Associate Director Of Communications And Partnerships

As our new Associate Director of Communications and Partnerships, you will help us to overcome three challenges: the articulation of who we are, what we do, and how people can become involved. It is a crucial role in our long-term sustainability – which rests on diversifying our income streams, and building our audience. Through the development and execution of integrated marketing, Communications and fundraising strategies, your work will establish our brand, and bring about real change in how audiences are invited to engage with our collections, gardens, galleries and spaces. Responsible to the Chief of Staff, you will work with three other Associate Directors (Estates, Operations and Heritage & Engagement) to form a new level of management within the organisation.
As an exceptional storyteller, we’ll look to you to coordinate the articulation of who we are, driving footfall, corporate partnership and donations, both physically and digitally, and extend the reach, impact, reputation and revenue of the organisation.
Meanwhile, as a member of our senior management team, you will help us build a strong and supportive management ethos and team culture across our different sites and departments.
Developing and delivering strategy
- Support the CEO and our founder in liaising with external bodies to build and enhance The Auckland Projects’ profile and influence.
- Lead our communications activities, ensuring we know and understand our audiences and communicate and promote our identity effectively to our audience(s) in order to secure and increase visitors and investment.
- Support the master planning process for TAP, including strategy and business planning, and funding applications.
- Help inform plans and ensure accurate reporting to stakeholders and the Board of Trustees.
Management
- Set the vision for a team of marketing, social, content and creative experts (staff and external consultants) as they develop engaging campaigns and content for multiple audiences
- Give clear direction, support and guidance to the team, instilling efficient organisation processes and regular reporting
- Propose new hires/contractors as appropriate, undertaking recruitment, conducting team reviews and activating development opportunities.
Development
- Lead strategic and compelling communication of The Auckland Project narrative, raising awareness of our work, enhancing the profile of the organisation and conveying the impact we have
- With the Associate Director of Heritage and Engagement, lead on the creation of a plan for diversifying and developing audiences and Partnerships
- Work with colleagues and external stakeholders to ensure that we build strong strategic relationships for collaboration, fundraising, and sponsorship
- Ensure that the organisation is equipped to talk about our past achievements and future plans in order to build confidence.
Leadership
- Develop a cohesive strategy for our sites and commercial ventures that has short, medium and long term goals
- Form partnerships with other destination leaders/DMO in the region and further afield
- Provide oversight and guidance to the in-house team as they deliver a wide range of projects, including: content creation, exhibition branding, physical and digital collateral, sales documents, installations and advertising creative
- Play a senior leadership role, developing and delivering strategic objectives and ensuring good project and financial management.
Person Specification
We are looking for a kind, competent and curious leader who has previously managed a marketing, fundraising, partnership formation or communications role within an arts, culture or heritage focussed operation. You will need to identify exactly why each venue will appeal to a particular audience, and how the narrative of every venue fits into the wider destination. A strong, resilient manager and team player, you will need to be comfortable and experienced in dealing with complex information, products, audiences, viewpoints and stakeholders. Most importantly, the role requires someone who is an expert story-teller; who has infectious enthusiasm about what we are doing, and who can excite, engage and inspire others.
Experience of working in the heritage multi-site visitor attraction sector would be a distinct advantage.
How to Apply
Apply for this role by downloading and completing an application form from our website