Director of Communications & Marketing Cranbrook Institute of Science

Director of Communications & Marketing Cranbrook Institute of Science

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904 Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the worlds leading centers of education science and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art contemporary Art Museum Center for Collections and Research House and Gardens Institute of Science and more than 1600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills Michigan about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more please visit our website:.

The Director of Communications & Marketing is a visionary leader responsible for shaping articulating and amplifying the voice and identity of the Cranbrook Institute of Science (CIS). Reporting to Cranbrook Educational Communitys Chief Communications Officer and in close alignment with CISs Director this role drives strategies that elevate CISs visibility strengthen its brand increase attendance and deepen engagement with diverse audiences across traditional and digital platforms. The Director of Communications and Marketing oversees and implements key activities related to public relations promotion institutional communication marketing website social media print production graphics and audience development for CIS.

The role also collaborates with communications leaders across the campus to elevate the national and global brand reputation of the Cranbrook Educational Community as a must-visit must-attend and workplace of choice destination.

This individual will be both strategist and practitioner: an inspiring storyteller brand builder and digital innovator who can translate the Institutes mission into compelling narratives that resonate locally and nationally.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a forward-looking integrated communications and marketing strategy aligned with CISs mission vision and institutional goals.
• Lead the creation and implementation of strategies that increase audience engagement and attendance.
• Lead the development and management of the annual marketing and communications budget for CIS in partnership with the CIS Director and Director of Budget and Business Analysis.
• Develop and implement ongoing audience research protocols to inform strategies that grow attendance and earned revenue for CIS.
• Partner with CIS Advancement in developing strategies to support donor engagement.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team advising on brand positioning reputation management and audience engagement.
• Lead crisis communications planning and reputation management initiatives.

Brand Content & Storytelling

• Define and manage CISs brand identity ensuring consistency across all communications.
• Shape and share stories that highlight the major scientific verticals of CIS the Institutes community impact through education and institutional achievements in ways that inspire engage and support attendance goals.
• Drive thought leadership opportunities for CIS experts positioning the Institute as a leading voice in science education and innovation.

Digital & Media Engagement

• Lead a digital-first communications strategy encompassing website email social media and multimedia content creation.
• Expand CISs presence across emerging platforms leveraging data and analytics to optimize campaigns and audience reach.
• Cultivate strong relationships with media outlets influencers and partners to secure meaningful coverage and amplify CISs message.

Marketing & Audience Development

• Partner with development and programming teams to deliver integrated campaigns that grow audiences increase participation and support revenue goals.
• Direct market research and audience insights initiatives to inform communications marketing and programming strategies.
• Leverage software and systems to understand current audience and identify key areas for audience development.
• Oversee advertising design publications and promotional campaigns ensuring they align with brand standards and deliver measurable impact.

Leadership & Team Development

• Oversee external creative partners vendors and consultants to deliver high-quality work on time and on budget.
• Foster a culture of collaboration creativity and accountability partnering with communications leaders across the community and internally with departmental stakeholders at CIS.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Coordinates the services of designers photographers and other vendors in the production of communications materials.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Communications Marketing Journalism or related field required.
• Experience: Minimum of 810 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing communications or public relations with at least 35 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies.
• Demonstrated experience with digital marketing analytics content strategy and media relations.
• Must have the ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of staff and volunteers. Must be adept at presenting complex ideas and concepts eloquently to all levels of internal and external constituents both verbally and in writing.
• Experience working with both POS and CRM systems to identify trends and opportunities for audience development and engagement.
• Prior experience in cultural institutions attractions higher education science/technology or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinker: Able to see the big picture while executing tactical initiatives.
• Digital Innovator: Skilled in leveraging digital platforms data and trends to drive engagement.
• Storyteller: Exceptional writing and editorial skills with the ability to translate complex topics into accessible inspiring content.
• Leader & Collaborator: Adept at managing teams building consensus and working across departments.
• Analytical & Results-Oriented: Uses data and metrics to evaluate performance and inform decisions.
• Creative & Adaptive: Brings fresh ideas flexibility and innovation to a fast-changing communications landscape.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical dental life insurance long-term and short-term disability and retirement programs with employer also offer generous paid time off 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays employee discounts and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration please submit a resume and cover letter.

Required Experience:

Director