Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Space Center Houston (SCH) is a nonprofit science and space exploration learning destination with extensive education programs. The center is the cornerstone of the nonprofit 501©(3) Manned Space Flight Education Foundation’s science learning mission and offers unique exhibits, space exploration artifacts, immersive experiences, public programs, learning programs for youth and adults, live presentations and hand-on activities that tell the story of NASA’s human space flight program from its beginnings to the challenges and opportunities of today and plans for the future. A Smithsonian Affiliate, Space Center Houston has the largest collection of space artifacts in the American southwest. It is also the official visitor center for NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC).

SCH’s 250,000 square-foot educational complex welcomes over 1.2 mission visitors annually, including more than 250,000 teachers and students through field trips and facilitated educational programs. Visitors from around the world enjoy opportunities to view more than 400 space artifacts and changing exhibits related to America’s achievement in space, as well as go behind the scenes on tours of JSC laboratories and research facilities, including the historic Apollo Mission Control Room; the Vehicle Mockup Facility, housing a full-scale replica of the International Space Station, astronaut training areas and a robotics laboratory; and Rocket Park, where a Saturn V rocket is on exhibit.

Space Center Houston employs approximately 300 full- and part-time staff and engages over 100 volunteers who contribute over 11,000 hours of service annually. The annual operating budget of SCH is over $30 million.

For 29 years, Space Center Houston has provided visitors with a unique look at the history and future of human spaceflight. What began as an opportunity to preserve the historic achievements of the American space program has evolved into a resource for science learning and exploration for visitors of all ages from all over the world.

Having emerged from the complexities of the 2020 COVID shutdown in a position of strength, Space Center Houston is poised to advance the realization of its approved Facilities Master Plan. This plan will transform the footprint of Space Center Houston to support fulfilment of its ambitious strategic vision and is the guiding force for the continued dynamic growth that the organization has been experiencing over the past five years.

In October of 2022, SCH will celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary. In preparation of that milestone, SCH is wrapping up a rebranding process and the Facilities Master Plan will be unveiled to the public. Given the scope of activity underway at SCH and the scale of ambitious projects, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer will be the key leader within the institution, driving the communications activities to support execution of the vision.

Requirements

Space Center Houston seeks a proven nonprofit communications and marketing professional who has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of practice by striving for excellence, fostering creativity, building organizational brand and contributing to staff/team efforts and development. He/She/They will have led their marketing and/or communications department and will be adept at working in growing, dynamic organizations where navigating change and competing priorities is common. A high level of familiarity in leveraging earned media (television, news reporting, etc.), owned media (website, social media, etc.) and information-based reporting and marketing (paid promotion) is required. Proven ability to research, recommend and implement communication initiatives using social media and advancements in technology is required. Experience in communication and marketing strategy development and implementation in support of development and capital campaigns is preferred.

High emotional intelligence and ability to forge and maintain relationships with a wide variety of personalities is highly desired.

A bachelor’s degree in Communications or a related field is required. Previous experience in the museum/science center, hospitality or communications industry preferred.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

A base salary commensurate with experience and background will be awarded to the successful candidate. The CMCO is a member of the executive leadership team and as such will be eligible to participate in the Senior Management Incentive Plan. SCH offers strong health insurance offerings inclusive of medical, dental and vision. In addition, a competitive vacation policy, 11 paid holidays and the ability to participate in the 403b retirement program are offered.

Space Center Houston promotes a culture of respect, inclusivity and collaboration. It is the policy of Space Center Houston to recruit, hire, train and promote staff on the basis of individual qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, veteran status, disability or national origin. It is a policy to conduct our operations in full compliance with all laws and orders pertaining to fair employment practices.