Manager of Marketing (Digital & Social)

Reports to: Director of Development

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Sacramento, CA (on-site), with occasional travel to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and Foundation events

Position Overview

The Manager of Marketing is responsible for planning, executing, and managing the Foundation’s digital marketing and audience engagement efforts in support of earned revenue, membership growth, fundraising, and public programs. With a primary focus on digital performance, this role leads the day-to-day strategy and execution of marketing campaigns that expand reach, drive participation, and support institutional priorities.

Working in close partnership with the Director of Development, Development leadership, the Manager of Membership, and the Publications Manager, the Manager of Marketing ensures that marketing efforts are coordinated, data-informed, and aligned with fundraising and engagement goals. This is not a general communications or public relations position. Media relations, press outreach, and press releases are managed by an external communications contractor.

The role emphasizes measurable results, strong cross-functional collaboration, and thoughtful stewardship of the Foundation’s brand across digital and limited print channels.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy & Campaign Execution

• Plan and execute integrated marketing strategies supporting membership, fundraising, ticketed programs, special events, and earned-revenue initiatives.
• Translate Development and institutional priorities into clear, actionable marketing campaigns with defined goals and timelines.
• Coordinate marketing calendars, production schedules, and internal deadlines across departments.
• Support testing, segmentation, and continuous improvement of marketing efforts to improve reach, engagement, and conversion.

Digital Marketing & Social Media

• Lead the Foundation’s digital marketing and social media presence across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and emerging channels, as appropriate.
• Develop, curate, and manage digital content aligned with campaign objectives and audience needs.
• Plan and manage paid digital advertising campaigns (search, social, and display) in coordination with Development goals and approved budgets.
• Monitor digital trends, platform changes, and audience behavior to inform strategy and tactics.

Email Marketing & Audience Engagement

• Oversee the creation, scheduling, and performance of email marketing campaigns, including member communications and targeted appeals.
• Manage audience segmentation, testing, and optimization to strengthen engagement and conversion.
• Coordinate messaging cadence and content across departments to ensure clarity, consistency, and effectiveness.

Website & Digital Presence

• Serve as the primary owner of the Foundation’s website from a marketing perspective, ensuring content is current, accurate, and aligned with campaign and fundraising priorities.
• Coordinate landing pages, calls-to-action, and updates supporting membership, fundraising, events, and major initiatives.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency across external listings and digital platforms representing the Foundation.

Brand Stewardship & Content Alignment

• Ensure consistent brand voice, messaging, and visual standards across digital and print marketing channels.
• Work closely with the Publications Manager to align long-form editorial content and digital storytelling, avoiding duplication while reinforcing core narratives.
• In collaboration with Foundation leadership, support the development of key messages, talking points, and fact sheets for use across digital platforms.

Print & On-Site Marketing (Limited Scope)

• Oversee select print and on-site promotional materials, including signage, flyers, and donor collateral, ensuring alignment with digital campaigns.
• Coordinate production schedules and vendors as needed, with an emphasis on quality, efficiency, and strategic value.

Analytics, Reporting & Collaboration

• Track and analyze marketing performance metrics, including web traffic, engagement, conversion, and return on investment.
• Use analytics and insights to inform strategy, adjust tactics, and improve outcomes.
• Prepare regular reports and recommendations for the Director of Development to support planning and decision-making.
• Collaborate effectively with Development, Membership, Publications, Finance, and California State Parks partners on shared initiatives and public-facing programs.
• Coordinate with the external communications contractor to ensure alignment of messaging and timing related to press coverage and major announcements.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in digital marketing, social media, or audience engagement roles.
• Demonstrated success planning and executing digital or social marketing campaigns.
• Strong writing and editing skills for clear, compelling audience-facing communications.
• Experience with email marketing platforms, digital analytics tools, and paid digital advertising.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for campaigns and events.
• Influence in the absence of authority.
• Comfort working within a collaborative environment that includes public-sector partners.
• Sense of humor.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a non-profit membership-based organization, museum, or cultural institution.
• Familiarity with marketing for ticketed programs, public events, or visitor-focused experiences.
• Experience using CRM-integrated marketing tools; DonorPerfect or similar systems preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the essential functions of a typical office-based position, including remaining in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer or desk.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and related technology.
• Ability to move throughout office, museum, and event spaces to attend meetings, access materials, and support programs.
• Ability to lift, carry, or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Ability to work outdoors and move between indoor and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk across uneven surfaces, including gravel, ballast, platforms, and other railroad or historic site environments.
• Ability to climb stairs and safely board or move around railroad equipment, railcars, or related structures as required for site visits, events, or operational coordination.

Reasonable accommodations 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.

Why You’ll Want to Work Here

The California State Railroad Museum Foundation is the nonprofit partner of the California State Railroad Museum 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 millions 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. Over the coming years, the organization will expand its earned revenue and fundraising capacity, invest in digital engagement, and strengthen public access and visibility for its work.

This is a collaborative, mission-driven organization where development, marketing, publications, and operations work closely together. Staff are trusted with meaningful responsibility, encouraged to apply professional judgment, and supported by experienced leadership and an engaged board.

For a marketing professional who values public service, measurable impact, and thoughtful growth over hype or trend-chasing, this role offers the opportunity to help shape how a respected cultural institution engages its audiences and sustains its mission for the long term.

How to Apply

To apply, submit your application through the Foundation’s hiring site at:

https://californiarailroad.museum/apply

Applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.