Vice President of Marketing & Communications

At Pacific Science Center, our mission is to ignite curiosity in every child and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us. Our colleagues are passionate lifelong learners who live our mission every day. Each of us commits to bring an inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) focus in every aspect of our work. Join our collaborative team and help steward our warm, welcoming, community-learning environment at PacSci.

As part of our ongoing commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, we’re invested in building teams with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Data shows that women and BIPOC candidates more frequently do not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. If you have some of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed and you share PacSci's values and support our mission, we encourage you to apply.

Position Title: Vice President of Marketing & Communications

Department: Advancement

Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer

Pay Class: Full-time Regular

FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt

Position Summary

The Vice President of Marketing and Communications will lead and oversee all aspects of Pacific Science Center’s marketing, communications, and public relations strategies. This position is responsible for advancing PacSci’s mission by driving brand awareness, audience engagement, and public perception. The VP will develop and execute comprehensive marketing campaigns, promote programs and initiatives, and support fundraising and revenue growth efforts. As a member of the executive leadership team, the VP will collaborate closely with other departments, including programming, exhibits, and operations, to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Embrace Diversity

• Champion Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) and anti-racism initiatives.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead an integrated marketing and communications strategy that advances PacSci’s mission, goals, and initiatives.
• Work with the executive team to align marketing and communications efforts with organizational objectives, including audience growth, fundraising, and community engagement.
• Provide leadership in brand management, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all platforms and channels.

Marketing & Campaign Management

• Create and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns to drive awareness, engagement, and revenue growth, including membership, admissions, special events, and fundraising campaigns.
• Oversee digital marketing, including website management, SEO, email marketing, social media, and paid advertising.
• Utilize data-driven insights to refine strategies, track performance, and optimize marketing efforts for maximum impact.
• Develop annual marketing plans and budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet goals.

Public Relations & Communications

• Act as PacSci’s primary spokesperson and manage media relations to generate positive coverage and elevate the institution’s profile.
• Lead crisis communication efforts and protect the organization’s reputation during challenging situations.
• Craft compelling narratives that showcase PacSci’s impact on the community, key initiatives, and major achievements.
• Develop content and communications materials, including press releases, reports, newsletters, and executive messaging.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and manage the marketing and communications team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on creativity and results.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally to support programming, fundraising, membership, and educational initiatives with targeted marketing and communication efforts.
• Engage board members, volunteers, and stakeholders in promoting PacSci’s programs and mission through joint efforts and communications support.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with media, community organizations, influencers, and stakeholders to broaden PacSci’s reach and impact.
• Oversee community outreach efforts and initiatives that increase visibility and position PacSci as a leading institution in science education and innovation.

Brand Management & Positioning

• Strengthen and elevate PacSci’s brand, ensuring it resonates with diverse audiences and stakeholders, including families, educators, donors, and the scientific community.
• Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and audience preferences to adjust branding and positioning strategies as needed.

MAJOR OBJECTIVES

The Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Pacific Science Center (PacSci) should focus on achieving the following five key objectives within the first 12-18 months:

Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Marketing and Communications Strategy

• Create and execute an integrated marketing and communications plan that aligns with PacSci’s strategic goals, including enhancing visibility, growing brand awareness, and supporting key organizational initiatives.
• This strategy should target diverse audiences, including potential visitors, donors, families, corporate partners, and educators. It should leverage digital platforms, traditional media, and innovative channels to increase engagement and position PacSci as a leader in science education and community engagement.

Elevate PacSci’s Digital Presence and User Experience

• Strengthen PacSci’s digital footprint by enhancing the website, social media platforms, and other digital assets to engage a wider audience and create a more seamless user experience.
• This should include a focus on mobile responsiveness, improving search engine optimization (SEO), and developing new content that resonates with PacSci’s core audiences. Additionally, integrating an engaging storytelling approach to highlight the organization’s mission and impact will be key.

Drive Increased Attendance and Revenue through Targeted Campaigns

• Launch targeted marketing campaigns aimed at driving attendance to PacSci’s exhibits, programs, and events, with a focus on increasing both visitor numbers and revenue.
• Collaborate with the programming and development teams to create compelling campaigns that highlight special exhibitions, science experiences, and membership benefits. A key focus should be reaching diverse audiences and attracting new visitors, including families, school groups, and science enthusiasts.

Enhance Donor and Stakeholder Communications

• Develop and implement a robust communication strategy to engage PacSci’s donor base, cultivate new donors, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including other high-net-worth supporters.
• This includes creating tailored messaging that highlights the impact of donor contributions, increasing transparency in how funds are used, and showcasing success stories that align with PacSci’s mission. Collaboration with the development team will be critical to ensure donor-centric communications.

Build and Strengthen Internal and External Partnerships

• Establish and deepen relationships with external partners, community organizations, and corporate sponsors, while also fostering stronger collaboration within PacSci’s internal teams (Advancement, Programs, Education, etc.).
• This objective should focus on leveraging partnerships to co-create programs, enhance sponsorship opportunities, and expand PacSci’s reach. Internally, building a collaborative culture across departments will ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the organization’s mission.

These objectives will not only drive the immediate impact for PacSci but also set the foundation for long-term success in marketing and communications, enhancing the organization's visibility, engagement, and mission-driven goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of experience in marketing and communications, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing and communications strategies that drive revenue growth and audience engagement.
• Strong leadership, team management, and collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing media relations, crisis communications, and serving as an organizational spokesperson.
• Strong digital marketing acumen and proficiency in analytics and performance metrics.
• Passion for science education, innovation, and community impact.

CORE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

Alignment with PacSci’s Purpose

• Centers our mission, guiding principles, and strategy in planning, decision-making, and communications.
• Demonstrates complete commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in every aspect of work.
• Prioritize the people and communities we serve.

Problem solving

• Models curiosity and critical thinking.
• Acts like an owner; constantly looks for improvement opportunities.
• Proactively identifies problems, prioritizes them effectively, and works to understand their root causes.
• Focuses on solutions; usually develops effective ones.

Running a smart & responsible business

• Prudently manages financial resources and investments.
• Simultaneously consider mission impact and economic sustainability when thinking about opportunities and challenges.
• Follows through on commitments.
• Delivers high-quality outcomes and results.

Learning & growth

• Embraces experimentation and innovation.
• Actively seeks feedback and uses it for continuous self-improvement.
• Translates mistakes and failures into learning and growth.
• Resilient and adaptable.

Leadership

• Articulates a compelling vision for the future.
• Inspires excellence in others.
• Sets expectations that are bold yet actionable.

Inspect what they expect

• Provides honest and practical feedback and coaching. Acts with empathy and kindness but does not sugarcoat or shy away from difficult issues.
• Recognizes and rewards excellent performance.
• Takes appropriate action to address performance shortcomings.

Collaboration

• Consistently engaged, available, responsive, and helpful.
• Written and oral communications are clear and effective with all audiences.
• Disagrees and commits; challenges decisions while they are being made; fully commits to decisions once they have been made.
• Creates psychological safety; helps others feel comfortable asking for help, sharing suggestions, and challenging the status quo.
• Contributes to a culture that is collaborative, creative, joyful, and fun.

This position description outlines the principal functions of the position, and the level of knowledge and skills typically required. It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Compensation

Pay is based on several factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and years of experience.

Starting Base Salary Range: $160,000 - 200,000/annually

In addition to base salary, regular employees working 40 hrs/week can expect the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, basic life insurance, and disability insurance
• 4 weeks of vacation, 12 floating holidays, and sick pay
• 403(b) Retirement Savings
• Commuter benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee PacSci Membership

Pacific Science Center stands with those who are courageously fighting against hate, racism, and injustice. We recognize that not being racist is not sufficient. We must be actively anti-racist, and we commit to doing so. We prioritize inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in everything we do. Curiosity and critical thinking are essential to the dialogue and changes that need to happen.

Pacific Science Center complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us at HRDepartment@pacsci.org.