Details
06/28/2016
Marketing Director
Experience Columbus
Summary:
The Marketing Director will develop, implement and maintain marketing strategies and activities in direct support of the convention sales and services efforts of the organization. Responsibilities also include directing the day-to-day activities of the Marketing Manager.
Major Responsibilities:
1. Develop and manage sales materials and collateral for Convention Sales:
- Working in conjunction with VP, Marketing; VP, Sales and Director, Convention Sales, develop convention sales messaging.
- Expand and develop marketing platforms to support the Columbus Collaborative in conjunction with Experience Columbus Convention Sales team.
- Promote the expanded and renovated Greater Columbus Convention Center in collaboration with the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (CFA) and SMG.
- Manage development of all print and electronic marketing materials to support convention sales' production goals, such as collateral, presentations, bid book and others.
- Develop direct sales campaigns around all opportunities, including tradeshows, sales calls, bids, site inspections, presentations, client events and others.
- Develop and implement a plan to communicate regularly with national sales offices of major hotel brands.
- Develop and manage a plan for sales to communicate with customers and leads pre- and post-site inspections, sales calls, tradeshows and other events.
- Responsible for Convention Sales marketing budget development, management and forecasting.
- Manage production of marketing materials with in-house graphic designer or outside vendors.
- Work with the PR Coordinator on convention trade specific opportunities.
2. Develop and manage sales materials and collateral for Convention Services:
- Work with the Director, Convention Services to concept and develop tools, resources and materials for convention groups to attract and service delegates.
- Responsible for Convention Services marketing budget development, management, and forecasting.
- Facilitate welcome program materials including posters, banners, maps, calendar of events, VIP discounts, etc.
- Provide pre-promote campaigns and materials as appropriate.
3. Strategically plan and place all convention trade advertising:
- Plan, buy, submit and process invoices for convention trade advertising.
- Manage the convention trade advertising budget.
- Manage production of marketing materials with in-house graphic designer or outside vendors.
- Work in partnership with Greater Columbus Convention Center on ad placements and associated billing.
4. Direct the daily activities of the marketing manager, including:
- Oversee Experience Columbus' contracted publications, including the semi-annual Visitor Guide with inserted Visitors Map and annual Tour Planner Guide
- Oversee publisher relationship and contracting
- Provide strategic direction on editorial content development
- Approve all materials
- Support Leisure Group Tour in achieving production goals
- Support individual Leisure Tourism efforts
- Support Membership Department in achieving production goals
Other Responsibilities:
- Manage the productivity of marketing plans and projects.
- Monitor, review, and report on all marketing activity and results.
- Attend regular Experience Columbus sales department meetings, Thursday morning hospitality community meetings, regular Columbus Collaborative meetings, CFA board meetings, customer advisory council meetings, and other appropriate gatherings.
- Support Make it Columbus initiatives, including updates to makeitcolumbus.com.
- Manage marketing relationships with external partners, including the Greater Columbus Convention Center and area districts (particularly Arena District and Short North Arts District).
- Attend Experience Columbus and member functions as necessary.
- Facilitate CTA classes when available.
Education and Experience:
- A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, communications, public relations or related field required.
- Marketing management experience of five to ten years is also required; hospitality industry expertise a plus.
- The organization requires all employees to obtain and maintain their Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) designation.
Competencies and Skills:
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Able to think strategically then implement programs
- Track record of positive results with marketing programs
- Highly organized, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and effective time management skills
- Active listener who is a creative thinker and storyteller, translating sales needs into innovative marketing solutions
- Demonstrated writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
- Possesses an approachable and open manner, with a team orientation, ability to work collaboratively, and who makes time for projects large and small
- Provides follow up in a timely manner as new information emerges
- Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and the Internet
- Graphic design skills desirable; knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign a plus
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