TITLE: MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt
HOURS: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; evenings and weekends as needed
LOCATION: Harrisburg, PA, On-Site with Hybrid Flexibility

Opportunity

Join a team that is passionate about creating a space in our community to offer educational, creative, and cultural experiences that turn moments into memories. Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is a premier destination that brings together science, arts, entertainment, and education under one roof. Through immersive exhibits, live performances, films, educational programs, camps, and community partnerships, Whitaker Center sparks innovations, builds bridges and creates brighter futures. We are seeking a dynamic, versatile Marketing & Communications Manager to lead Whitaker Center’s day-to-day marketing efforts and grow attendance and engagement. This role is ideal for a marketing generalist who is comfortable managing all facets of marketing, from digital campaigns and media relations to communications. If you want variety in your day-to-day responsibilities and care about mission-driven work, this role is for you.

About the Role

The Marketing & Communications Manager serves as the organization's lead marketing professional, responsible for helping to develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies that support the Whitaker Center's diverse offerings and mission. This highly collaborative role requires a strong marketing generalist who is equally comfortable with developing strategy as they are rolling up their sleeves to execute campaigns. The successful candidate will manage a wide variety of marketing initiatives that promote the Whitaker Center’s multitude of offerings: the UPMC Science Center, Sunoco Performance Theater, Select Medical Digital Cinema, PNC Innovation Zone, educational programming and camps, memberships, special events, facility rentals, and fundraising efforts. Reporting to the COO, the Marketing & Communications Manager will partner closely with organizational leadership and program teams to build awareness, attract audiences, increase participation, strengthen community engagement, and support revenue-generating and philanthropic goals. This role requires a passionate storyteller who can translate Whitaker Center's mission and impact into compelling messages that inspire attendance, learning, advocacy, and support.

Primary Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy & Planning

• Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and implement integrated marketing strategies that advance Whitaker Center's mission, strategic goals, attendance objectives, revenue targets, and community impact.
• Create annual and campaign-specific marketing plans that support programming in the UPMC Science Center, Sunoco Performance Theater, Select Medical Digital Cinema, and PNC Innovation Zone.
• Work with leadership and department teams to identify priorities, target audiences, key messages, and promotional opportunities.
• Monitor industry trends, audience behavior, and competitive activity to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Establish and track measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluate campaign performance against objectives.

Marketing Execution

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, email, social media, public relations, advertising, and community outreach channels.
• Create and manage marketing content including promotional copy, email campaigns, digital advertising, collateral materials, presentations, and other communications.
• Coordinate marketing calendars and project timelines to ensure timely delivery of campaigns and promotional initiatives.
• Manage relationships with external vendors as needed.
• Assist in managing the annual marketing budget and monitor expenditures to maximize return on investment.

Communications & Brand Management

• Serve as a steward of the Whitaker Center brand and ensure consistency of messaging, voice, and visual identity across all communications.
• Develop compelling stories that highlight Whitaker Center's mission, programs, educational impact, community partnerships, and organizational achievements.
• Support media relations efforts, press releases, public announcements, and community communications.
• Work closely with organizational leaders to develop messaging that supports strategic initiatives, organizational priorities, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure all communications are audience-focused, mission-driven, and aligned with organizational values.

Digital Marketing & Audience Engagement

• Manage website content and collaborate with external partners to ensure an engaging and user-friendly online experience.
• Oversee social media strategy and execution to grow audience engagement and community awareness.
• Develop and manage email marketing campaigns that drive attendance, participation, membership, and donor engagement.
• Support digital advertising efforts, including search engine marketing, paid advertising, and social media advertising.
• Track and analyze digital performance metrics and utilize insights to improve marketing effectiveness and audience growth.

Fundraising & Community Support

• Partner with leadership and development staff to support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement efforts, sponsorship programs, and special events as needed.
• Create communications and marketing materials that demonstrate Whitaker Center's community impact and support philanthropic objectives.
• Help promote partnerships that strengthen Whitaker Center's visibility and reputation throughout the region.
• Represent Whitaker Center at community events, networking opportunities, and stakeholder engagements as needed.

Collaboration & Organizational Support

• Build strong relationships with colleagues across departments to understand organizational goals and audience needs.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and service excellence.
• Support organizational initiatives that enhance guest experience and advance Whitaker Center's mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing multi-channel marketing campaigns.
• Experience managing digital marketing, social media, website content, email marketing, and content development.
• Strong understanding of marketing analytics, audience engagement strategies, and campaign measurement.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Applicants must provide 2-3 writing samples and indicate the extent of editing, revisions, or contributions made by others before publication.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, arts, cultural, educational, tourism, entertainment, or mission-driven organization is preferred.
• Experience working in Wordpress is preferred.
• Experience working with design tools, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Cloud suite and Canva.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email marketing platforms, social media management tools, and related marketing technologies.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background clearances.

Desired Attributes

Mission-Driven: Passionate about advancing science, education, arts, culture, and community engagement. Demonstrates enthusiasm for Whitaker Center's mission and the impact it has on the region.

Strategic & Hands-On: Able to think strategically while actively executing campaigns, creating content, and managing projects. Thrives in an environment where both planning and implementation are equally important.

Marketing Generalist: Comfortable managing a broad array of marketing responsibilities across multiple programs, audiences, channels, and revenue streams.

Storyteller: Creates compelling content and messaging that inspires audiences to visit, participate, learn, support, and engage.

Collaborative: Builds strong relationships and works effectively across departments, with external partners, and throughout the community.

Data-Informed: Uses analytics, audience insights, and performance metrics to drive decisions and improve outcomes.

Adaptable & Resourceful: Able to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and respond effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Creative Problem Solver: Brings fresh ideas, initiative, and innovative thinking to support organizational success.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit via Paylocity:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 2-3 professional writing samples; for each writing sample, candidates should briefly describe their role in creating the content, whether the piece was independently authored or collaboratively developed, and the extent of editing, review, revisions, or AI-assisted drafting involved before publication

Physical Requirements 

• Able to safely and successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by telephone.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings, events, and community engagement activities.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is fundamentally committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of its operations. We strive to foster an environment where staff, volunteers, guests, and community members feel respected, welcomed, and valued. We believe every person deserves access to opportunities for learning, discovery, and creative expression regardless of background or circumstance.