Director of Marketing and Communications

Who are we?

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School (CSIOBS) is in the heart of the Boston Harbor Islands. With a 200-year legacy of serving childing Boston, a 48-year partnership with the Boston Public Schools (BPS), and a 30-year affiliation with Outward Bound USA, the Island is a beacon for experiential education, empowering young people through hands-on learning and skill-building and outdoor adventure and exploration. We are a proud member of the network of nine Outward Bound schools in the US, with a shared mission to change lives through challenge and discovery.

Education is at the forefront of our work.Funded by a combination of philanthropy and a robust private events business, our outdoor educational programs are offered at no cost to families.

What is our mission and how do we achieve it?

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bounds core mission is to build stronger, more equitable school communities by partnering with public schools to deliver free experiential learning programs to students that will boost academic success and foster personal growth.

We offer programs for Boston Public School middle school and high school students, fee-for-service programs for school and youth groups, and leadership development programs for professionals. We also fund our transformational programs by hosting private and corporate events and weddings.

Position Summary

With our 2030 Strategic Plan rolling, now is the time to reintroduce CSIOBS (formerly known as Thompson Island) to Greater Boston and inspire the community to join us. The Director of Marketing reports to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) and plays a critical role in CSIOBS success, focused on three main objectives:

• Raise the CSIOBS brand in accordance with Outward Bound USA while celebrating our unique model of student impact
• Grow CSIOBS audience via an omnichannel strategy with on-brand, compelling content, and a modern digital customer experience
• Cultivate, convert and steward donors, sponsors and funders

To accomplish these objectives, the Director will design and execute a marketing strategy that targets prospects, donors, funders and corporate entities, in collaboration with the CAO and members of the fundraising team.

Key Responsibilities

• Position CSIOBS as a proud member of Outward Bound USA (OBUSA), with its unique island/coastal setting and STEM opportunities. Update the CSIOBS story to embrace the 2030 Strategic Plan; refine the messaging platform and adapt it to all marketing channels. Create a messaging toolkit for staff, Board and Advisory Board members.

• Refresh the look and feel of the CSIOBS brand, remaining aligned with OBUSA branding. Update style guide and collateral (digital and print).

• Develop and execute a modern, user-friendly digital strategy. Oversee execution of website, email and social content strategy.

• Collaborate with CAO and fundraising staff to develop email and social strategy to support annual appeals, promotion of fundraising events, etc. Partner with CAO to develop a donor communication strategy, starting with an email welcome series and a regular newsletter for donors and subscribers.

• Manage and coach the digital coordinator, who executes the digital content strategy on social, email and the web.

• Hire, manage and direct vendors as needed for photography, videography, graphic design. Ensure every creative project deliverable is on-brand and on-message.

• Collaborate with internal communications coordinator to budget/update Island signage and imagery with CSIOBS branding and new images.

• Address inbound media inquiries. Advise CEO, authorized staff and Board members on media responses and statements. Identify external brand-raising and audience-building opportunities such as speaking appearances for the CEO or staff, or conference/event sponsorships.

• Support CEO, Board and others as assigned with talking points and public addresses.

• Build and manage annual expense budget in collaboration with the CAO.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a marketing leadership role.
• Experience with organizational branding; digital content strategy; hiring and managing creative vendors.
• Strong communicator, writer and project manager.
• Strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset and high emotional intelligence.
• Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage

multiple priorities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva, Sprout Social, Word Press, Constant Contact is highly desirable.

Location & Other Requirements

This salaried position will require occasional night and weekend work. Administrative staff at CSIOBS work a hybrid schedule. Employees work out of our local office in Bostons Seaport Neighborhood. Occasionally you will be required to go to our island in Boston Harbor for events, meetings, and trainings. Ferry transportation will be provided. A criminal background check is required for this position.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary of $125,000.

Our Benefits:

We are committed to staff learning, growth, and development. Our holistic investment includes the following:

• Medical insurance with up to 80% employer contribution
• Dental, vision, FSA, life, and disability insurance plans
• 401(K) and Employer Match
• Generous paid time off, including 17 vacation days, 20 personal days, and 13 company-wide holidays
• Individual, local, regional, and national training
• A commitment to developing leaders from within the organization
• An organizational culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care
• Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities we serve

How to Apply

Select Apply for this Position below to submit a resume and a compelling cover letter addressed to Jessica Thompson Somol, Chief Advancement Officerby August 25th.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Our staff and board care deeply about social justice, equity, and diverse perspectives and backgrounds, creating a rich environment and enhancing our ability to pursue our mission. We hope you will join us as we continue to make a diverse organization that fosters a work environment where people from all back grounds are welcomed and valued.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff that is as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.

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