Marketing and Communications Manager
Reports To: Executive Director
Type: Full-time
Status: Exempt
Position: The Marketing & Communications Manager leads the National Willa Cather Center’s day-to-day marketing and communications efforts. The Manager will help grow audiences, strengthen the organization’s public profile, and support earned revenue through museum visits, events, retail, lodging, and dining. Working closely with leadership and external marketing partners, this position executes integrated marketing campaigns, manages digital media, cultivates media relationships, and oversees rollout and implementation of the Center’s rebrand.
Because the National Willa Cather Center also owns and operates Hotel Garber, this position collaborates with the hotel’s external marketing agency to coordinate digital marketing initiatives and maximize cross-promotional opportunities between the Center’s cultural attractions and Hotel Garber’s lodging and dining operations.
About the Willa Cather Foundation: The National Willa Cather Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that works to advance the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather through education, preservation, and the arts. Since its founding in 1955, the NWCC has been located in Red Cloud—a small and vibrant community in south-central Nebraska where Cather spent her formative years.
Branding and Editorial Direction (25%)
- Support implementation of the Center’s rebranding initiative by working with an external marketing agency and internal stakeholders to ensure successful rollout across all channels
- Serve as steward of the organization’s brand standards to ensure consistent application of messaging, visual identity, and tone across all print and digital communications
- Write and edit a wide range of content, including press releases, advertising copy, content for the museum website and e-newsletter, feature stories, annual reports, and other projects
Digital Marketing and Website Content Management (25%)
- Manage the Cather Center’s online presence, including social media channels, website, email marketing, e-commerce, and digital advertising
- Develop and execute paid and organic digital marketing campaigns in coordination with leadership and external marketing partners
- Create or coordinate production of digital content, including graphics, photography, and short-form video
- Maintain news, event, and product listings on the Center’s website, as well as directory listings on sites such as Google Business, TripAdvisor, VisitNebraska, etc.
Public Relations and Traditional Marketing (25%)
- Draft and distribute press releases, media kits, and ads to local and national press
- Pitch stories to journalists, editors, and freelance writers, and coordinate media tours and interviews
- Design and distribute promotional materials, including ads, posters, and other forms of marketing
- Foster cross-promotional partnerships with tour companies, organizations, businesses, and area attractions
Marketing Administration (Approximately 25%)
- Coordinate marketing calendars and campaign schedules
- Manage relationships with outside vendors, designers, photographers, printers, and marketing agencies
- Research visitor analytics to help evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and communications strategies
- Assist in the development of an annual budget for marketing initiatives
- Track return on investment (ROI) on paid advertising initiatives
- Compile metrics reports for leadership to evaluate key performance indicators such as digital traffic, engagement, email open and click rates, online sales, etc.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, graphic design, or a related field
- 3-5 years’ experience in marketing and communications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Experience with Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite, MailChimp, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.
- Experience with photography, video production, and editing tools preferred
- Creativity and innovation in evolving marketing and PR approaches
- An appreciation for literature, the humanities, and the arts
- The ability and desire to work collaboratively with a small mission-driven team
Schedule and Work Environment: Generally Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends as needed for events. A hybrid work arrangement is available to candidates with an established home office space and the ability to work select days on site on a monthly basis. A 30-day onboarding in Red Cloud is desired; arrangements are negotiable.
Salary and Benefits: A competitive wage based on experience. Benefits include health insurance, IRA, paid holidays, and paid time off, and a professional development stipend. Housing and relocation support are also available.
This job description may evolve over time. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different and/or additional responsibilities.
Applicants are encouraged to apply by Monday, August 31. The position will remain open until filled. The National Willa Cather Center is an equal opportunity employer that works to cultivate inclusion and belonging. To apply, send a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three professional references to [email protected]. For more information about the National Willa Cather Center, please visit WillaCather.org
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $53,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Red Cloud, NE 68970
