Senior Director, Marketing and Communications

Sr. Director, Marketing and Communications
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Position reports to: President & COO

FLSA Status: Fulltime, Exempt

Salary: $85,000.00 

Position Summary

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (hereinafter, “Freedom Center”) seeks an experienced, mission-driven, and community-oriented  Sr. Director, Marketing and Communications.

The Sr. Director, Marketing and Communications (hereinafter, “SDMC”) is responsible for all activities related to conceptualizing, implementing, and advancing a comprehensive marketing strategy to support the organization’s mission, generate engagement and revenue to achieve Freedom Center goals. The SDMC must have experience and extended knowledge in leading institutional marketing research, strategic brand building, audience/customer development, and strategic communications. This position will develop, lead and execute the overall brand strategy as well as the marketing and strategic communications plan for the Freedom Center. At a minimum, this plan will include integrated marketing, field marketing, brand strategy, internal and external communications, social media and creative services. Looking for a dynamic strategist with a passion for brand building, storytelling, community engagement, and maximizing impact with a limited paid marketing budget.

Reporting directly to the President and COO, this position will lead a talented marketing team focused on designing and executing marketing strategies to achieve enhanced financial sustainability through higher visitor attendance, increasing visitor engagement frequency or repeat rate, driving programming attendance, messaging to increase brand awareness and loyalty, exposure, recognition, support and attendance commensurate with the value the organization provides to our local and national communities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications strategy to drive earned revenue which includes ticket sales, exhibitions, events and programs.
• Provide direct strategic counsel to the President and executive leadership regarding brand reputation, audience engagement, market positioning, and the overall elevation of Freedom Center's public profile.
• Lead with a community-first approach to position the Freedom Center as a vital, welcoming, and essential resource for Greater Cincinnati and surrounding regions.

Campaign Development and Execution

• Design and deliver high-impact marketing and public relations campaigns that leverage earned, owned, and shared media strategies, maximizing impact with a limited paid marketing budget.
• Oversee campaign planning and execution across all platforms, collaborating with the email marketing, digital marketing, social media, and design specialists to ensure brand consistency and creative excellence. Focus on targeted marketing to audiences to support fundraising and ticket/program sales and fundraising efforts.
• Create storytelling initiatives that authentically reflect and resonate with the local community, highlighting exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programs.

Community Engagement and Local Relationship Building

• Develop and maintain deep, trust-based relationships with local organizations, community leaders, cultural groups, media outlets, and grassroots networks.
• Champion initiatives that enhance the museum’s relevance and accessibility to diverse audiences across Cincinnati and the region.
• Partner with Programming and Visitor Services teams to co-create engagement opportunities, community events, and collaborative projects.

Revenue and Performance Management

• Drive marketing and communication efforts to drive sustainable 
  earned and contributed revenue growth in collaboration with the senior leadership team, across the organization and with external strategic business partners.
• Monitor and analyze campaign performance using CRM, analytics platforms, and audience data; adjust strategies as needed to meet revenue and attendance goals.
• Prepare regular reports for executive leadership, providing insights and recommendations for continued growth.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor marketing team, fostering a collaborative, innovative, inclusive, and results-driven environment.
• Manage relationships with external partners, freelance creatives, public relations consultants, and limited media buyers.
• Collaborate closely with all cross-departmental teams.

Brand Stewardship

• Safeguard and enhance the Freedom Center’s brand voice, ensuring that all messaging reflects its mission, values, and commitment to equity, inclusion, and education.
• Serve as an official spokesperson when needed, representing the Freedom Center in media engagements, community events, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field (Master’s degree or MBA is preferred).
• 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or public affairs, preferably within museums, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated success in driving revenue-generating initiatives, and campaigns while working with limited paid marketing budgets.
• Deep commitment to community engagement, with proven experience building relationships with local organizations, leaders, and media.
• Exceptional storytelling, writing, editing, and media relations skills.
• Expertise in campaign planning, CRM/audience segmentation, data analysis, and content strategy.
• Outstanding leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
• Passion for history, human rights, racial equity, and social justice—and for advancing the Freedom Center’s powerful mission.

Work Environment and Compensation

• Full-time, exempt position.
• Some evenings and weekends required for programs, events, and community activities.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, parking and retirement contributions.

Apply at www.freedomcenter.org/jobs