Marketing And Public Relations Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Marketing

SUPERVISOR: Executive Director

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Exempt Salaried

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

Reporting to the Executive Director, this individual will be advancing Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s (KNF) profile in the community and is responsible for developing and implementing integrated marketing, communications and public relations strategies that will result in increased revenue, regional visibility, increased participation and brand awareness for KNF’s sailing experiences educational programs, events, membership, and volunteer initiatives. This individual must have proven marketing and public relations experience across all disciplines and strong customer relationship and business development skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Public Relations, Partnerships & Visibility

· Lead the Foundation’s public relations strategy and media outreach.

· Cultivate relationships with media outlets, tourism organizations, community partners, and regional institutions.

· Promote and support sponsorship opportunities for programs, events, and educational initiatives.

Strategic Marketing Leadership

· Develop and implement a comprehensive annual marketing strategy aligned with the Foundation’s revenue, audience growth, and mission objectives.

· Lead integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, partnerships, and media channels.

· Establish brand positioning and messaging that strengthens the visibility of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation throughout Delaware and the broader region.

· Analyze marketing performance and audience data to guide strategy and optimize results.

Program Materials and Design

· Develop promotional materials for annual community events, fundraisers, and recruitment events.

· Manage the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation website and image inventory.

· Generate imagery and content through photography and videography.

· Create and manage promotional content including releases, posters, flyers, social media, communications graphics, brochures, photography and video.

Revenue Generation

· Drive participation and revenue across the Foundation’s core earned-income activities, including Public sails; Ship charters and private events; Festivals, lecture series, and special programs; Venue rentals at the Copeland Maritime Center

· Develop targeted strategies for multiple local markets/ports for ship sails including advertising and public relations.

· Identify and cultivate prospective charter clients (private sails), event customers, and group participants.

· Collaborate with leadership and program staff to ensure strong attendance and financial performance across programs.

Audience Growth & Community Engagement

· Expand participation in educational programs, including ship-based learning experiences and shipyard programs.

· Develop strategies to attract new audiences while strengthening engagement with returning participants.

· Plan and lead strategies for annual volunteer recruitment to support and expand the Foundation’s Volunteer Program.

· Lead initiatives to grow membership and strengthen member retention and benefits.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· At least three years of successful experience in marketing, communications, and/or public relations, preferably in nonprofit, tourism, cultural, or experiential organizations.

· Strong experience with executing integrated marketing strategies that increase participation, ticket sales, or revenue-generating programs utilizing digital marketing including email, SEO, SEM, social media strategy, website content management, and online advertising.

· Experience with media relations and public relations, including developing press outreach, cultivating media relationships, and securing regional coverage.

· Strong analytical skills with proven budget management expertise

· Familiarity with audience development in cultural or educational organizations, including strategies for engaging schools, families, tourists, and communities.

· Experience collaborating with community partners, tourism organizations, or regional institutions to expand visibility and participation.

· Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling messaging and represent the organization with external partners, sponsors, and community stakeholders.

· Ability to manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail and effective time management skills

· Demonstrated creative design skills and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite

· Experience with photography a plus

· Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work with and across a diverse group of staff, volunteers and stakeholders to effectively manage a project to completion

· Innovative and entrepreneurial spirit; ability to adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility

· Ambitious work ethic with a high level of action and productivity

· Experience working with public databases; Constant Contact is preferred

· Experience with museums, maritime-oriented organizations and/or educational programming is preferred

· Must pass a criminal background check and drug test

· Self-confidence and a sense of humor

EXPECTATIONS: Commitment of 40 hours per week, including some weekends and evenings

SALARY: $60,000 and benefits. Benefits include: Health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision), Retirement Plan (after 1 year), Paid Leave, 12 paid holidays, sailing passes and Gift Shop discount. This position is an exempt salaried position.

TO APPLY: Send Cover Letter and Resume to office@kalmarnyckel.org; Initial consideration will be given to applications received by May 1, 2026