Director of Marketing & Communications at EASTERN STATE – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Job Summary:

The Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives that enhance the visibility, reputation, and financial success of Eastern State (ES). This role oversees advertising, promotions, media relations, digital presence, and online engagement efforts, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic objectives.

This leadership role oversees internal employees within the Marketing & Communications departments, including communications, social media, and website roles, as well as relationships with external, contracted services such as web development, graphic design, and public relations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develops and executes comprehensive marketing and communication strategies to support ES's business goals, including visitor engagement, earned revenue growth, and institutional awareness.
• Ensures marketing initiatives align with ES's overall strategic vision and mission.
• Establishes KPIs and reporting mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of marketing strategies.
• Manages annual marketing budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.

Marketing & Communications Strategy and Oversight

• Maintains and enforces ES's brand identity and style guidelines across all marketing materials, ensuring a consistent and compelling "voice" that resonates with diverse audiences.
• Oversees the planning and execution of multi-channel advertising campaigns, including print, digital, social, OOH, and broadcast media. Utilize data-driven insights to optimize ad spend and track ROI on visitor acquisition.
• Oversees the strategic direction of the official website and social media channels.
• Develops and nurtures relationships with media representatives, content creators, industry partners, and other potential external stakeholders to enhance ES's visibility.
• Serves as liaison with contracted media relations agency, reviewing and approving press releases, ensuring timely and strategic media engagement, and collaborating on overall media strategy.
• Acts as a key liaison for film crews, photographers, and journalists.
• Analyzes digital metrics to optimize engagement strategies and improve audience reach.
• Oversees market research initiatives, including visitor surveys, to inform decision-making.

Departmental & Supervisory Oversight

• Provide direct supervision and leadership support to Marketing & Communications team members, including communications, digital media, and web & IT roles.
• Foster a culture of exceptional customer service, accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• ?Ensure all marketing initiatives uphold Eastern State’s brand and commitment to its mission and values.?
• Ensure all marketing activities comply with organizational policies, safety protocols, and financial standards.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Minimum seven years of progressive experience in marketing or communications, preferably within the museum, historic site, or attraction industry.
• Proven leadership experience in marketing, communications, or a related field, with experience managing, training, and mentoring teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills.
• Exceptional writing and editing abilities for various audiences and platforms.
• Proficiency in digital marketing, social media, SEO, and content management systems.
• Ability to analyze data, assess ROI, and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Experience managing large budgets and multiple marketing channels simultaneously.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders and partners.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the programming calendar.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to traverse the 10-acre site when needed.
• Ability to work in spaces where temperatures may vary
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds