Director of Communications & Community Engagement - Seaport

Director of Communications & Community Engagement

LCF Seaport Operations

(A Division of Living Classrooms Foundation)

Background

Living Classrooms Foundation’s Seaport Operations include:

- Historic Ships in Baltimore (HSIB): A fleet of historic vessels and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, offering immersive educational programming, heritage tourism, and cultural engagement.
- Rental Boat Operations (Chessie Paddle Boats and Pirate Electric Boats): A highly visible and successful workforce development program for young Baltimore residents, providing their first summer employment and pathways to careers and education.
- Living Classrooms Marina: A community waterfront hub that provides public access, hosts recreational and educational partners, and contributes to the vibrancy of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

 -Top of the World: A partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Promotion and the Arts to activate the observation deck of the World Trade Center Baltimore with interactive historic programming and workforce development programming.

Together, these programs serve more than 100,000 visitors annually, support hands-on education and workforce development, and preserve vital pieces of Baltimore’s maritime heritage.

The Director of Communications & Community Engagement will play a key role in strengthening visibility, growing membership, and building donor support across all three Seaport Operations.

 Position Overview

The Director of Communications & Community Engagement leads all communications, membership/donor engagement, and governance support for Seaport Operations. This role ensures consistent, compelling messaging across diverse audiences; cultivates donor and member growth; and supports the effectiveness of Seaport governance bodies.

The Director will work closely with the Executive Director of Seaport Operations, program managers, development staff, and board members to build visibility, attract resources, and expand community impact.

 Key Responsibilities

1. Communications & Engagement

- Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for all Seaport Operations, ensuring unified branding and messaging.
- Manage websites, e-newsletters, and social media platforms for HSIB, Rental Boats, and Marina to expand reach and engagement.
- Coordinate with Living Classrooms Development office as the primary media liaison for Seaport operations; prepare press releases, media kits, and backgrounders.
- Create storytelling campaigns that highlight the educational, cultural, and workforce impact of Seaport programs.
- Promote, and support signature events including Historic Sips, Fleet Week, Sail250, Pearl Harbor Memorial, and seasonal Marina/Rental Boat activities.
- Cultivate partnerships with schools, tourism agencies, heritage organizations, and local businesses.

 2. Membership & Donor Development & Growth

- Oversee and expand HSIB’s membership program, while exploring donor and member opportunities across Rental Boats and Marina.
- Develop strategies for annual growth targets in membership and individual giving.
- Collaborate with Development staff to cultivate new donors and steward current supporters.
- Draft donor and member communications, including thank-you letters, impact stories, and appreciation campaigns.
- Collaborate with Executive Director on impact reports and case statements for fundraising and sponsorships.
- Coordinate donor/member events and recognition opportunities.

 3. Board Relations & Governance Support

- Provide staff support to the HSIB Advisory Board and coordinate with other Seaport-related governance bodies.
- Manage logistics for meetings: agendas, board packets, minutes, and follow-up.
- Ensure consistent, professional communication between board members and staff.
- Assist with board recruitment and orientation, strengthening leadership diversity and capacity.
- Track board engagement and prepare reports for leadership.

 Impact Areas

The Director of Communications & Community Engagement will:
- Increase visibility and participation across all Seaport Operations, enhancing public understanding and support.
- Grow membership and donor bases, creating reliable funding for preservation, education, and workforce initiatives.
- Strengthen governance capacity by providing clear communication, organization, and support for boards.
- Build deeper community connections, particularly with schools, tourism partners, and waterfront stakeholders.
- Position Seaport Operations as a national model for integrating heritage preservation, youth development, and community engagement.

 Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in communications, nonprofit management, history, or related field; or equivalent experience.
- 3–5 years of experience in communications, donor/member engagement, or nonprofit program support.
- Strong written/verbal communication skills, including ability to draft professional correspondence on behalf of leadership.
- Familiarity with donor/member databases and digital communication tools.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Experience in board relations, community partnerships, or tourism/heritage organizations a plus.

 Personal Attributes

- Professional, discreet, and reliable in handling sensitive information.
- Strategic thinker with creativity in engagement and outreach.
- Detail-oriented with high standards for quality and accuracy.
- Mission-driven and enthusiastic about maritime heritage, education, and workforce development.

 Compensation & Benefits

- Salary range: Commensurate with experience.
- FT benefits package includes health plan and 403B.
- Professional development and networking opportunities.