Director of Marketing

Summary

The mission of the California Science Center is to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences. A world-class educational resource and family destination located just south of downtown Los Angeles in historic Exposition Park, the California Science Center is a dynamic museum with free general admission to hands-on exhibit galleries – and so much more. We provide educational programming for students and families, professional development for educators, and a neighborhood elementary school to improve public understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Our mission is guided by our core values of science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people’s lives. We work to foster a welcoming environment that supports and values the California Science Center's diverse internal and external audiences.

The Director of Marketing leads the planning, execution, and analysis of all marketing efforts to boost attendance, drive revenue, and elevate brand identity and awareness in support of the Science Center’s mission. They will join the organization’s management team during a transformational period of growth as the Science Center nears completion of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center expansion, a 200,000 square-foot addition that nearly doubles our exhibit space with three major galleries – Aviation, Space, and Shuttle – featuring 100 new hands-on exhibits and 100 aerospace artifacts, including space shuttle Endeavour standing 20 stories tall in an awe-inspiring “ready for launch” vertical display. The Director of Marketing is expected to play a large role in developing and launching a strategic marketing plan for the new Air and Space Center opening in November 2026, along with the next major traveling exhibition to be hosted by the Science Center opening in Spring 2027.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of the Advancement Division, the Director of Marketing leads a three-person team that includes the Digital Marketing Manager, Print & Graphic Design Manager, and Marketing Coordinator. This is a highly collaborative leadership role that requires the blending of creative vision with data-driven strategies to promote the California Science Center and its exhibitions, educational programs, IMAX movies, and donor and member programs. Working with cross-departmental teams and external vendors, the Director of Marketing will lead successful marketing and advertising campaigns, overseeing strategy, day-to-day operations, budgets, and the development of creative assets for multichannel distribution. The Director of Marketing is also responsible for negotiating licensing agreements for the Science Center’s rotating lineup of educational IMAX movies.

In addition to the Marketing team, the California Science Center Foundation’s Advancement Division includes Communications (media relations) and Development (fundraising), working closely together to advance external relations and audience engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive marketing and communications experience, ideally with a museum, science center, informal education institution, nonprofit organization, or attraction/theme park.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required; a degree in Marketing or a related field is highly preferred.
• Proven management experience with a track record of successfully supervising, mentoring, and developing a marketing team.
• Strong ability to art direct and oversee complex creative projects across a diverse media mix, including print, digital, television, radio, direct mail, and out-of-home (OOH) signage.
• Experience developing successful marketing plans to build excitement and drive attendance for large-scale exhibitions and public programs.
• Excellent command of current digital marketing tools and platforms and proficiency in evaluating, tracking and optimizing marketing campaigns to ensure a strong return on investment.
• A solid understanding of data analytics, particularly as they relate to evaluating online engagement, ad performance and ticket sales; experience with Google Analytics and/or Tessitura Analytics is a plus.
• Working knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) best practices.
• Exceptional copy writing, editing and proofreading skills, with keen attention to detail and a meticulous eye for brand consistency.
• Highly organized with the ability to successfully prioritize and manage multiple simultaneous projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a talent for fostering internal communication and building cross-departmental relationships to strengthen institutional marketing initiatives.
• Adherence to current expectation to work a minimum of four days in the office per week, with flexibility to work additional days on-site as needed to advance projects and priorities.
• Ability to work a 40-hour week required; willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends on occasion.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution and analysis of marketing efforts to promote the California Science Center, including its special exhibitions and IMAX films, to meet attendance and revenue targets, ensuring alignment with its mission and strategic goals.
• Provide strategic guidance and allocate marketing resources to support fundraising and membership initiatives, education programs, and other revenue-generating activities.
• Supervise a three-person team that includes the Print and Graphic Design Manager, Digital Marketing Manager, and Marketing Coordinator. Recruit and supervise work-study students or volunteers as needed.
• Prepare and oversee budgets and track expenditures for general marketing activities and specific campaigns.
• Negotiate IMAX licensing agreements for educational movies, securing favorable deal terms and diversifying IMAX Theater programming to maximize profitability.
• Maintain strong relationships within the giant screen industry including film distributors, producers, and other large-format theater operators.
• Select and oversee vendors and consultants to support various aspects of the marketing plan, such as media buying, filming and photography, printing and mailing distribution, ensuring deliverables are met.
• Ensure brand identity is mission aligned and consistent across channels, enforcing rules regarding logos, colors, typography and messaging across public facing collateral.
• Develop a deep understanding of the Science Center’s diverse audiences and all facets of the visitor experience, and monitor and report on attendance and engagement trends.
• Oversee guest survey efforts for marketing purposes and develop actionable insights.
• Participate in interdepartmental teams including the Management team and Web team.
• Keep informed of industry trends and best practices to optimize and evolve marketing strategies and participate in industry groups/associations.

Compensation

$95,000 to $110,000 annually