Head of Marketing & Communications (Sarasota, FL)

The Head of Marketing & Communications responsibilities include:

Oversees the marketing and communication strategy for The Ringling including promotion, branding, advertising, media relations, public relations, and external communications. Develops programmatic marketing plans for each major exhibition, performance or program series and special offering that produce a well-researched, data-driven effort to attract and engage new audiences and participants. Interfaces with department stakeholders to ensure the effective marketing of their programs and events.

Supervises the design and production of all print and digital collateral, including: Members Magazine; educational materials; exhibition, event, and performance collateral; and advertising, both on-site and external. Compiles, edits, and creates marketing copy and assets in a timely manner, meeting all production schedules and deadlines. Ensures all marketing materials adhere to The Ringling’s brand, style guide, and key messaging.

Develops a comprehensive annual marketing plan and communications strategy that leverages traditional, social, and digital media to promote all museum activities (collections, exhibitions, performances, program, etc.), creates general brand awareness, and supports organizational goals and objectives. Directs implementation and execution of the annual plan and communications strategy. Advances The Ringling in a growing digital environment, staying current with emerging technologies and new media. Produces metric-based reports. Uses reports and other museum-generated data sources to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and communications strategies on an ongoing basis. Makes data-driven decisions to support marketing efforts.

Develops and oversees The Ringling’s marketing budget and manages allocation of funds. Works with Marketing staff and Grants Administrator to ensure effective spending for advertising, marketing, and PR for contract and grant related budgets.

Supervises and provides direction for six full-time staff members including hiring, training and performance evaluation. May provide supervision for part-time staff or interns within the department. Manages department on all marketing deliverables and promotional initiatives, including brand collateral, signage, and assets; newsletters; member magazines; social media; community outreach; and the timely update and management of the website with content and program updates.

Works collaboratively with Executive and Senior members to ensure effective attainment of strategic goals, objectives, and key messaging. In concert with the Executive Staff and FSU Public Relations serves as member of the crisis management team. Serves as a member of the Museum’s Senior Management Team.

Fosters professional relationships with national PR firms, media representatives, and vendors /contractors. Develops relationships in the community to elevate The Ringling brand locally, nationally, and internationally. This includes active participation in media sponsorship relations and representing The Ringling at community events.

Please note that this position reports to the Executive Director with a dotted line to the Chief Officer for Advancement & External Affairs.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field + six years of related experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and ten years relevant experience.
Note: higher education can substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.
Highly organized with an attention to detail and ability to multi-task
Excellent verbal and written communications skills

Knowledge of:
Current media technology & trends and public relations practices
Concepts, principles, and practices of accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures

Ability to:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships
Make decisions independently in a fast-pace environment
Valid Driver’s License or the ability to obtain prior to hire.

Preferred
Master’s degree in Communications or related field
Previous supervisory experience
Project management skills
Ability to identify best use of various media types (non-print)
Advanced computer skills to include Microsoft 365 Suite and the ability to learn new technology
Database knowledge
Tessitura
TMS
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