Find & Apply For Communications / Public Relations Manager Jobs in Meridian, Mississippi

Job Overview We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Marketing and Communications who will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating all marketing and public relations activities for Mississippi Children's Museum - Meridian (MCM-M). Serving as the primary point of contact for external media and public relations, this position oversees the development and execution of marketing strategies that increase awareness, drive attendance, and strengthen community engagement. The Director works collaboratively with all museum departments to develop and promote programs, exhibits, events, educational initiatives, and visitor experiences, ensuring marketing efforts align with the museum's mission and organizational goals. This role must be a creative self-starter who can multitask and thrives in a small, mission-driven, community-minded environment. The Director of Marketing & Communications must be able to work independently on projects, perform effectively under pressure, and handle confidential matters with discretion. The Director of Marketing & Communications reports to the Executive Director.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Collaborates with museum leadership and department heads to develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies that promote exhibits, programs, events, educational initiatives, and visitor experiences while ensuring consistency with MCM-M's mission and brand.
• Directs and oversees all marketing, communications, digital media, website, advertising, and public relations activities for Mississippi Children's Museum - Meridian.
• Develops and implements strategic marketing and communications plans that increase awareness, visitation, membership, earned revenue, community engagement, and philanthropic support.
• Oversees the museum's digital presence, including website, social media, email marketing, and other digital communication platforms, ensuring content is current, engaging, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with media outlets, community partners, tourism organizations, and other stakeholders to maximize public awareness and positive media coverage.
• Develops, manages, and monitors the Marketing Department budget, advertising expenditures, and vendor relationships.
• Responsible for the development/revision of all donor-focused material copy, working with the MCM Marketing Department in Jackson, including but not limited to sponsorship proposals, fundraising appeals, annual report, etc.
• Serves in a leadership role for strategic planning goals associated with MCM-Meridian.
• Coordinates with MCM statewide marketing department on a variety of projects.

Social Media/Digital Media Management:

40%

• Manages all museum promotions on social media networks with particular emphasis on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for MCM-M
• Creates and updates compelling visual and written content for the museum's website, social media, e-blasts, newsletters, and promotional materials using graphic design platforms such as Canva and Adobe Creative Suite
• Manages and responds to public feedback on social media, Google, and other applicable outlets with appropriate timing
• Plans and manages e-blast content for general museum, educators, partners, members, volunteers, and others as needed
• Sets goals for all social media platforms to maintain growth
• Tracks and analyzes ROI across all platforms and oversees ROI and Sell Sheet package creation for sponsored events
• Digitally captures museum events as needed, including some Saturdays throughout the year
• Coordinates MCM-M's Lights, Camera, Imagination families

Web Management:

25%

• Creates, edits, and updates website pages, including landing pages, program information, and other digital content as needed
• Plans and manages the promotion of all major museum events on MCM's website
• Monitors website content for branding and messaging consistency, along with members of Marketing team
• Updates website with media information such as press releases and media kits
• Manages the website calendar of events, coordinating with other departments to ensure timely and accurate information.

Advertising:

20%

• Leads the development and implementation of advertising promotions
• Manages local and out-of-market advertising budget
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date list of media outlets and rate-cards for local and out-of-market advertising opportunities
• Serves as point-of-contact for all account executives

Media/Public Relations:

15%

• Manages public relations strategies, including press conferences, media advisories, calendar announcements, digital and printed communications, website, and social media content
• Pursues radio and television community shows to promote MCM's mission and attraction-based events . Plans, sources, and oversees promotional items, such as branded swag and printed promotional materials
• Manages all media relations efforts to obtain optimum media coverage and manages media interactions at museum events . Submits and updates event listings with local newspapers and publications
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date media and community partner list to receive communications from the museum

Desired Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field required Three years of field-related experience required Proficient in graphic design software and content management systems, such as Adobe, Canva, and Hootsuite Must possess advanced level skills with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Must possess skills in photography and videography Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills Proven ability as an organized and motivated employee, to initiate and follow through on projects independently High comfort level working with children and a diverse public Experience with Wordpress or similar preferred Experience with Constant Contact or similar preferred

Hours:

• Must be able to work 40 hours a week.
• Occasionally work during the evenings and on weekends for MCM-M mission related events.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, 3 professional references, and a work sample to meridian@mcm.ms. A sample of graphic design work is optional, but preferred.

Pay:

$40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person