Director of Communications & Marketing

Space Center Houston is a space exploration learning destination dedicated to revealing how science and humanity power space exploration through meaningful, moving experiences about people and the courage, innovation, and teamwork they use to expand the boundaries of what's possible. We inspire guests of all ages to connect with the significance of space exploration as incredible feats of human spaceflight continue to bring joy and wonder to the world. Owned and operated by the nonprofit Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, we are the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian affiliate.

Under the guidance of the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Director of Communications and Marketing will oversee the development, management and implementation of the comprehensive Space Center Houston marketing and communications plan to advance the brand and drive its mission, long term strategic direction and revenue goals.

This role is responsible for the integration of effective marketing and communication strategies, both internally and externally, across all areas of Space Center Houston.

The Director of Communications and Marketing will lead a team of marketing, communications and design professionals who operate in a fast-paced environment that delivers a high-quantity and wide assortment of outreach and engagement efforts including print, advertising, digital and social media. This position will also provide leadership, strategic vision and direction to the team.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• In tandem with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, provide both vision and operational marketing and communications leadership that is forward-thinking, on brand, audience relevant and results oriented.
• Collaborate, influence, and work productively with cross-functional teams to drive the implementation of marketing and communication strategies and campaigns including marketing sponsorship activations.
• Increase and deepen the connectivity and loyalty of Space Center Houston through effective brand management practices.
• Convey the value proposition of Space Center Houston through a rigorous and high-impact media relations programs that results in consistent and frequent media coverage, locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Serve as trusted advisor and expert on internal and external communications matters. Develop executive and leadership level communications including speeches, message points and other high-level correspondence.
• Create and manage campaign project timelines, asset development, approvals and budgets. Effectively use resources to meet current and future marketing and communications needs.
• Leverage technology using a wide variety of platforms including employing best practices in social media, email, demand generation and name acquisition. Evaluate and assess the use of technology and platforms, both current and new to maximize the results of marketing and communications campaigns.
• Using a variety of internal and external data sources, develop and manage and performance dashboard that tracks and evaluates brand health, affinity and  the performance of marketing and communications campaigns. Regularly report on progress and make recommendations on any strategic adjustments and refinements.
• Devise and implement operational strategies and processes for an efficient, agile and coordinated communications and marketing operation.
• Manage external marketing and communications partners including agencies, production teams, freelancers and other vendors to ensure maximum performance and return on investment.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required;
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications and marketing
• Demonstrated ability to oversee the management of multiple complex campaigns and projects and fully deliver them on time and on budget.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment interacting with a wide range of stakeholders, including the public.
• Demonstrated expertise in brand management, marketing, media relations, internal communications and marketing analytics and creative design and strategy.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills and experience writing for multiple mediums. Superior editorial and copywriting skills. Experience as an on-camera spokesperson preferred.
• Progressively responsible experience in multi-platform message development, data analysis, and strategic marketing and communications development.
• Experience leveraging and selecting new technologies and platforms to maximize outcomes of communications and marketing campaigns.
• Experience coaching, motivating and leading a team.

• Fluency in Spanish a plus.
• Track record of high-quality earned media placements.
• Familiarity with trends in social media and digital marketing
• Experience with CRM and marketing technology systems and data-driven decision making
• Experience in museums or other non-profit organizations preferred.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Salary Range: $90,000-$110,000 (Commensurate with experience)