Director of Marketing

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

Summit Academy OIC is seeking a hardworking team player for the position of Director of Marketing and Communications. This position will be responsible for advancing the vision of the institution, driving brand positioning, marketing strategy, and public relations leadership. The individual will provide strategic oversight in the following key areas: (1) branding and key messaging to drive enrollment across Summit's education and training programs; (2) expanding the organization's visibility as a lead talent development solution across the employer ecosystem; and (3) advancing key impact messaging, cultivating new and existing donors in partnership with the Development Office. The Director is a key member of the senior management team, directing all external communication efforts, including marketing and promotion, media relations, and public information alongside key internal communications.  The individual will lead a team of marketing staff and must have a keen eye in streamlining work and continuous process improvement to effectively serve internal and external audiences. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Develop, implement, and execute marketing strategy in accordance with the strategic plan. 

Develop and execute the organization's integrated marketing initiatives in accordance with the strategic direction of the organization.  Effectively communicate Summit Academy's brand to all constituencies, both internal and external, all tied directly to the organization's mission, vision, and strategic plan. Responsible for the conceptual direction of marketing, branding, photography, and internal and external publications.Responsible for planning, evaluating, and reporting on goals and long-range marketing strategies. Effectively work with departments/programs on implementing communication/marketing plans that align with Summit Academy priorities for optimal effectiveness

Drive visibility of the organization deploying a comprehensive public relations program     

Develop a comprehensive public relations program that will enhance Summit Academy's image and position as a leader in training and workforce development.Responsible for responding to media inquiries, as relates to public information about Summit Academy.Maintains a positive relationship with representatives of both traditional and nontraditional media including regular contact and coordinate targeted strategic approaches that drive the organization's priorities. Lead public information processes, including legislative requirements, requests, and documentation, related to Summit Academy's policy and funding requests

Implement continuous process and performance improvement measures 

Continuously identify and evaluate key digital marketplace and trends to inform marketing strategies based on ROI.Stay current with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in performance marketing to continuously improve campaign and team performance.Work closely with the monitoring and evaluation team partners to identify/refine audience targets, analyze campaign performance, develop insights and assign key performance indicators across campaigns and the team.Identify efficiencies and process improvement measures on an ongoing basis to streamline work volume. Drive quality and consistency in product at all times, minimizing error and production costs. Develop and administer the organization's marketing budget for maximum effectiveness including short and long-term budgets for the marketing and public relations efforts.Negotiate and maintain all vendor/service contracts, coordinating the Request for Quotes (RFQs) process as needed.Maintain Expert Database and Speakers' Bureau and promotes these assets to media and local influencers.Responsible for the supervision of employees assigned to the Marketing Department. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Confident, can-do attitude with strong problem-solving skills and outstanding attention to detail.  Leadership ability: strongly self-motivated and directed, with excellent attention to detail.Expert knowledge in media relations, social media, impact-driven communications, and marketing, including connections with Twin Cities media.Strong knowledge and use of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Hardworking and places high value on teamwork collaborating with cross-functional teams.Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent in analyzing marketing analytics and data to make informed decisions. Ability to work independently and thrive in fast-paced environment.Demonstrates curiosity, is a strong problem-solver, and takes initiative.Demonstrated commitment to work within an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position supervises employees assigned to the Marketing and Communications Department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office and school setting which is fast paced and requires time management and prioritization of job duties. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment, which requires the ability to open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. This position may occasionally lift such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lift and carry light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or and does involve sitting most of the time with extensive use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse and some phone usage. 

POSITION TYPE & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It is not eligible for overtime pay. Regular hours of work are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend hours required to meet the expectations of the position. Most of the time will be spent in-office, but remote work hours are possible and contingent upon agreement with leadership team. 

TRAVEL

Some local/domestic travel is required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.At least five years of demonstrated successful experience leading marketing and branding efforts.Excellent analytical skills with the ability to analyze and drive marketing analytics and ROI.Strong knowledge and ability to use Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).Strong communication, leadership, organizational skills, and supervisory experience.  Robust knowledge of social media, digital content systems management, marketing, advertising, and media relations. Proven ability to deal effectively, cooperatively, and tactfully to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders. 

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

At least eight years of demonstrated successful experience leading marketing efforts, including both nontraditional and traditional media.Previous experience driving process improvement measures. Work experience in marketing research, including web metrics, and experience in web content management

OTHER DUTIES

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

AAP/EEO

It is the policy of Summit Academy OIC to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Summit Academy OIC will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

BENEFITS

• Our generous paid time off (PTO) policy, which begins accruing at 10 hours per month (3 weeks per year);
• 10 annual paid holidays in addition to 2 annual scheduled, paid mental health days;
• Eligibility to elect comprehensive health, vision, dental, and voluntary life insurance;
• Employer-sponsored life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance;
• Eligibility to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match, effective day one;
• Eligibility for an annual bonus based on organizational and employee performance
  

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