Communications Manager Jobs

The Communications Manager is a lead brand storyteller who will develop and implement communications plans that promote OMSI's brand and strategic priorities. This role will make cross departmental connections to develop stories and inform audiences about various projects, events, fundraising campaigns, and initiatives that OMSI is working on, and bring OMSI's mission and vision to life through stories that can be tailored to and shared across various platforms.

The Communications Manager will develop and implement media events to inform key audiences, and will assist with crisis communications and sensitive issues on an as-needed basis. This role interacts with senior management, OMSI staff, news media, outside organizations and the general public for the purpose of enhancing OMSI's brand, increasing participation in OMSI activities, supporting strategic fundraising efforts, and helping fulfill the organization's mission.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Writes/distributes news releases and other media materials as appropriate to local and national media. Pitches/places earned media stories that support both OMSI and the future OMSI District;
• Communications Strategy and Brand Storytelling:
• Directs OMSI's strategic communications program and ensures alignment with internal brand experience guidelines. Leads planning and message development, and creates copy for branded materials, signage, and internal marketing touchpoints;
• Meets with internal stakeholders to document, plan, and understand their storytelling needs. Collaborates across all museum departments and activities to identify opportunities to tell stories and create engaging content aligned with the OMSI brand;
• Develops and curates content that shares and amplifies OMSI's story and initiatives (brand, mission, and products) on OMSI's website, via earned and paid media, and within internal and external communications;
• Works with and consults internal and external partners to create philanthropic messaging and outreach strategies.
• Leads, strategizes, manages, and mitigates emerging media relations and communication-related issues. Works closely with the Senior Director of Brand Marketing and key stakeholders (e.g. the Leadership Team, Human Resources, and the OMSI board).
• Ensures communication practices align with OMSI's mission, values, and goals to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the organization and in service to our communities;
• Oversees an outside public relations agency in the development of strategic external communications-including the development of press releases, media relationships, and proactive media pitching-for OMSI and the OMSI District;

Working Conditions

• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Requires working onsite at the museum location.
• Environmental Demands include:
• Moderate (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic)
• Noise Levels include:
• Physical Demands: 90% sitting, 5% standing, 5% lifting/carrying 10 lbs;
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eyes to bring an object into sharp focus)
• Availability for work on weekends and outside regular hours will periodically be required, particularly in support of communication and media-related issues;
• Vision Demands include:
• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches of less)
• Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left or right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
• None
• This position is exempt, paid salaried;
• Depth and perception (three dimensional vision, ability to judge distance and spatial relationships)
• Quiet (examples: library, private office)
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• This position is regular full-time scheduled for 40 hours/week;

Secondary Responsibilities

Secondary responsibilities include-but are not limited to-the following:

• Copy edits for departments outside of Marketing;
• Implements communications plans for local fundraising events, as appropriate;
• Writes marketing copy for external media requests.
• Helps fulfill public relations needs of corporate sponsored programs;
• Tracks all media interactions and maintains a database of media impressions;
• Works with staff to ensure that branding guidelines are followed;
• Identifies and provides media training for internal OMSI spokespersons;
• Coordinates potential photo and video shoots on various OMSI campuses;

Knowledge And Skills

REQUIREMENTS :

• Ability to effectively handle multiple tasks, often with overlapping and time-sensitive deadlines;
• Strong understanding, knowledge, and skills in writing content that engages diverse stakeholders, with an emphasis on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through a racial equity lens;
• Ability to adhere to high standards of confidentiality, protocol, and community agreements;
• High proficiency with Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office;
• Developed knowledge of brand implementation methods and strategies.
• Ability to effectively navigate and provide media relations and issues management support;
• Ability to foster relationships with internal partners, listening carefully to understand their motivations and needs, and thoughtfully synthesize and deliver the appropriate communications;
• Communications Knowledge and Abilities:
• Developed knowledge and ability to implement public relations campaigns, pitch to media, and plan media events and the development of press releases/media kits;
• Excellent attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to pivot between individual and team work;
• Exercises sound judgment while upholding high integrity and ethical standards;
• Ability to model and support a positive team dynamic with paid and unpaid staff;
• Business Practices:
• Exceptional oral and written communications skills including specialized experience in marketing copy, speech writing, and writing and editing for both print and broadcast media;
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills;

Preferences

• Proficient or native fluency in a second language (non-English).
• Understanding of video and photography as storytelling mediums;

Requirements

Education & Work Experiences:

• Foundational marketing experience, with an emphasis on understanding how targeted messaging can drive conversions and the ability to translate stories to different mediums.
• Documented communications expertise that engages audiences from all education levels and backgrounds in a strategic and thoughtful way. Written pieces focused on producing engaging content of varying formats and mediums;
• Academic degree in an industry related to Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or similar, or equivalent non-academic experience;
• Minimum of 5 years cumulative experience-with increasing responsibility-as follows:
• Portfolio and/or writing samples that demonstrate skills and talents;

Preferences

• Experience with change management initiatives.
• Experience working with nonprofits;

Additional Requirements/Preferences; Including Licenses and Certifications:

Requirements

• Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background checks and reference checks.

Preferences

• None.

Benefits And Perks At OMSI

• 403(b) retirement with employer match eligibility
• Free annual OMSI Family Membership
• Multiple health plans (OMSI pays 86% of employee premiums)
• Reciprocal Employee Attractions Pass (REAP)
• 2 weeks of sick time per year
• 12 personal / cultural days (PTO) per year
• Discounts on summer programs for employee's children
• Employee-led rewards and recognition program
• Inclusion-centered professional development opportunities
• 2 weeks of vacation per year