Jobs at California State Railroad Museum Foundation (Now Hiring) — 2 open

Director of Marketing & Communications

Reports to: Chief Development Officer (CDO)
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Location: Sacramento, CA (on-site), with occasional travel to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000
Supervises: one direct report (< 1FTE)

About the California State Railroad Museum Foundation

The California State Railroad Museum Foundation is the nonprofit partner of the California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park – two of the most significant railroad heritage sites in the country. Together with California State Parks, the Foundation supports preservation, education, interpretation, and public programs that connect thousands of visitors each year with the history and continuing relevance of railroads in California and the American West.

The Foundation is in a period of steady growth and increasing ambition as it looks ahead to the 50th anniversary of the California State Railroad Museum in 2031. This is a collaborative, mission-driven organization where development, marketing, publications, and operations work closely together.

Position Overview

The Director of Marketing & Communications is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for shaping and executing the Foundation’s integrated communications and marketing strategy.  This role is the Foundation’s single point of accountability for marketing, digital engagement, brand stewardship, and audience communications. These functions directly support earned revenue such as events and rail operations, membership growth, fundraising, and the Museum’s public-facing programs.

Visibility is a core pillar of the Foundation’s strategic plan, and this role is its primary driver. The Director will build public awareness, expand the Foundation’s reach across channels, and deliver measurable results in audience growth and community engagement. Equally important, the Director is a champion for a culture of philanthropy, ensuring that communications consistently inspire generosity, honor donors, and reinforce that fundraising is a shared institutional value, not solely the work of the development team.

This is a coach-and-player role. The Director sets strategy and executes it directly, with support from Publications Manager, cross-departmental colleagues, and contractors. Media relations and press outreach are handled by an external communications contractor; the Director ensures alignment of messaging and timing.

Key Responsibilities 

Communications Strategy & Planning 

• Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy aligned with the Foundation’s mission, fundraising goals, membership growth, public programming, and events calendar. 

• Set annual and campaign-level objectives; recommend messages, channels, and activities; and evaluate and report on progress throughout the year. 

• Translate institutional priorities into actionable campaigns with defined goals, timelines, and measurable outcomes. • Coordinate marketing calendars, production schedules, and internal deadlines across departments. 

Visibility & Strategic Presence 

• Drive the Foundation’s Visibility strategic pillar through multi-channel campaigns that elevate public awareness of the Foundation’s programs, impact, and mission. 

• Build a consistent, compelling public presence across digital, print, earned media, and community platforms while expanding reach to prospective donors, members, and visitors to CSRM, Railtown 1897 as well as riders on the Sacramento Southern Railroad. 

• Develop measurable visibility goals, track progress against them, and report regularly.  

Culture of Philanthropy 

• Champion a culture of philanthropy across the organization, aligning communications strategies with donor-centered engagement and shared fundraising values. 

• Partner with development to craft narratives and campaigns that inspire giving, deepen donor loyalty, and integrate stewardship and impact storytelling across all channels. 

• Foster shared ownership of the Foundation’s philanthropic mission across departments through internal messaging and consistent language. 

Digital Marketing, Social Media & Email 

• Lead the Foundation’s presence across digital platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and other platforms), maintaining consistent brand voice, posting cadence, and campaign alignment. 

• Plan and manage paid digital advertising (search, social, display) in coordination with operations and development goals within approved budgets. • Audit existing email marketing campaigns – including events, member communications, and fundraising appeals – while collaboratively managing segmentation, testing, and optimization for engagement and conversion. 

• Serve as primary marketing owner of the Foundation’s website, ensuring content is current and aligned with operations and fundraising priorities. Coordinate with California State Park colleagues as needed.

 Events & Membership Marketing 

• Develop and execute marketing strategies for ticketed programs, special events, and donor cultivation events, including The POLAR EXPRESS® Train ride and seasonal excursion train rides. 

• Support membership acquisition and retention through coordinated campaigns in close collaboration with the Associate Director of Development & Membership. 

Brand Stewardship & Content 

• Ensure consistent brand voice, messaging, and visual standards across all digital and print channels. 

• Collaborate with the Publications Manager to align editorial and digital storytelling, reinforcing core narratives without duplication. 

• Develop and maintain key messages, talking points, and fact sheets for use by colleagues and across platforms. 

• Oversee select print and on-site materials, signage, flyers, membership and donor collateral to ensure alignment with digital campaigns. 

Analytics & Collaboration 

• Track and analyze performance metrics (web traffic, engagement, conversion, ROI); use insights to adjust strategy and report recommendations to the Foundation leadership. 

• Collaborate across Events, Development, Membership, Rail Operations, Retail, Finance, and California State Parks on shared initiatives. 

• Coordinate with the external communications contractor to align messaging and timing on press coverage and major announcements. 

Qualifications 

We recognize that candidates from underrepresented groups – including women and people of color – often do not apply unless they meet every listed qualification. We encourage you to apply if this role excites you and your experience aligns with much of what is described. 

Required 

• Commitment to the mission and public-serving role of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. 

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 

• 5 - 7 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing or digital communications, with demonstrated success in a strategic role. 

• Experience functioning as a coach and player: setting strategy while also executing hands-on implementation. 

• Proven ability to develop and execute communications plans with measurable outcomes. 

• Understanding of and commitment to a culture of philanthropy, with experience aligning communications to donor engagement and fundraising goals. 

• Demonstrated ability to advance organizational visibility through multi-channel strategies, with measurable results in audience growth or community engagement. 

• Strong writing and editing skills; experience with email platforms, digital analytics, and paid digital advertising. 

• Fluency across major social media platforms with the ability to maintain consistent, onbrand presence. 

• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaborate across departments and with external partners. 

• Comfort influencing without direct authority in a collaborative environment that includes public-sector partners. 

• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.  

Preferred 

• Experience in a nonprofit, museum, or cultural institution with membership programs. 

• Familiarity with marketing for ticketed programs or visitor-focused experiences. Physical Requirements 

• Ability to perform standard office-based work, including extended periods at a computer, and to operate standard office equipment. 

• Ability to move through office, museum, and event spaces; lift materials up to 25 pounds occasionally. 

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and navigate uneven surfaces including gravel, ballast, and platforms. 

• Ability to climb stairs and safely board or move around railroad equipment and railcars as needed for site visits and events. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Justice, Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity 

The Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and serving diverse communities. We value professional experience, lived experience, and perspectives that strengthen our mission and advance equitable access to cultural and educational resources. 

The California State Railroad Museum Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

How to Apply 

Submit your application – including a resume and cover letter – through the Foundation’s hiring site. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No calls please.