts, gardens, and education.
Remote Work: Occasional
Direct Reports: One
Salary Range: $80,000 to $90,000
Cover letter and resume required. Please email cover letter to: jobs@cummermuseum.org once you have applied.
Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
The Cummer Museum's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, or any other protected status as required by federal, state, or local law. The Museum's intent and desire is that equal employment opportunities will be provided in employment recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.
Commitment to Diversity
The Museum is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to contribute to the success of the institution and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. In addition to being an important principle of sound business management, this commitment is embodied in Museum policy and the way it does business.