This position has been filled. Review our Work for OBCR page to see what positions are still available.
The Communications & Marketing Director oversees all communication and marketing efforts and directly manages three to four staff members with the ultimate aim of effectively promoting all Outward Bound Costa Rica programs, communicating the organizational brand and increasing student enrollment/participation.
This position requires relocating to Costa Rica and committing to a 3-year contract.
The Communications & Marketing Director reports directly to the Executive Director.
Specific Duties Include:
- Develop and lead marketing and communications strategy to increase brand, products and service awareness to an international audience
- Maintain a lean budget while ensuring that all organizational marketing/communication goals are met; consistently seek out time saving methods that increase efficiency
- Ensure all materials and communications disseminated from Outward Bound Costa Rica align with organizational values
- Hire/recruit/train/mentor all communications staff; conduct regular staff reviews
- Serve as the Outward Bound Costa Rica spokesperson in the event of customer service issues, disciplinary or medical problems or emergency situations with clients, partners and media
- Coordinate and lead internal communication efforts (ie lead monthly company-wide staff meetings)
- Proof all promotional material before it is released for public consumption (print, website etc.)
- Serve as the Human Resources contact for communication staff including recruitment, salary/benefits, staff incentives, housing/office operations, etc.
- Act as principle communications liaison between Executive Director, Program Director and office staff
- Work with the Program Director to create new products (i.e. summer camps, group programs, open enrollment courses etc.) as well as annual pricing tables and course schedules
- Assist communications and programming staff as needed with various tasks from writing to online content management to customer service.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- The ideal Candidate will have B.A. in Marketing/Communications (or similar degree) and 5+ years of professional experience in marketing/communications – including online marketing and community development.
- Minimum of 1-2 years of supervisory or management experience within the public or private sector
- Native level of English and basic Spanish language skills required; conversational or advanced Spanish preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a close-knit and diverse team
- Experience with crisis communications and/or customer service
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively about the role of communications in achieving the organization’s goals, especially in terms of leveraging limited resources, developing a robust online community presence and building awareness across an international audience
- Outstanding writing, editing and speaking skills
- Excellent interpersonal/diplomacy skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects at once and maintain a long-term perspective despite sudden high-priority tasks being assigned
- Minimum of one year’s experience living outside your country of origin; cultural sensitivity and appreciation of diversity
- Previous cross-cultural work experience
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Familiarity with both PCs and Macs
- Direct experience with WordPress, Salesforce (CRM), Google Analytics and/or Google AdWords preferred
- Knowledge of basic HTML; tech-savvy candidates preferred
Compensation Package:
- Monthly stipend
- Travel insurance coverage and preventative medical stipend
- Plane ticket to and from Costa Rica
- Private apartment on our Main Base (located SE of San Jose in San Ramon de Tres Rios) – all utilities included (water, electricity, phone, cable TV, wireless internet)
- Access to Outward Bound Costa Rica courses and equipment for personal use (when available)
Essential Qualities:
- Cultural sensitivity
- Willingness and ability to live and work in close quarters with a small group of people
- Ability to separate personal and professional issues
- Spanish language skills (conversational ability or above strongly preferred)
- Personal interest in outdoor education and the mission of Outward Bound
- Ability to multi-task and stay focused despite regular interruption
- Sense of humor
- Tenacity about traveling and/or finding personal connections in the greater San Jose area despite challenges (i.e. bad weather, limited transportation options, cultural differences, etc.)
- Openness to collaboration and/or differing opinions
- Ability to manage conflict with openness and tact
- At least one year living, working or studying outside of your home country
Start Date & Contract Length
Desired start date is May 18th, 2015. This position requires relocating to Costa Rica and committing to a 3-year contract. Local candidates may be considered for an earlier start date if preferred.
How to Apply
Submit cover letter and resume to Allison Hodsdon at [email protected]. Specify “Communications & Marketing Director” in the subject line. Be sure to include details in your email on how you heard about this opportunity as well as your availability, both for interviews and ultimate start date.