Marketing and Communications Director

Position Profile:

We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Marketing & Communications Director for the recently opened Food + Farm Exploration Center located in Plover, WI. As the Marketing and Communications Director at Food + Farm Exploration Center, you will be a key leader in shaping and executing the exploration center’s marketing and communication strategies. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will develop and implement strategic and innovative marketing and promotion plans to drive attendance, membership, and revenue growth. Collaborating with internal teams and external partners, you will ensure a unified brand experience across all channels.

Additionally, you will manage a two-person team providing leadership, coaching, and support to achieve departmental goals. Strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, creativity, and a passion for driving impactful work are essential for success in this role.

The desired Marketing & Communication Director is a creative, solutions-oriented, fearless leader with a team focus and go-getter spirit. This position requires keen attention to detail, exceptional communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Create and drive integrated and innovative marketing and communications plans that boost visitor engagement and membership growth through various channels to reach diverse audiences 
• Lead the creation of compelling and impactful content that communicates the organization's mission, impact, and value proposition 
• Act as brand guardian, ensuring communications are consistent with Food + Farm Exploration Centers brand, mission, vision, and goals. 
• Manage the organization’s website and social media channels to ensure content is posted regularly and drives engagement. 
• Develop annual goals for social media and website performance 
• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the impact of marketing efforts, make data driven decisions, and regularly evaluate and optimize based on performance data on behalf of the entire organization/departments 
• Analyze market trends and consumer insights to inform marketing strategies and tactics 
• Drive strategy, development and management of earned media initiatives 
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, influencers, and community partners to secure coverage and partnerships 
• Create and operationalize a marketing automation strategy 
• Develop effective and compelling press releases, press kits, and related collateral materials 
• Develop and manage a content strategy and calendar for the organization in collaboration with each department 
• Support and collaborate with all departments including education, development, events, café and operations/memberships to create marketing materials and campaigns to support their respective initiatives Provide graphic design support using multiple software including Adobe, Canva and custom developed templates 
• Serve as a thought leader on marketing and communications within the organization, staying abreast of trends and technologies and bringing new proactive ideas to all pillars of the organization for consideration
• Makes budget recommendations related to marketing and communications

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field 
• Minimum of five years of experience in marketing and communications with a minimum of two years in a leadership role 
• Demonstrated leadership of community-based and community-led approaches to program development, strategy, and evaluation 
• Proven track record in traditional and digital marketing, communications, public relations and project management digital marketing 
• Critical thinker with strong analytical skills and ability to make data-driven recommendations 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to develop compelling content that engages audiences to increase their understanding of Food + Farm Exploration Centers mission and purpose
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with all peers, staff, community partners, stakeholders and Board of Directors Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and under pressure 
• Ability to manage and motivate a team to achieve departmental goals 
• Outstanding customer service abilities 
• Can-do, positive and collaborative attitude 
• Strong commitment and understanding of the importance of agriculture innovation and sustainability is preferred

Exploration Center Commitments:

• The annual salary range for this position starts at $70,000 
• PTO offered, and eight paid holidays. 
• Competitive healthcare and dental benefits are available after 60 days of employment. 
• A 401K plan is offered following one year of employment for the Full-time position. 
• Offers of employment are contingent upon results of thorough background, drug screen and reference checks. 
• All inquiries about and interactions with candidates are kept in strict confidence.