Director of Strategic Communications

Director of Strategic Communications & Initiatives

Position Summary:

The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is seeking an innovative communications professional to join our External Affairs division. This is an exciting time to be part of the future of Maryland's oldest continually operating cultural organization, with a number of exciting projects on the horizon. Our workplace thrives on the passion of individuals who apply their expertise in interesting and creative ways. A successful candidate understands how to employ modes of communications, integrating strategies that enhance the organization as a whole.

The Director of Strategic Communications & Initiatives is a senior leader, responsible for developing and executing integrated communications strategies that elevate the organization's voice, reputation, and impact. Reporting to the Vice President of External Affairs and supervising the Content & Communications Manager, the Director will oversee messaging, media relations, digital strategy, website content, and cross-functional initiatives aligned with the strategic plan.

This role will play a central part in shaping and promoting MCHC's contributions to America 250, the U.S. Semiquincentennial, by leading strategic communications efforts around commemorative projects, public programs, and institutional partnerships tied to this historic milestone.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications

• Lead the development and execution of an institution-wide communications strategy that supports the museum's mission, values, exhibitions, programs, and strategic objectives;
• Shape communications strategy for MCHC's participation in America 250, including messaging, public outreach, and storytelling initiatives that align with national themes;
• Collaborate with the VP of External Affairs to craft executive messaging and support thought leadership for senior leadership;
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand voice across all platforms and departments.

Media & Public Relations

• Cultivate relationships with local, national, and international media to increase visibility of MCHC's work;
• Serve as spokesperson when needed and manage media interactions, interviews, and press events;
• Oversee the development and distribution of press materials, including press releases, media kits, and editorial content;
• Plan and execute media events, press previews, and strategic public programs that promote strategic initiatives and engage key audiences.

Digital & Content Strategy

• Supervise the Content & Communications Manager and guide the creation of compelling, audience-centered content across web, email, and social media channels;
• Provide strategic oversight of website content to ensure it is timely, accurate, accessible, and aligned with MCHC's mission and communications goals;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and maintain content related to exhibitions, events, institutional news, and initiatives;
• Use analytics and engagement metrics to refine strategies and inform content development across all digital platforms.

Strategic Initiatives

• Lead or coordinate high-impact, cross-departmental initiatives, such as institutional campaigns, commemorative programming, and community engagement efforts;
• Serve as a strategic advisor on communications and marketing components of major institutional projects and partnerships;
• Facilitate collaboration between departments to ensure alignment on messaging, audience engagement, and programmatic goals.

Leadership & Supervision

• Directly supervise the Content & Communications Manager, providing mentorship, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities;
• Coordinate workflows, project timelines, and editorial calendars to ensure timely and effective communication across platforms;
• Manage communications budgets and relationships with vendors or consultants.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field;
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, ideally in a museum, cultural organization, or nonprofit setting;
• Demonstrated success in media relations, digital communications, and strategic planning;
• Experience managing or overseeing content for institutional websites, including CMS platforms;
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across print and digital formats.
• Strong leadership and people management experience, including direct supervision;
• Highly organized with experience managing complex projects and cross-departmental initiatives;
• Competency in Salesforce or similar CRM platforms, with the ability to use data to inform communications and engagement strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in or with museums, cultural institutions, or arts organizations;
• Familiarity with Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Pardot, or other marketing automation tools;
• Experience with content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal), email platforms, and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights);
• Knowledge of or experience with national commemorations, such as centennials or bicentennials.

About the Position:

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with full benefits package, including medical, dental, 403(b) retirement plan, and a health savings account. Full-time employees of MCHC are part of a generous paid leave policy that offers up to 20 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually in addition to the recognition of 11 federal holidays. Free onsite parking is available for staff.

The salary range is $70-80,000, commensurate with experience. Evening and weekend availability required for media and partner events and public engagements. Eligible for 1-2 days of telework after an introductory period.

How to Apply:

Please email a cover letter, resume, and contacts of three professional references to , using the subject line: "Director of Strategic Communications & Initiatives." Incomplete applications may not be considered. No phone calls, please.

About MCHC

The Maryland Center for History and Culture is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to educate people of all ages about the American experience through the rich history of Maryland using their collections and to preserve important objects and archival materials from prehistoric Maryland to the present day. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by law and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.

The Maryland Center for History and Culture collects, preserves, and interprets the history, art, and culture of Maryland. By exploring multiple perspectives and sharing national stories through the lens of Maryland, MCHC inspires critical thinking, creativity, and community. Learn more at

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70, $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person