ABOUT CURIODYSSEY

CuriOdyssey’s mission: To inspire love for science and curiosity about the world to create a brighter future. 

Located in Coyote Point Park since 1953, CuriOdyssey, in partnership with San Mateo County Parks, has helped over a million children connect with nature through education programs that encourage inquiry and critical thinking, exhibits that promote scientific experimentation, and animal habitats that nurture care and conservation. 

CuriOdyssey has recently undergone a major reinvention and full strategic planning process that has transformed the organization into a vital, kid-centric interactive science center and accredited California native animal wildlife zoo that provides up-close and personal experiences with the natural world. 

The organization comprises a strategic and engaged Board of Trustees, visionary executive leadership, and a talented, energetic, and entrepreneurial staff. 

For more information about CuriOdyssey, please visit http://www.curiodyssey.org/

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • ● $125k- $145k Salary + robust benefits 

    ● Member of an invigorated Senior Leadership Team 

    ● On Board Strategy Committee 

    ● Stunning San Mateo County Park location 

    ● Pivotal moment to join with a new campus launch & visionary growth plan

POSITION OVERVIEW

CuriOdyssey is looking for a high-performing Director of Sales & Marketing (DSM) to drive their new marketing strategy to increase revenue, reach, and brand awareness during an exciting time of expansion and evolution. 

This position is directly responsible for achieving annual earned income of $1,500,000 via visitation, membership, and events with a goal of increasing earned income from 30-50% of revenue in three years. 

The DSM works closely with the Executive Director, Chief Development Officer, and colleagues across departments to develop integrated marketing and sales plans that increase visitation and membership, provide exceptional guest experiences, broaden community relationships, and strengthen the brand to accomplish CuriOdyssey's ambitious fiscal and mission goals. 

CuriOdyssey’s culture is one of transformative ideas committed to advancing inclusivity and access to all. The ideal candidate is a seasoned yet innovative sales and marketing expert who demonstrates sensitivity, understanding, and experience with growing visitation and elevating access across diverse, underserved communities and has a proven track record of increasing earned income via multiple revenue streams, including licensing. This person is also a connected PR and communications professional and a brilliant brand builder who can harness the power of story and creativity to generate excitement, exemplify impact, and develop an understanding of CuriOdyssey's STEM-focused mission. 

This is a pivotal year for CuriOdyssey and an exciting opportunity for a results-driven, inspirational leader, who can bring critical thinking and collaboration to help build a sustainable foundation for the organization’s growth and early science learning legacy.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Director of Sales & Marketing reports to Executive Director Aragon Burlingham and currently manages a team of three and various consultants (as needed). The position is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and participates in the Board Strategy Committee.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Marketing & Management: 

  • Lead the marketing department to develop and implement the annual strategic marketing plan to help increase brand recognition and achieve educational program goals 

  • Collaborate x-departmentally to plan and promote major events and campaigns to maximize visitation, impact, media, retail sales, rental sales, and fundraising opportunities 

  • Champion brand excellence and implement brand systems to ensure accuracy 

  • Oversee all external communication channels; direct the creation of all marketing collateral and content 

  • Provide communications and marketing support for CuriOdyssey's annual benefit 

  • Manage the website redevelopment project (Fall 2022 – Spring 2023) 

  • Manage the PR and marketing for the grand opening of the first of eight new buildings (Jan/Feb 2023); provide support for the Phase 2 building campaign 

  • Develop KPIs and track results to determine performance and future planning 

  • Provide thought-leadership, market insights, and campaign analysis 

  • In collaboration with the Director of Finance and the Executive Director, create and manage the annual marketing budget as well as budgets for any additional projects 

  • Recruit, onboard, and mentor team members 

  • Weekend hours are required 1-2 times per month 

Revenue Generation: 

  • Responsible for driving membership and general admission sales, along with marketing retail and facility rentals to help meet their fiscal goals 

  • Seek out new sources of earned income 

  • Oversee general corporate sponsorships in close collaboration with the Development department 

  • Collaborate with colleagues on licensing projects 

Media & Public Relations: 

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive media and public relations strategy 

  • Serve as primary contact and spokesperson for the press and manage requests 

  • Support the Executive Director and Board of Directors in external affairs 

REQUIRED SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

  • Demonstrated success at growing revenue ideally in a ticket and/or membership-based environment; museum, zoo, or cultural organization experience preferred

  • Significant experience in a similar role managing a multi-person team and million+ dollar marketing budget 

  • Exceptional experience developing and implementing integrated marketing plans with a deep understanding of multi-channel marketing and strong print and digital advertising knowledge 

  • Understanding of marginalized communities and experience implementing DEI programs that expand access for all

  • Analytical and results-driven with the ability to x-pollinate data, discern trends, and draw conclusions to build strategy and drive decision-making 

  • Authentic, articulate communicator with excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills 

  • Strong PR and media management experience; a calm and confident public speaker 

  • Encouraging, approachable, emotionally mature leader with the ability to foster a growth-oriented, open, and positive environment while keeping team members and management accountable 

  • Ability to work flexibly, independently, and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines 

  • Nimble and resourceful team player who can lead and provide hands-on support in equal measure

  • Thorough understanding of software applications incl.: Google Workspace, database management systems, Mailchimp, WordPress, Adobe, and social media management tools; design/photo editing skills a plus

SALARY, BENEFITS, & REQUIREMENTS

The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $145,000 plus benefits. 

To demonstrate our commitment to equity and equal pay for all, Cook Silverman Search posts salary ranges on all its job descriptions. The practice of not posting salaries perpetuates the gender wage gap and discriminates against people of color by causing individuals to negotiate from a disadvantaged starting point. 

This is a full-time, permanent position with benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, and life insurance plus EAP, paid vacation, holiday, and sick time, and 403(b) eligibility. 

CuriOdyssey seeks to build a diverse work team and encourages applications from candidates who will add to that diversity. CuriOdyssey is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

CuriOdyssey requires that all its employees be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

DEI STATEMENT

CuriOdyssey seeks to build a diverse work team and encourages applications from candidates who will add to that diversity. CuriOdyssey is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, or for additional information on the opportunity, please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to Kate Harle at apply@cooksilverman.com.

All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.