Senior Marketing & Communications Manager

About the role

Thinkery is Austin's children's museum and a place where science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) come to life through joyful, hands-on learning. We believe every child deserves opportunities to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, and we strive to create welcoming experiences for all families in our community. The Senior Marketing & Communications Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of Thinkery's Marketing & Communications team.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Vice President of Marketing & Communications to develop and implement integrated marketing and communications campaigns that support organizational priorities.
• Lead Go-To-Market campaigns for memberships, admissions, camps, museum events, venue rentals, fundraising initiatives, and other key organizational priorities.
• Drive measurable audience growth and demand generation across Thinkery's programs, experiences, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Manage the planning, execution, and evaluation of campaigns across paid, earned, owned, and shared channels.
• Lead the planning and optimization of paid marketing campaigns, managing relationships with external advertising partners to maximize campaign performance.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the paid advertising budget, ensuring investments align with organizational priorities and deliver measurable return on investment.
• Lead campaign debriefs and recommend improvements based on performance and audience insights.
• Create and lead Thinkery's content strategy, ensuring marketing and communications support organizational priorities and engage key audiences.
• Develop messaging frameworks and campaign narratives that communicate Thinkery's mission, impact, and brand across all channels.
• Write and edit high-impact communications including marketing emails, blog posts, annual impact reports, website copy, executive communications, media materials, and campaign messaging.
• Lead Thinkery's media relations efforts, building relationships with local and regional media and coordinating proactive outreach.
• Develop and manage marketing, brand, and cause marketing partnerships that expand Thinkery's reach and strengthen community connections.
• Ensure messaging is consistent across all marketing and communications channels.
• Establish campaign goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor performance across marketing and communications initiatives.
• Analyze campaign performance, audience insights, and market trends to identify opportunities and recommend improvements.
• Prepare regular reports that measure campaign effectiveness and inform future marketing and communications efforts.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Marketing & Communications department, ensuring projects are prioritized, coordinated, and delivered on time.
• Directly supervise the Marketing Coordinator and Lead Graphic Designer, providing coaching, professional development, performance feedback, and recognition.

Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications campaigns that drive demand and revenue growth.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across a variety of channels, including email, web, blogs, media materials, and organizational publications.
• Experience managing multiple projects, cross-functional teams, external vendors, and agency partners.
• Experience using marketing analytics and reporting tools to evaluate campaign performance and inform decision-making.
• Proficiency with Google Analytics, CRM and email marketing platforms, project management software, and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and understanding of marketing to families.
• Experience in a small business environment or in a nonprofit, museum, education, or other mission-driven organization.
• Experience managing paid advertising campaigns and budgets.
• Experience with media relations, brand partnerships, or cause marketing initiatives.
• Familiarity with Tessitura, Google Ad Grants, SEO, or website content management systems.
• Ability to create bilingual (English/Spanish) written content.

Competencies

• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Creates Connection: Builds engagement and belonging in relationships across teams and with guests promoting a welcoming environment for all.

Working Conditions

Occasional weekend, holiday, and evening work may be required.

Benefits

Thinkery offers competitive and affordable benefits for our full-time team members including options for 100% employer sponsored medical coverage. Our benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance options including HSA, PPO Gold, and PPO Platinum plans.
• Affordable dental and vision plans.
• 100% employer sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance.
• 2 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays annually.
• Paid Family Leave.
• Pet and child friendly offices.