Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center

POSITION: Director of Content and Communications

REPORTS TO

Chief Development and Communications Officer

START DATE

ASAP

DURATION

Full-Time

LOCATION

Boston, MA  

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Content and Communications plays a pivotal role in leading communications and marketing strategies and creating compelling content and materials that bolster Thompson Island Outward Bound’s (TIOBEC) visibility and reputation and advance it’s fee-for-service and philanthropic revenue goals.

This is a great opportunity for a seasoned communications professional to shape and convey TIOBEC’s organizational story during an exciting time of growth and transition.

As the organization’s chief storyteller, the Director must be an effective writer and editor and be able to demonstrate creativity to develop a broad range of materials for a multiple audiences while working with internal and external contacts across all levels of the organization.

One of the Director’s first priorities will be to identify and engage a marketing agency responsible for social media content and campaign strategy, website SEO/optimization, and managing/maximizing our Google Ad Grants.

The Director will have the opportunity to partner with the Chief Development and Communications officer to strategically build out a marketing department over the next 3-5 years. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and deliver a holistic content strategy and editorial plan to ensure messaging is aligned cross-functionally and that content is being maximized and leveraged as widely as possible across channels and tactics.
• Serve as copywriter or editor for all manner of organizational communications.
• Assist in developing content for events and preparing leadership or other speakers for public engagements, press interviews, and board meetings, including preparing presentations, talking points, speeches, correspondence, and remarks.
• Build strong working relationships with program delivery team in order to gather stories and content that represent the full breadth of our impact and programmatic work.
• Engage outside resources to deliver high impact materials, including photography, videography, and print collateral.
• In collaboration with a marketing agency, own and lead strategy for key channels: website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• In collaboration with public relations consultant, create and implement annual PR plans, maximizing media opportunities, and developing relationships with media members, influencers, and community leaders.
• Ensure full alignment with OBUSA’s national visual and brand guidelines and coordinate with OBUSA’s Marketing Team to ensure Thompson Island Outward Bound’s presence in national campaigns.
• Use Constant Contact to create newsletters and emails and report on key metrics and provide direction on email marketing.
• Manage technical development and content management for organizational website; make website updates as needed.
• Manage a marketing department budget and participate in budget forecasting.

Part of a Development Team of 10, this position reports directly to the Chief Development and Communications Officer and works closely with the President and CEO and other key stakeholders across the organization. This position also supervises vendors and consultants and interacts with members of the press and media.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, marketing, or other related discipline required with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience
• Self-starter who enjoys strategy and execution equally
• Strong writer and communicator with a nose for sniffing out great stories
• Highly skilled editor
• Team player who thrives in a highly collaborative setting
• Experience managing agencies, freelancers, and vendors
• Deep understanding of today's communications environment amongst earned, owned, social and paid media and how to align and maximize channels
• Ability to successfully manage projects and timelines, with an ability to quickly adjust to shifting priorities and demanding timelines when necessary
• Commitment to equitable education

 

 

Must be currently vaccinated against COVID-19 up to CDC guidance

 

WORK CONDITIONS

Diversity and inclusion are priorities for our organization. We strongly believe that encouraging a broad range of opinions, ideas, and perspectives drives creativity, innovation, and excellence. In the Development Office, we are committed to advancing equity by building a team with diverse identities and experiences.

 

This position is full-time at our Drydock offices in the Seaport. Hybrid option available.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to travel by ferry and traverse an island.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a non-exempt, full-time position. Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. Employer sponsored health insurance with the option to select between three comprehensive, valuable plans. Premier dental plan. 401(k) retirement plan with competitive match. Generous paid time off including, vacation, holidays, personal days, parental and sick leave. Flexible scheduling, pursuant to position. Work that engages a diverse and dynamic community of educators and learners, with the shared vision of shaping a better future for Boston students.

Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.