Marketing & Communications Manager

Marketing & Communications Manager is responsible for creating compelling stories and campaigns to enhance brand awareness, drive engagement, and foster public support for Gathering Place. This position shapes and maintains the public image and brand voice, ensuring consistent and impactful communication. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in project management and strategic planning and have excellent communication skills. This role will report into the Vice President of Marketing & Engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Implement comprehensive communication strategies and manage related projects to effectively reach external audiences
• Develop and execute media relations strategies, building relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to amplify storytelling
• Lead and coordinate campaigns across various channels, ensuring cohesive and strategic messaging
• Oversee the development and execution of creative communications projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and maintaining high standards of quality
• Guide communication strategies to shape and enhance external perception, driving positive public relations and engagement
• Manage social media platforms
• Write, develop, and manage approvals for local press releases, and related media materials related to regional and national brand initiatives
• Analyze and report media hits, social media, and activation performance to quantify the effectiveness of campaigns and drive scalable learnings on a regular basis
• Oversee planning and execution of all CRM marketing campaigns (notifications, emails, SMS)
• Oversee tracking of all the key performance metrics (CTR, open rates, conversions etc.) across channels. Measure and analyze campaign performance and continuously optimize them
• Develop marketing plans and strategies for events and target markets
• Partner with the regional attractions and tourism teams. Identify opportunities for local content and tourism opportunities
• Support overall strategic planning across all audiences, including evaluating market opportunities, organizing data and insights, keeping track of competitive advancements
• Work with Community Engagement Specialist to implement multicultural marketing strategies and review campaigns to ensure inclusivity
• Identify potential media and brand partners who can help amplify larger platform and introduce Gathering Place to new audiences
• Partner with team members to conceive and create evergreen content
• Manage content copy, scripts, and presentations as needed
• Conduct research to stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and potential partnership opportunities. Use insights to inform strategy and decision-making
• Monitor deliverables, timelines, and budgets
• Respond to all media inquiries
• Coordinate the development of all print and digital advertising
• Write, edit, and proofread copy
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Manage Creative Content Specialist

Basic Qualifications:

• Must have marketing or media experience: 2 - 4 years
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in marketing, advertising, PR, journalism, or a related field
• Excellent writing skills
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Canva
• Equipped with excellent project management, analytic skills, and proven ability to meet deadlines
• Must be aware of current marketing trends in design, digital, consumer products, and brand experiences
• Must be a strong team player
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment
• Understand analytics and performance tracking
• Superior knowledge of social platforms and its native products
• Adapt quickly to new technologies and processes
• Organized and detail-oriented with an exceptional sense of accountability
• Desire and ability to enhance the Gathering Place brand and uphold Gathering Place values

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of leadership experience a plus
• Multi-task effectively with attention to details
• A self-starter who is organized, resourceful, and able to take initiatives
• Solid time-management skills, as work flows in timing and intensity
• Quick-thinking, strategic, and collaborative
• Passion for storytelling

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp, and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, including extreme heat
• Work regularly Monday through Friday but with flexibility based on business needs to include weekends, evenings, and holidays