Marketing and Communications Manager - Shenandoah Valley Partnership
Marketing and Communications Manager - Shenandoah Valley Partnership
The Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP) a regional economic development organization and a sponsored program at James Madison University (JMU), based in Harrisonburg, VA is partnering with the JMU School of Professional and Continuing Education on a shared Marketing and Communications Manager position for the two programs. The Shenandoah Valley Partnership, is accepting applications on behalf of both partners, and the position will be housed and report to the SVP executive director. The Marketing and Communications Manager is responsible for coordinating and overseeing marketing, communication and branding strategies for all aspects of SVP and James Madison University’s School of Professional & Continuing Education (SPCE) program of work. The Marketing and Communications Manager will interact professionally, collaboratively and strategically with all staff, board members, and investors of the SVP and stakeholders internal and external to JMU, engaging and leveraging effective marketing and communications strategies both internally and externally to accomplish both organization’s goals.
This is a partially a grant funded position and is contingent upon continued funding . Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
Duties and Responsibilities
COORDINATE MARKETING ACTIVITY
- Coordinate marketing and branding initiatives, conduct research related to targeted audiences and regional competitiveness, support business attraction/development. Communicate relevant, timely information to all stakeholders for SVP and SPCE.
- Work directly with the SVP Executive Director to strategically plan, organize and communicate effective regional marketing initiatives for new and existing businesses.
- Work closely with SPCE Program Directors to identify, develop, and deploy new business processes including: Marketing, Outreach, Recruitment, Enrollment and our core program business processes.
MARKETING DEVELOPMENT
- Develop and manage content across all SVP and SPCE marketing and media platforms including SVP websites, social media outlets, television and commercial broadcasts, advertisements, tradeshow exhibits and electronic and printed internal and external marketing materials to include monthly newsletters, monthly blog posts and event marketing collateral material.
- Develop content and functionality of SVP and SPCE websites and databases for effectiveness. Maintain current information including data, copy, photos and graphics.
- Develop, design, prepare and distribute marketing materials, social media campaigns, promotional literature, press releases and special event promotions.
COMMUNICATION
- Lead the communication efforts with potential SVP investors.
- Lead the communication and marketing efforts for SPCE programs and initiatives.
- Maintain and encourage improvement of high quality internal policy communication materials.
- Assist in the coordination of confidential proposals, requests for information and presentations to market the Shenandoah Valley and its communities to prospective companies.
- Handle social media for SVP and SPCE.
- Develop, design, prepare and distribute marketing materials, social media campaigns, promotional literature, press releases and special event promotions.
WEBSITE
- Develop content and functionality of SVP and SPCE websites and databases for effectiveness. Maintain current information including data, copy, photos and graphics.
- Monitor analytics of websites, social media and electronic publishing and recommend changes to improve effectiveness and maximize the internet for SVP and SPCE marketing.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND KNOWLEDGE
- The Marketing and Communications Manager is expected to be knowledgeable about the communities in SVP and regions in Virginia.
- Build positive relationship with stakeholder, state project partners, community members and economic development allies.
- Participate in evening meetings, local events, seminars and other activities that might involve overnight travel and weekends.
- Manage special projects as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Experience providing a wide range of communication, marketing and branding services to diverse groups is highly desirable with additional experience in interaction with a variety of public agencies, private sector partners, investors and prospective business.
- Demonstrated record of success in communicating complex issues and using innovative marketing techniques to groups with varying interests.
- Experience in economic development, nonprofits and/or higher education, a plus.
- Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment as well as lead in a team-oriented work environment.
- Ability to work effectively under deadline, set and maintain priorities and manage a variety of projects simultaneously.
- Ability to relate to diverse constituencies and excellent interpersonal skills that create an ability to gain the trust and confidence of stakeholders, allies and prospects.
- Willingness to travel and to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
- Experience with graphic design software (Adobe products preferred), and web design and maintenance.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills with the ability to deal effectively and sensitively with diverse populations.
- Advanced knowledge of marketing principles and advertising techniques.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and databases.
- Understanding of the mission and goals of SVP, SPCE and JMU.
- Commitment to continuous improvement in all job responsibilities including professional development opportunities.
To learn more and apply, go to joblink.jmu.edu and reference posting F1859, or go directly to https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/11808. Review of applications will begin 5/19/2022. Salary is Commensurate with Experience.
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.