Director, Marketing and Special Events

Position Description
The Director of Marketing and Events is a key member of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) leadership team responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing, communications, branding, and event execution and strategies that advance the organization's mission, visibility, fundraising goals, and stakeholder engagement.

This position provides strategic oversight of all marketing, communications, digital media, public relations, branding, and special event initiatives while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. The Director of Marketing and Events leads a collaborative team and manages external agency and vendor relationships to deliver exceptional experiences, compelling storytelling, and measurable results.

The Director serves as the primary liaison between ASF leadership, staff, agency partners, and vendors to ensure consistent brand messaging, effective communications, successful events, and strong stakeholder engagement across all platforms.

Key Responsibilities
Marketing, Communications & Brand Leadership

• Lead the strategic marketing and communications efforts of ASF across traditional, digital, social, and emerging media platforms.
• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing and communications plans that increase awareness, engagement, fundraising support, and brand recognition.
• Serve as the steward of the ASF brand, ensuring consistency in messaging, visual identity, and storytelling across all channels.
• Identify, develop, and amplify compelling stories that showcase the impact of ASF scholars, alumni, donors, astronauts, partners, and programs.
• Direct content strategy and creation for social media, website, email marketing, publications, advertising, and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with agency partners, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, and other creative vendors to develop impactful content that resonates with target audiences.
• Oversee media relations efforts, including press releases, media outreach, and interview coordination.
• Manage and maintain editorial calendars, campaign schedules, and communication timelines.
• Measure and evaluate marketing performance through analytics, audience engagement, media coverage, and other key performance indicators.

Events & Experience Management

• Provide strategic oversight and direction for all ASF events, including the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, Innovators Symposium and Gala, and special events.
• Supervise the Events and Store Manager in planning, executing, and evaluating successful events that align with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to create memorable experiences that strengthen relationships with donors, sponsors, scholars, and stakeholders.
• Ensure event branding, communications, marketing materials, and attendee experiences reflect the highest standards of the organization.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the marketing and events team to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Establish priorities, workflows, and performance expectations for direct reports.
• Foster a collaborative, creative, and results-oriented culture within the department.
• Manage departmental budgets related to marketing, communications, events, and vendor services.
• Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate contracts to maximize value and effectiveness.
• Oversee and manage relationships with external vendors and partners.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with leaders in Programs, Development, and Finance to integrate marketing and event strategies with organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with industry and university partners to identify opportunities for engagement and visibility.
• Support fundraising initiatives through strategic marketing campaigns and event marketing.
• Serve as a member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational planning and strategic decision-making.

Requirements
Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Event Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, public relations, event management, or related leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading integrated marketing and communications strategies.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience managing staff, agency partners, and external vendors.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and storytelling abilities.
• Proven success in media relations, brand management, and digital marketing.
• Experience overseeing special events, fundraising events, or nonprofit engagement initiatives preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate performance metrics and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, email marketing systems, content management systems, and marketing analytics tools.
• Passion for education, STEM, innovation, and the mission of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate clearly on the phone, in writing and in person
• Ability to read written material and computer screens
• Ability to spend multiple hours on the telephone and computer
• Ability to enter data into a computerized record
• Ability to lift 25 pounds as required
• Ability to stay still in place for prolonged periods of time for computer or conference work.
• May include prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
• May include short periods of excessive movement.

Work Schedule and Location
Most work will be conducted during typical weekday business hours, with flexibility for scheduling occasional evening or weekend work. The position will be eligible for hybrid/remote work schedule in accordance with the agency’s remote work policy.

About Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by the Mercury 7 astronauts that provides annually more than 70 scholarships to the brightest and most talented college students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Our mission is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in technology and innovation by supporting the very best and brightest scholars in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts.

Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ASF does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.