Communications Associate, KidsPlay Children's Museum - Torrington, Connecticut

Tamara Christensen

KidsPlay is optimistically preparing for a new normal and lots of growth. We have created the role of Communications Associate to build brand awareness and promote our work creating exceptional experiences for children and enhancing Torrington's reputation as a family-friendly destination.

Essential Function

Under the guidance of the Museum Director, the Communications Associate will coordinate the Museum’s efforts to build brand awareness, promote visitation and strengthen the Museum’s reputation as a valuable destination and community asset.

Essential Duties

• Develop a Communications Plan and outreach strategies to build awareness and visitation.
• Design print and digital assets including advertisements, newsletters and development materials.
• Implement the Communications Plan through social media, press release, website and eblast (includes programs, event, fundraising appeals, museum news, and recognition of grantors and corporate partners.).
• Maintain the Museum’s website with content aligned with the Communications Plan and brand.
• Maintain the Museum’s listings on external websites (google, yelp, facebook, etc.).
• Identify and develop new media partnerships including influencers such as “mommy-blogs,” parenting newsletter & websites, television and radio).
• Build relationships with libraries, schools and other organizations to promote program information distribution and collaboration.
• Ensure rack cards, brochures and program flyers are regularly updated within the Museum and at key sites in the community.
• Review existing marketing strategies for programs, events and special promotions, develop new solutions, and evaluate results. (e.g. Black Friday, program, vacation weeks, etc.).
• In coordination with the Management Team implement recognition systems for grantors and corporate partners.
• Works with other marketing departments from partner organizations to cross promote activities (downtown Torrington organizations and regional cultural assets).
• Maintain a photo library for marketing and development use.
• Keep confidential the business functions of the Museum including, but not limited to, financial status, customer information, employee issues, etc.
• Must perform any other required duties as requested by the Operations Manager or Museum Director to aid in better operation of the Museum and service to the customers.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Successful results on a criminal and sexual abuse background screening
• Effective communication on digital platforms, phone, in writing and in person
• Well developed computer skills. Able to learn and use:
  • GSuite (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Sheets, Calendar, Photos), Altru ,Canva, Zoom, Mailchimp
• A friendly, welcoming manner
• Patience and understanding for every person encountered
• Flexible and adaptable to the changes that will occur in the position
• Organized, honest, and works well with others
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Museum, nonprofit or school experience
• Public relations experience
• Project management experience
• Copy-writing, editing and content creation experience
• Digital advertising and targeting knowledge, including SEO, analytics, and best practices.
• Design (branding, advertisement, web) understanding
• Basic web design knowledge
• Spanish fluency

Physical Demands

• Considerable standing, walking, stooping, and stair climbing
• Ability to assist caregivers during building evacuation
• Some lifting of more than 20 lbs., bending, and stretching overhead is required
• Potential exposure to paints, glues and solvents
• Outdoor activities may expose this position to extremes in temperature and inclement weather

Schedule expectation

Full-time position of forty (40) hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday. This position may be required to start early or end late and/or and may include weekend activities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $38,000 to $43,000 (commensurate with experience)
• 10 Days Time Off Benefit
• 6 Days Health Management Leave
• 5 Paid Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah plus 3 floating holidays

Application Process

Please submit an application via http://kidsplaymuseum.org/about/employment.php.

Please be prepared to submit:

• Cover Letter with an expression of interest
• Resume
• Three letters of professional reference with contact information

Phone inquiries, mail or in person submissions will not be accepted.

KidsPlay Children’s Museum requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or submit to COVID-19 testing once per week. All employees, volunteers and guests (2+) are required to wear a mask at all times within the Museum’s galleries regardless of vaccination status. KidsPlay Children’s Museum, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.