PR and Marketing Manager

Job Summary:

The EcoTarium seeks a dynamic, creative, entrepreneurial and well-rounded marketing and public relations professional to increase the visibility and stature of the EcoTarium and support short and long-range attendance and revenue goals. The PR and Marketing Manager will manage and implement a comprehensive communications effort, including brand development and management, advertising, media relations, cross-marketing partnerships, collateral, and direct mail, email and social media marketing. In addition, they will have demonstrated ability to devise innovative marketing strategies, and provide thoughtful leadership around all aspects of marketing, public relations, and communications. This position will work closely with the Digital Content Manager.

This position reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and will work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement innovative communications and marketing strategies for raising the museum’s profile locally, regionally, and nationally. This position will help develop, manage, and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing program, supporting admissions, membership and fundraising initiatives, and the promotion of events, exhibits, programs, facility rentals, the museum gift shop, and the wildlife zoo. The PR and Marketing Manager will write and distribute press releases; pitch stories to the CAO and CEO that advance the museum’s mission; serve as the chief media contact; and oversee implementation of branding initiatives and standards.

The position’s primary duties involve non-manual work directly related to public relations and marketing of the EcoTarium. These duties include the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Public Relations – 35%

Act as a representative for the institution in the media and at appropriate events, preparing the CEO and other staff as appropriate, and representing the institution on various community committees
Attend museum events and programs, and community outreach events, including some evenings and weekends
Oversee / provide direction for marketing outreach and admission-driving events at the EcoTarium
Work with senior leaders to identify media opportunities for raising the museum’s stature locally, regionally and nationally
Identify and pitch EcoTarium stories that advance the museum’s mission and vision and convey the joy of learning about science and nature
Prepare press releases and share with appropriate media contacts
Ensure that EcoTarium events/programs are advertised on external calendars and websites

Creative Development – 30%

In support of fundraising, membership, admissions, exhibits, programs and events - prioritize and manage marketing projects
Write and/or design materials for a heavy schedule of museum publications and collateral, print and radio ads, direct mail, billboards, and museum signage
With the Digital Content Manager, collaborate in content creation, copy writing/ editing and/or design for multiple externally focused platforms including social media, the EcoTarium website, external websites and calendars, email and e-newsletter
Manage select projects end to end with external design or copy writing resources

Strategy, Planning and Marketing Management – 25%

Manage the EcoTarium’s advertising and promotional programs, including the development of media relations, creative and promotional strategies to publicize and promote exhibitions, public programs, events, membership and fundraising
Partner with the Digital Content Manager, to ensure continuity between digital and non-digital media strategies
Manage contractors for copy, design, web, photography and social media as needed; manage marketing volunteers and interns when appropriate; manage direct mail and print vendors
Work with input from education, zoo and exhibit staff to market ongoing public programming and exhibits
● Implement brand identity guidelines in EcoTarium communications, including print, promotional materials and signage – ensuring a consistent and engaging message to all constituencies
Provide excellent communication with staff to ensure a well-informed, timely, and consistent message for our guests
With the Digital Content Manager, develop, maintain and manage marketing elements on the Museum’s Annual Work Plan
Develop and manage detailed marketing plans for each project
With the Digital Content Manager, help to develop, maintain, and manage an annual marketing expense budget

Marketing Systems, Tracking and Reporting – 10%

Track and report on marketing tactics employed and ensuing results on ongoing basis
Report on the museum’s communications and marketing objectives and achievements to/with the CAO, CEO and other Senior Leadership
Oversee the utilization of the museum’s mailing database and the growth of the email database
Analyze and utilize data on visitors to inform strategy and identify key market segments

Background:

Skills/Abilities

Excellent communication skills – an accomplished writer and speaker who has the ability to effectively communicate to a broad constituency on science and museum related topics
Demonstrated ability to be creative and entrepreneurial, and to create marketing materials
Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills; attention to detail and deadlines
Ability to prioritize and work on simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to build consensus in a team-based environment
Ability to conduct / facilitate meetings

Experience

Minimum of four years extensive and progressively responsible experience in communications or marketing field, with a proven track record of accomplishments
Nonprofit experience preferable
Expertise working with and developing relationships with local media contacts
Experience developing and implementing a strategic marketing plan
Extensive writing experience - copywriting and press releases
Design experience using Canva, In-Design, Adobe or other tools
Experience with collateral, digital, social, email and direct mail mediums
Management experience – ability to effectively motivate and manage a team, including vendors and consultants
Proficiency in MS Office Suite or Google Suite and Constant Contact or another email system

Education and Other Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in English, Business, Marketing, Journalism or Communications field; or equivalent experience
Must be able to attend off-site functions and events
Must be available to work occasional evenings and/or weekends
Must pass CORI and SORI background check according to EcoTarium’s guidelines
Participate actively in all-staff community meetings, daily huddles, and staff trainings
Contribute to a professional and motivational work environment by encouraging teamwork, collaborating with colleagues and providing positive reinforcement to team members when a job is well done.

About the EcoTarium

The EcoTarium is New England’s leading museum of science and nature, an indoor-outdoor experience dedicated to inspiring a passion for science and nature in visitors of all ages. Founded in 1825 as one of the oldest natural history museums in the country, the EcoTarium has been a leader in informal science and nature education for 201 years. Highlights of the 45-acre Worcester campus include the science center with three floors of interactive exhibits, the new Stoddard Exhibition Hall, Alden Planetarium, Science Discovery programs and extensive outdoor nature trails, wildlife zoo and habitats, the seasonal railroad Worcester Railers Explorer Express Train, and extensive outdoor play exhibit, Nature Explore®. For more information, visit .

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Paid time off

Ability to Relocate:

Worcester, MA 01604: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person