Director of Marketing and Communications, Museum Institute

Director of Marketing and Communications, Museum Institute

The Museum Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks an outstanding Director of Marketing and Communications! This new role will work closely with the Institute Director, Director of Finance & Administration, and the advancement team to develop strategic marketing materials, manage media and public relations, and engage in campus and external communications in alignment with the mission and strategic plan. Using digital and traditional media to support research communications, innovative exhibitions, and public programming, this role will develop strategic marketing engagement to share discoveries, promote events, grow target audiences and support fundraising efforts. This position will promote the Museum locally, nationally, and globally and help develop a strategic multimedia plan to increase public awareness of the Museum as a physical and online destination and as a thought leader in public science communication. The person in this role will evaluate and report on marketing results and adjust efforts to achieve goals. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

The Museum Institute fosters exploration and appreciation of the natural environment and human cultures through research, teaching, and community outreach. We provide academic training for graduate students in Museum and Field Studies; build, conserve, and interpret research collections; and offer exhibits and educational programs for the University and the public.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Creative Design for Marketing Communications : + Work with the Museum Institute Director and Finance Director to design digital and print materials and to publicize research, advancement and educational programming, along with exhibitions, events and other initiatives. + Develop a strategic, multimedia plan to increase public awareness of the Museum as a physical and virtual destination and as a thought leader in public science communication. + Create videos, graphics and other creative content that meet the museum institute's strategic communications goals. + Design 2D and 3D graphics and multimedia components for museum exhibit galleries, online galleries, and off-site venues. + Develop design concepts and stay current on digital design trends, in compliance with university branding guidelines. + Manage marketing and promotion of museum-wide and community outreach events through social media, digital and physical signage, multimedia / apps, promotional materials, newsletters and e-communications through SalesForce Marketing Cloud. + Attend, support, photograph, and provide news coverage of events for marketing purposes.
• Digital Coordination, Creation and Maintenance : + Design and maintain museum website, targeted emails, and event listings using standard processes and accessibility and focusing on optimal user experience across target audiences. + Develop and draft press releases and articles for Museum Institute platforms and mediums. + Collaborate with the Institute Director, Director of Finance and Administration and CU Advancement to develop effective marketing and communications strategies and materials for advancement campaigns, and a Museum annual report. + Support a comprehensive communications calendar for Museum Institute web content, social media, targeted emails, design projects and more, using a project management system. + Develop and maintain a digital media library highlighting Institute strengths. + Use current and new technologies to generate web analytic reports and assess the effectiveness of all communications tools.
• Social Media and Digital Engagement : + Manage, maintain, and grow Museum Institute social channels and digital engagement strategies. + Understand current trends in social media and how to effectively reach target audiences using data-driven analytics. Maintain and report Museum's digital statistics and social media analytics. + Design and carry out social media campaigns that publicize key events and priorities and respond to customer service messages received via social media. + Coordinate with campus and community partners to share Museum Institute stories and events through social media and other platforms. + Work closely with Exhibition and Programming staff to develop creative ideas for partnerships that can expand Museum Institute reach and assess marketing efforts on impact of Museum Institute programming in the community. + Work closely with the planning team to develop and maintain accuracy in exhibitions, printed materials, and news releases, providing editorial feedback.
• Professional Development and Collaboration : + Maintain a cooperative and productive working relationship with other communications professionals on the CU Boulder campus including attending campus communicator meetings, within the University System and peer institutions. + Engage in professional development opportunities on campus and with museum marketing professionals worldwide.

This position is full-time, in person at the Museum. Occasional night or weekend hours will be required to support events.

The annual hiring range for this position is $82,000-$85,000. Relocation is available for eligible candidates.

The University of Colorado Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, public relations, journalism, business, museum studies, or related field from an accredited institution. Five years of professional-level communications involving project management, graphic design, event promotion, web maintenance, and social platform management. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to organize materials. Ability to write and edit, visualize concepts, and communicate and interpret goals, including demonstrated proficiency in the use of AP style and adaptive writing. Strong and engaging communication skills, diplomacy in working with a broad range of constituencies and capable of inspiring participation from partners, media outlets, and community members. Ability to thrive in an environment where teamwork and effective collaborations are vital. Ability to work productively with staff, interns, and volunteers. Ability to learn quickly and adapt within a constantly evolving environment. Ability to take initiative, be creative, and follow through. Proficient with a variety of social media tools and creative approaches to community engagement both online and out in the world. Understanding of marketing techniques in multiple mediums : print, online, social media, events, etc. Ability to learn new applications, software, and technology. Exceptional interpersonal skills. Strong attention to detail, and to aesthetic presentation of materials. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, manage time efficiently, and meet timelines in a fast-paced environment.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials : 1. A current resume. 2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position. 3. PDF Sample of Work / Portfolio. We may request references at a later time. Please apply by 11 / 4 / 2025 for consideration. Note : Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.