Responsibilities

• Develop and guide an annual or 18-month strategic marketing and communications plan in partnership with organizational leaders, ensuring alignment with the Garden’s master plan and institutional priorities.
• Serve as a collaborative marketing partner to department heads (Development, Membership, Programs, Horticulture, Conservation, Education, Events, Guest Experience), helping translate their goals and initiatives into effective, audience-focused communications that support organizational outcomes and revenue targets.
• Foster cross-departmental collaboration by participating in planning meetings, establishing clear communication rhythms, and building proactive systems that support thoughtful project planning and reduce last-minute needs.
• Guide public relations strategy and execution, supporting media outreach, press release development, and media advisories, in collaboration with an external public relations agency.
• Coordinate marketing and communications activities with the external agency and support internal team members to ensure smooth workflows, shared understanding, and cohesive execution across all channels.
• Review and interpret marketing performance metrics and ROI, offering data-informed insights and recommendations to leadership on growing audiences, improving campaign effectiveness, and optimizing resources.
• Oversee the marketing and communications budget, vendor relationships, and resource allocation with an emphasis on efficiency, impact, and strategic investment.
• Champion the marketing and communications team as a facilitative, relationship-centered partner, building trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders and empowering departments to generate strong, aligned content with marketing and communications’ guidance and support.
• Serve as a collaborative brand steward, helping departments consistently reflect SABG’s identity across materials, platforms, and communications following the 2026 brand launch.
• Develop, maintain, and uphold accessible brand guidelines, creating supportive training programs and staff education so all teams feel confident and equipped to use the brand effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, required.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive marketing and communications experience, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role
• Proven experience in nonprofit, cultural institution, museum, zoo, botanical garden, or similar mission-driven organization strongly preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in brand management and strategic brand implementation
• Strong portfolio demonstrating excellent copywriting, content strategy, and campaign development
• Strategic thinking: Ability to develop long-term marketing and communications strategies aligned with organizational goals
• Public Relations: Strong command of PR strategy, narrative development, and media relations, with the ability to work in close partnership with SABG’s external PR agency to secure earned media, manage sensitive communications, and strengthen SABG’s public profile.
• Brand expertise: Deep understanding of brand development, governance, and implementation
• Exceptional writing: Outstanding copywriting and editing skills across diverse formats and audiences
• Revenue fluency: Understanding of how marketing and communications directly support revenue-generating functions, including admissions, membership, events, venue rentals, and philanthropy.
• Collaborative leadership style: Demonstrated ability to lead through both strategy and direct contribution.
• Relationship building: Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively across departments and build trust with stakeholders at all levels
• Project management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
• Working knowledge of digital marketing platforms, content management systems, email marketing, social media, and analytics tools, with a willingness to engage directly with the platforms the team relies on.
• Creative direction: Ability to provide creative direction and quality control while respecting team expertise
• Proficiency in technology platforms (CRM, email marketing, project management tools such as Monday.com)
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and design principles
• Familiarity with website content management systems preferred
• Strong analytical skills with experience using Google Analytics or similar platforms
• Experience with budget management and vendor coordination

Preferred

• Experience launching or managing major brand initiatives or rebrands
• Background in conservation, environmental, or science communications
• Understanding of horticulture, botany, or environmental sciences
• Experience working with external creative agencies
• Awareness of fundraising and development practices
• Familiarity with the San Antonio market and regional tourism landscape
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are a plus

Benefits

• Full-time benefits include Medical, Dental, PTO, paid holidays, and 401(k) Match.