Missouri Botanical Garden · 2 months ago
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expThe Missouri Botanical Garden is a leading botanical institution seeking an experienced Vice President of Marketing and Communications to join its executive leadership team. This role involves shaping the Garden's identity and public presence through strategic marketing and communication initiatives, aimed at enhancing brand visibility and engagement with diverse audiences.
AssociationEducationHigher Education
Responsibilities
Lead and direct a cross-functional team of marketing, communications, digital, and design professionals. Fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture with focus on efficiency, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement
In collaboration with the President, co construct and implement annually a mission-aligned marketing and communications strategy to advance the Garden’s brand and institutional goals
Serve as a strategic advisor and partner to the President, Senior Leadership and Board of Trustees to position the Garden as a cultural icon in St. Louis and a global leader in plant science and sustainability
Ensure financial stewardship of the Garden’s resources. Manage paid media campaigns to ensure effective use of budget across digital, print, broadcast, signage, outdoor advertising, collateral and other media placements
Oversee the development and management of content for presentations and scripts prepared for the President. Adapt messages for various audiences and ensure a high standard for quality and consistency
Maintain and build trusted relationships with key partners and stakeholders, both internal and external
Champion interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and with external partners in support of programmatic and operational goals
Use market research, community insights and performance analytics to guide brand positioning, measure audience engagement, and refine communication approaches
Oversee and ensure consistent messaging, visual identity, and tone for all internal and external communications across diverse platforms, properties, and partnerships of the Garden—including Shaw Nature Reserve, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and Litzsinger Road Ecology Center
Assist in creating and maintaining a Culture of Philanthropy by ensuring donors, members and volunteer messaging and communications are consistent with Institutional Advancement and help to propel the Garden forward
Enhance brand visibility locally and globally across diverse platforms
Promote the Garden’s historic legacy with messaging that reflects contemporary relevance
In collaboration with the President and Senior Leadership, co-construct targeted campaigns to broaden visitation and deepen engagement with the Greater St. Louis community
Oversee integrated campaigns to promote major exhibitions (e.g., Garden Glow, Orchid Show), seasonal events, educational programming, and new initiatives
Lead The Garden’s digital evolution with a unified cohesive strategy across website, mobile, social media, and email marketing platforms
Improve the user experience through digital storytelling, search optimization, analytics, and audience targeting
Evaluate and adopt emerging digital tools and platforms to stay at the forefront of museum and public garden engagement
Oversee internal and external communications, media relations, content development, and crisis communications
Identify and manage Public Relation risks both internally and externally and develop contingency plans for potential crisis situations
Position scientific, conservation, and sustainability work in compelling, publicly accessible formats across media channels
Establish brand-protective strategies and proactive communication protocols to safeguard organizational reputation during high-visibility issues
Cultivate strong relationships with local, national, and international press, influencers, and strategic partners
Direct Reports include Director-Marketing, Senior Public Relations Officer and their teams, which include Public Relations Officer, Graphic Designer, Production Artist, Senior Digital Media Specialist, Digital and Community Engagement Specialist, and volunteers/interns. Oversees third-party agencies and contract editors, designers, developers, photographers, and writers as required
Qualification
Required
Minimum of 10 years of senior-level marketing and communications leadership, preferably within a large cultural, educational, or nonprofit institution
Deep experience in brand management, public engagement strategy, digital marketing, and team leadership
Record of accomplishment and success in audience development and driving visitation/revenue growth
Excellent communication and storytelling skills—especially with scientific or technical content
Understanding and appreciation of plant science, sustainability, biodiversity, or environmental education preferred
Strategic thinker with a passion for mission-driven storytelling
Collaborative and confident leader with high emotional intelligence
Innovative, analytical, and adaptable to change
Committed to representing diverse voices in all communications
Scheduling flexibility that allows working some weekends, evenings, and holidays
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Public Relations, or a related field, required
Preferred
Master's degree preferred
Understanding and appreciation of plant science, sustainability, biodiversity, or environmental education preferred
Company
Missouri Botanical Garden
Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the nation's oldest botanical gardens and a National Historic Landmark.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$14.4M2024-12-10Grant· $14.4M
Recent News
2025-09-12
2025-04-15
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