Experience Champaign-Urbana
Director of Marketing
Experience Champaign-Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, us, 61825
Job SummaryExperience Champaign-Urbana is looking for a marketing professional who will develop and execute an annual marketing plan that promotes the Champaign-Urbana area as a brilliant destination to live, work, and visit. The ideal candidate will have several years of experience in developing successful ad campaigns across a variety of mediums within a specified budget. We seek a creative thinker and team player who can spark new ideas to showcase our community externally to potential visitors and new residents, as well as internally to residents and students. Must demonstrate leadership and excellent communication skills and be highly organized.
Questions to answer in your cover letter:
In your opinion, what makes the Champaign-Urbana area a brilliant destination to live, work, and visit?
What experience do you have in planning and executing marketing and advertising campaigns?
Why are you the person with the passion to do the job best?
Open until filled. Send cover letter and resume to:
Terri Reifsteck, Vice President of Destination Branding & DevelopmentExperience Champaign-Urbana, 17 E. Taylor St., Champaign, IL 61820terrir@experiencecu.org
Supervision
The Marketing Director is directly responsible to the Vice President of Destination Branding & Development. This position manages the Digital Content Manager and may also hire, supervise, and evaluate staff.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree required from an accredited university or college.
Excellent personal communication skills, both written and verbal.
Demonstrate ability to market ECU activities using an integrated marketing plan.
Demonstrate ability to build tourism industry partnerships.
Graphic design skills preferred but not required.
Positive “can do” team attitude.
Essential Functions
Marketing & Communications
Create, implement, and evaluate ongoing integrated marketing plan annually that meets ECU’s strategic goals.
Compile annual marketing budget for ECU with the Vice President of Destination Branding & Development.
Research, develop, and execute advertising opportunities through local, state, nationwide, and international media. Evaluate the ROI of all promotions.
Execute marketing publications such as the Experience Guide, maps, print and digital advertisements, and individual fliers through concept, design, production, and distribution annually. Collaborate with the VP of Destination Branding & Development as needed.
Evaluate and track the effectiveness of print publications, including Experience Guide, maps, meeting and sports planner guides, group travel itineraries, print and online advertisements, promotions, etc.
Coordinate with the ECU Sales Team to identify and create marketing opportunities for sports events, meetings & conferences, group travel, film, and other emerging markets. Develop activations and pop-up events related to site visits and tradeshows.
Maintain and update Search Engine Marketing program with appropriate vendor.
Develop an integrated plan for using social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Threads, and other potential social media. Coordinate execution of plan with the Digital Content Manager.
Develop an integrated plan for the use of video, including ECU web, YouTube, etc.
Coordinate blog posts in collaboration with the Digital Content Manager to appropriately highlight Champaign-Urbana as a destination.
Proactively manage visual asset needs for future campaigns, including photography and videography.
Create and distribute news releases, fast facts, and media advisories as assigned.
Coordinate communication activities such as newspaper articles/columns, radio/TV spots, direct electronic or postal mail, and identify other media opportunities which will increase public awareness of community resources, activities, and the role of ECU in serving the community.
Regularly evaluate and update the ECU website to ensure relevant content that maximizes SEO.
Utilize Google Analytics to further enhance online presence through the ECU website and digital advertising opportunities.
Coordinate efforts to market the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail, identifying potential advertising opportunities and managing website and social media channels.
In collaboration with the Director of Event Services & Film, coordinate marketing materials and outreach for the Champaign County Film Office.
Identify and collaborate with local, regional, and national content creators to authentically share the Champaign-Urbana area story.
Assist Vice President of Destination Branding & Development with grant reporting for IOT Marketing & International Grants.
Community Engagement
Identify and execute local and regional opportunities to promote ECU’s efforts, such as local festivals, events, and pop-ups.
Develop and maintain relationships with area businesses and event planners to actively promote through Experience Champaign-Urbana channels.
Create a program to recognize and celebrate local hospitality workers.
Serve as marketing point of contact for tourism industry partners on selected events, including IHSA State Football and Wrestling Championships, Illinois Marathon, Hot Rod Power Tour, etc.
Coordinate with Vice President of Destination Branding & Development on planning and executing the Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week.
Coordinate with the Director of Group Sales & Partnerships to communicate group tours and events in their specific regions to raise awareness and identify opportunities for local businesses.
General
Stay updated with industry best practices, emerging trends and evolving content formats to enhance content marketing initiatives continually.
Work with vendors on bids, contracts, timelines, and execution of projects.
Participate in inter-department brainstorming for project management and marketing needs.
Maintain good team working relationships with ECU staff and other staff within the building.
Recruit and supervise Digital Content Manager to execute marketing and public relations efforts and other duties as assigned.
Coordinate integrated branding efforts with name tags, stationery, logo usage, business cards, ECU fact sheet, apparel, etc.
Perform other duties as required to support overall goals of ECU.
Psychological Considerations
Must be able to organize, plan, and implement multiple projects simultaneously and complete by their respective deadlines.
Must be able to resolve differences and problems that arise with staff, participants, volunteers, partners, and sponsors in a professional manner in the spirit of ECU’s mission.
Must be a self-starter who is able to work with little supervision.
Demonstrate leadership abilities and ability to multi-task.
Physiological Considerations
Must be able to endure rigorous meeting and event schedules during peak programming seasons.
Must be able to work in excess of 40 hours per week.
Must be able to work some evenings and weekends.
Must be able to lift supplies and equipment (approximately up to 50 pounds) when needed.
Environmental Considerations
Ability to be exposed to all weather conditions including rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures.
Ability to work in an “open space” environment.
Cognitive Considerations
Must be able to represent the ECU in a positive manner regardless of current environment.
Must be able to work well with people and resolve problems fairly and with judgment in keeping with the mission of ECU.
Should exercise creativity and resourcefulness in developing and implementing projects and other job-related duties.
Must be able to respond quickly and accurately to changing project conditions.
Should be safety conscious at all times.
Job Type:
Full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Experience:
Marketing: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
Champaign, IL 61820 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
Champaign, IL 61820: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location:
In person
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Questions to answer in your cover letter:
In your opinion, what makes the Champaign-Urbana area a brilliant destination to live, work, and visit?
What experience do you have in planning and executing marketing and advertising campaigns?
Why are you the person with the passion to do the job best?
Open until filled. Send cover letter and resume to:
Terri Reifsteck, Vice President of Destination Branding & DevelopmentExperience Champaign-Urbana, 17 E. Taylor St., Champaign, IL 61820terrir@experiencecu.org
Supervision
The Marketing Director is directly responsible to the Vice President of Destination Branding & Development. This position manages the Digital Content Manager and may also hire, supervise, and evaluate staff.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree required from an accredited university or college.
Excellent personal communication skills, both written and verbal.
Demonstrate ability to market ECU activities using an integrated marketing plan.
Demonstrate ability to build tourism industry partnerships.
Graphic design skills preferred but not required.
Positive “can do” team attitude.
Essential Functions
Marketing & Communications
Create, implement, and evaluate ongoing integrated marketing plan annually that meets ECU’s strategic goals.
Compile annual marketing budget for ECU with the Vice President of Destination Branding & Development.
Research, develop, and execute advertising opportunities through local, state, nationwide, and international media. Evaluate the ROI of all promotions.
Execute marketing publications such as the Experience Guide, maps, print and digital advertisements, and individual fliers through concept, design, production, and distribution annually. Collaborate with the VP of Destination Branding & Development as needed.
Evaluate and track the effectiveness of print publications, including Experience Guide, maps, meeting and sports planner guides, group travel itineraries, print and online advertisements, promotions, etc.
Coordinate with the ECU Sales Team to identify and create marketing opportunities for sports events, meetings & conferences, group travel, film, and other emerging markets. Develop activations and pop-up events related to site visits and tradeshows.
Maintain and update Search Engine Marketing program with appropriate vendor.
Develop an integrated plan for using social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Threads, and other potential social media. Coordinate execution of plan with the Digital Content Manager.
Develop an integrated plan for the use of video, including ECU web, YouTube, etc.
Coordinate blog posts in collaboration with the Digital Content Manager to appropriately highlight Champaign-Urbana as a destination.
Proactively manage visual asset needs for future campaigns, including photography and videography.
Create and distribute news releases, fast facts, and media advisories as assigned.
Coordinate communication activities such as newspaper articles/columns, radio/TV spots, direct electronic or postal mail, and identify other media opportunities which will increase public awareness of community resources, activities, and the role of ECU in serving the community.
Regularly evaluate and update the ECU website to ensure relevant content that maximizes SEO.
Utilize Google Analytics to further enhance online presence through the ECU website and digital advertising opportunities.
Coordinate efforts to market the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail, identifying potential advertising opportunities and managing website and social media channels.
In collaboration with the Director of Event Services & Film, coordinate marketing materials and outreach for the Champaign County Film Office.
Identify and collaborate with local, regional, and national content creators to authentically share the Champaign-Urbana area story.
Assist Vice President of Destination Branding & Development with grant reporting for IOT Marketing & International Grants.
Community Engagement
Identify and execute local and regional opportunities to promote ECU’s efforts, such as local festivals, events, and pop-ups.
Develop and maintain relationships with area businesses and event planners to actively promote through Experience Champaign-Urbana channels.
Create a program to recognize and celebrate local hospitality workers.
Serve as marketing point of contact for tourism industry partners on selected events, including IHSA State Football and Wrestling Championships, Illinois Marathon, Hot Rod Power Tour, etc.
Coordinate with Vice President of Destination Branding & Development on planning and executing the Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week.
Coordinate with the Director of Group Sales & Partnerships to communicate group tours and events in their specific regions to raise awareness and identify opportunities for local businesses.
General
Stay updated with industry best practices, emerging trends and evolving content formats to enhance content marketing initiatives continually.
Work with vendors on bids, contracts, timelines, and execution of projects.
Participate in inter-department brainstorming for project management and marketing needs.
Maintain good team working relationships with ECU staff and other staff within the building.
Recruit and supervise Digital Content Manager to execute marketing and public relations efforts and other duties as assigned.
Coordinate integrated branding efforts with name tags, stationery, logo usage, business cards, ECU fact sheet, apparel, etc.
Perform other duties as required to support overall goals of ECU.
Psychological Considerations
Must be able to organize, plan, and implement multiple projects simultaneously and complete by their respective deadlines.
Must be able to resolve differences and problems that arise with staff, participants, volunteers, partners, and sponsors in a professional manner in the spirit of ECU’s mission.
Must be a self-starter who is able to work with little supervision.
Demonstrate leadership abilities and ability to multi-task.
Physiological Considerations
Must be able to endure rigorous meeting and event schedules during peak programming seasons.
Must be able to work in excess of 40 hours per week.
Must be able to work some evenings and weekends.
Must be able to lift supplies and equipment (approximately up to 50 pounds) when needed.
Environmental Considerations
Ability to be exposed to all weather conditions including rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures.
Ability to work in an “open space” environment.
Cognitive Considerations
Must be able to represent the ECU in a positive manner regardless of current environment.
Must be able to work well with people and resolve problems fairly and with judgment in keeping with the mission of ECU.
Should exercise creativity and resourcefulness in developing and implementing projects and other job-related duties.
Must be able to respond quickly and accurately to changing project conditions.
Should be safety conscious at all times.
Job Type:
Full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Experience:
Marketing: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
Champaign, IL 61820 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
Champaign, IL 61820: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location:
In person
#J-18808-Ljbffr