Director of Strategic Communications

Minnesota Children’s Museum seeks an experienced and passionate communications professional to engage audiences, raise the organization’s profile as a leading champion for the power of play and support initiatives that drive attendance and revenue. The Director of Strategic Communications will join a growing and dynamic organization that recently completed a major expansion and renovation in St. Paul and embarked on a strategic planning process for an expanded presence in Rochester.

The Director will help develop and execute strategies that guide the museum’s earned and owned media efforts, aiding a transition from “new museum” and “now open” communications into a longer-term brand position as the region’s top destination for playful learning. The museum seeks a director who will produce smart communications and compelling content to build community and grow relationships across multiple platforms, including MCM.org, e-newsletters, social media, on-site messaging and other channels. The museum is looking for an innovator who combines a strong grasp of media relations fundamentals with a track record of success engaging audiences via social media and digital content platforms.

The museum needs an excellent writer and a good storyteller. We seek someone who can lead robust PR efforts, generate great ideas for social media campaigns, reinvigorate the content on MCM.org and help us encourage parents to cultivate playful learning with their children at the museum and beyond.

The Director of Strategic Communications develops and executes initiatives that expand the museum’s visibility, reach and impact in the community while supporting goals related to revenue and attendance. This position supervises the Digital Communications Specialist and volunteer interns. Major job accountabilities include:

Strategic Planning

Work with the Vice President of External relations to develop strategies to promote the museum and to champion the power of play. Create plans that leverage owned media (web, email, social media, texting and print collateral) and earned media (placements in traditional and non-traditional outlets) while integrating promotions, partnerships and influencer-engagement programs. Support the development and execution of plans to help the museum attract a culturally diverse audience.

Digital Content Management

Oversee the creation and distribution of content across the museum’s digital communications channels, including MCM.org, email, social media and text messaging. Ensure that all channels integrate marketing and promotions related to general attendance, membership sales, group visits, birthday parties, events and the Rochester location.

Parent Engagement & Power of Play

Develop and execute tactics that engage parenting adults across diverse populations and encourage them to recognize and support the benefits of playful learning. Collaborate across the organization to integrate information about the power of play into the museum’s communication channels.

Media Relations & Thought Leadership

Conduct proactive media relations efforts that promote the museum, its exhibits and programs, and the benefits of playful learning. Support initiatives to increase the museum’s standing as a leading champion of the power of play. Develop and maintain a database of media contacts and build strong relationships with traditional and non-traditional media. Ensure the production of detailed and up-to-date media resources on MCM.org. Oversee and update crisis communications process.

Collateral & Materials

Review and edit text for museum collateral, material and publications. Develop processes to ensure that materials meet editorial standards and are free of typos and inaccuracies. Provide input regarding the graphic design of marketing and communications materials.

Influencer Engagement

Strengthen the museum’s Advocate/Enthusiast influencer-engagement program to advance communications efforts and champion the power of play. Keep existing Advocates and Enthusiasts engaged, recruit new members, track museum mentions and develop plans to keep the program fresh and effective.

Analytics & SEO

Ensure that the team tracks reporting analytics on mcm.org, social media and other digital channels and uses insights to make improvements in user interfaces and content. Ensure that content on MCM.org utilizes best practices in search engine optimization (SEO).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications or commensurate experience.
• 5-7 years of experience in communications and audience engagement, including time in manager or leadership role
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is required.
• Experience in strategic communications, media relations, writing and editing, project management, content marketing and management of social media channels and web properties
• Ability to provide strategic insight, offer fresh thinking and express ideas clearly
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Results-oriented, organized and able to meet deadlines
• Possess analytical thinking skills and a strong sense of initiative
• Experience using WordPress or other common content management systems, email marketing platforms (such as Constant Contact or Robly), Google Analytics, and social media monitoring and analytics platforms

Available Benefits:

• Competitive pay
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision
• Disability insurance: short and long-term
• Retirement savings plan with employer match
• Pre-tax options for: health spending, dependent care, & transportation
• Free admission to museum for family