Vice President of Marketing & Communications

About the position

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Vice President of Marketing & Communications will be responsible for The Living Desert’s strategic marketing, communications, media and public relations, brand management, partnerships, and outreach strategy. They will also be responsible for increasing brand awareness, engagement, and visibility to support continued mission growth by executing marketing and communications support, strategies, and tools in an efficient, effective, and sustainable manner. The VP will work closely with leaders throughout the organization to drive the creation of strategic messages and communications including marketing collateral, digital marketing and other marketing and communications related messaging and materials. They are responsible for managing the relationship with creative agency.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute The Living Desert’s marketing and communications strategy to support overall brand growth, leveraging resources available and consistent with The Living Desert’s brand.
• Oversee the development of collateral including event publications, annual report, Fox Paws, and others as strategically indicated.
• Oversee The Living Desert’s digital assets, including website and social media channels, to optimize brand awareness, raise resources, and engage various targeted audiences across multiple social platforms.
• Promote signature events (e.g., Gala, WildLights, Glow in the Park) to optimize awareness, participation and fund raising.
• Develop and execute strategy to engage partners, including businesses, sports team, media outlets, and others to build the brand locally.
• Oversee the internal and external use of The Living Desert brand, ensuring all related trademarks and logos are used consistently within brand standards and expectations.
• Proactively and reactively seek media coverage opportunities in traditional and nontraditional outlets in ways that advance The Living Desert’s strategic goals.
• Collaborate across the organization, leveraging The Living Desert’s resources, staff, and volunteers to expand the reach of the brand and ensure brand continuity.
• Oversee email marketing communications and strategy.
• In park communications including signage, brand presentations.
• Liaison with all departments to ensure brand continuity and cohesive brand experiences and messaging.
• Develop and oversee paid media strategy, including the solicitation and use of in-kind support, in furtherance of The Living Desert’s strategic goals.
• Develop and manage annual marketing and communications calendar and budget, ensuring strategic leverage of The Living Desert’s brand throughout the year.
• Manage the marketing and communications team.
• Contributes to desert conservation through reduction of waste, water and energy use, and inspiring guests and team members to take conservation actions.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field. Advanced degree in related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 – 10 years of experience in leading marketing and communications strategies.
• Proven work experience as a VP of Marketing, Marketing Director or another senior role.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing successful marketing campaigns.
• Solid knowledge of SEO, web analytics and Google Adwords.
• Experience with CRM software and digital marketing tools and techniques.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with staff, senior management, and media outlets.
• Strong understanding of branding across an organization.
• Strong analytical and project management skills.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must hold a valid California driver and be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy.
• Passion for the mission of The Living Desert.
• Must be able to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19 including booster.

Benefits

• Conference and workshop attendance available. If funding available some or all expenses paid.