Director of Marketing

Summary: Works with the President/CEO, Executive Director, Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) Board, staff and volunteers to creatively develop, promote and disseminate the museum’s mission-based and attraction-based messages to statewide, regional and national audiences, as well as to communities and key partners throughout Mississippi, to increase the impact and influence of MCM. Provides strategic marketing support and leadership for Mississippi Children’s Museum – Meridian (MCM-M), with particular emphasis on statewide initiatives, campaigns and opportunities that advance the visibility and reach of both museum locations. This is a full-time position.

Principal Accountabilities:
· Collaborates with museum leadership and department heads to develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies that promote exhibits, programs, events, educational initiatives, and visitor experiences while ensuring consistency with MCM's mission and brand.

· Responsible for conducting and overseeing a full range of marketing activities for internal and external audiences including promoting a positive public image for all aspects of MCM and MCM-M

· Oversees the creation and implementation of a strategic marketing and communications strategy to increase awareness, visitation, attendance, membership, revenue, and philanthropic support

· Oversees and trains Marketing Department staff

· Manages budget and financial activities for the Marketing Department

· Serves in a leadership role for strategic planning goals associated with MCM and MCM-M

Public Relations: 20%
· Coordinates with Lights! Camera! Imagination! participants to maintain accurate, up-to-date participant information, communicate scheduling details, and coordinate photo/video shoots

· Plans, manages, and evaluates company-wide communication strategies to ensure effective communication to the community

· Manages public relations strategies, including institution announcements, and digital and printed communications to ensure consistency and accuracy

· Manages content development, public relations strategies, and campaign development for statewide initiatives and programs

· Pursues speaking engagements to promote MCM’s mission and attractions

· Works with Assistant of Director of Marketing to ensure museum events and programs are digitally captured on social media channels

· Ensures that the museum’s message reaches diverse target audiences

· Represents MCM for the LeFleur Museum District, Metro Jackson Attractions Association, and other community groups

Media Relations: 10%
· Develops and distributes media advisories, press releases, ribbon-cutting invitations, and other communications to promote upcoming events, announcements, and media opportunities

· Leads organization of MCM press conferences and ribbon cuttings

· Serves as a media liaison with funding and community partners to coordinate and secure approval of external announcements and ensure accuracy and alignment with partner requirements.

· Maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date media list to receive museum communications

· Manages media interactions and serves as a spokesperson at museum events

· Pursues radio and television community shows to promote MCM’s mission and attraction-based events

Advertising: 20%
· Manages local and out-of-market advertising budget and manages changes to budget as needed

· Develops and executes integrated advertising campaigns across a diverse range of media channels, including social media, radio, billboards, print, and other paid media platforms

· Develops and maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date list of media outlets and rate-cards for advertising opportunities

· Oversees marketing-related grants and awards, including completing the application and all associated record keeping for reimbursement

· Serves as point-of-contact for all account executives at media outlets and negotiates best price for each placement

· Ensures the museum’s image and brand is representative of the diverse audiences we serve

· Maintains records of MCM’s press, publications, printed materials, and advertising

· Work with Assistant Director of Marketing to order promotional items, such as branded swag and printed promotional materials

Writing & Editing: 20%

· Serves as managing writer and editor of all museum publications o Writes, edits, and reviews content for external and internal communications

· Collaborates with the Creative Director to oversee the planning, development, and production of annual publications, including the Annual Report, Membership Newsletter, and Reach Out and Read Newsletter

· Provides the design team with complete advertising specifications and materials, including copy, creative requirements, deadlines, and appropriate submission contacts

· Assists Development Department in the copyright verbiage for sponsorship proposals and ROI reports

· Collaborates with Education Department staff to produce internal and external resources that will guide the direction of the museum’s exhibits, programs, and services

Management: 30%
· Manages Marketing staff and coordinates with MCM-Meridian’s Director of Marketing and Communications

· Oversees marketing request form submission projects and deadlines

· Collaborates closely with the Creative Director on projects requiring coordination between marketing and creative functions

· Attends directors, staff, and team meetings as needed

· Plans marketing budget, monitors expenses, and submits/approves invoices

· Manages contract workers supporting outsourced marketing needs, including photographers, copywriters, designers, and other creative professionals, in collaboration with the Creative Director

· Assumes leadership role in planning collaborative events and partners such as the LeFleur Museum District, Mississippi Science Festival, Week of Wonder, Park After Dark, and LeFleur’s Bluff

Qualifications and Competencies:
· Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field required

· Three years of successful demonstrated management or leadership experience, museum or cultural attraction preferred, advertising or PR agency preferred

· Willingness to travel, occasional weekend and after-hours event attendance required

· Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills within department and organization

· Proven ability to provide outstanding customer service in fast-paced setting and act quickly in a challenging situation

· High comfort level working with children and diverse public

· Proven ability as an enthusiastic team leader and mentor committed to staff learning and development

· Proven ability to initiate and follow-through on projects independently

Hours of Work
· Must be able to work 40 hours a week.

· Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends and after-hours for special events, as needed.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume, 3 professional references, and email a work sample to [email protected]. A sample of graphic design work is optional, but preferred.