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 world's 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 1,600 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: www.cranbrook.edu.

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 Community's Chief Communications Officer and in close alignment with CIS's Director, this role drives strategies that elevate CIS's 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 Institute's 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 CIS's 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 CIS's brand identity, ensuring consistency across all communications.
• Shape and share stories that highlight the major scientific verticals of CIS, the Institute's 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 CIS's 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 CIS's 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: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field required.
• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, with at least 3-5 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 contribution. We 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.