SUMMARY

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

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.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The ideal candidate will have a confident, can-do attitude with strong problem-solving skills and outstanding attention to detail.

Ideal candidate has the following skills and abilities:

• This individual will have both leadership and 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 communications skills.
• Hardworking and places high value on teamwork collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent 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 requires supervision of employees assigned to the Marketing and Communications Department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role operates in a professional and in-person office environment located across two campuses in Minneapolis, MN. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cameras, and video equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position does not require any physical labor. The position will be assigned to a largely sedentary role and requires the ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer and standard office equipment.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Summit Academy’s regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Limited weekend and evening hours are required as needed. Most of the time will be spent in-office, but remote work hours are possible and contingent upon agreement with leadership team.

TRAVEL

Limited local travel is occasionally required, including movement between organization’s two campuses located in Minneapolis.

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 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 depending on the environment.

AAP/EEO

It is the policy of Summit Academy OIC to provide equal employment opportunity (EE) 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus opportunities

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Marketing: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Minneapolis, MN 55405: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person