Manager of Marketing and Communications

DEPARTMENT: Marketing and Member Insights

JOB TITLE: Manager of Marketing and Communications

JOB CODE: MMC

REPORTS TO: Jennifer Felder, Director – Head of Marketing and Member Insights

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time

JOB PURPOSE:

This role at Arbitration Forums is as unique as it is rewarding because of the AF IPAAL Values (Integrity, Passion, Accountability, Achievement, Leadership) and TRI Model (Trust, Respect, Inclusion).

The Manager of Marketing and Communications partners with department leadership to develop and lead strategies to achieve organizational objectives, ensuring alignment with the strategic framework. This role oversees all internal and external communications, marketing initiatives, brand management, and public relations to maintain consistent messaging and strengthen the organization’s brand.

DEPARTMENTAL EXPECTATION OF EMPLOYEE

• Adheres to AF Policy and Procedures and the AF IPAAL Values and TRI Model
• Acts as a role model within and outside AF.
• Performs duties as workload necessitates.
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude.
• Communicates regularly with the departmental leader about department issues.
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
• Consistently reports to work on time, prepared to perform duties of the position.
• Meets Department productivity standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Achieves business objectives related to communications, branding, and marketing strategies.
• Collaborates with the strategic leadership team to develop and execute organizational strategies.
• Serves as primary contact for communications vendors and industry partners.
• Participates in and/or facilitates leadership meetings and fosters a culture of ethics and compliance.
• Identifies and manages reputational risks.
• Directs development and implementation of member communications and promotional initiatives.
• Mentors direct reports in strategic planning, leadership, and change management.
• Represents the organization at conferences and public events.
• Provides leadership aligned with corporate values, mission, and vision.
• Builds and develops a capable team to achieve organizational and departmental goals.
• Maintains strategic partnerships and ensures the organization’s image aligns with its brand.
• Develops and manages budgets, forecasts, and reports.
• Mentors staff to enhance performance and professional growth.
• Ensures compliance with authority limits and keep leadership informed of significant developments.
• Maintains availability beyond normal business hours when necessary.
• Develops and executes comprehensive marketing and communication strategies and plans for internal and external audiences.
• Manages content across all communication channels, platforms, and materials including but not limited to AF’s intranet site, external website, and user interfaces while ensuring brand consistency and intellectual property protection.
• Leads staff in the planning, creation, and implementation of compelling content for social media, email campaigns, and digital marketing strategies, ensuring alignment with brand voice and messaging.
• Manages the development and distribution of member communications, including newsletters and website content.
• Directs internal communications to promote employee engagement and consistent messaging.
• Leads staff in preparing materials for Board of Directors, town hall, committee, and other employee and industry meetings.
• Oversees development of promotional materials, advertising, and public relations.
• Manages vendor contracts, renewals, performance, and budgets related to marketing and communications.
• Cultivates partnerships with industry and charitable organizations, negotiates agreements, and coordinates participation in conferences and trade shows.
• Maintains branding guidelines and templates.
• Manages media and public relations.
• Represents Marketing and Communications on corporate charitable giving and volunteerism initiatives.
• Interviews, hires, and manages direct reports and their performance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

BA/BS/master’s degree (or commensurate experience) in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, and/or a minimum of 10 years of experience in Marketing, Communications, or related fields.

Core Competencies and Skills

• Well-developed interpersonal and collaboration skills. Sets standards for excellence, particularly in management areas including motivation, leadership, coaching, quality orientation, facilitating change, and strategic decision-making.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience managing vendor contracts and budgets.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain professional partnerships.
• Strategic planning and executive level problem solving skills.
• Proficient in a multitude of diverse business functions.
• Ability to instill the values and objectives of the organization in others.
• Ability to utilize good judgment, to adapt to frequent changes in workload, and to adjust competing priorities quickly.
• Skilled as a brand advocate.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Strong ability to evaluate the practical aspects of best practices in AF’s environment and culture.
• Ability to leverage emotional intelligence skills for an array of circumstances.
• An understanding of AF programs, systems, and processes.
• Sound knowledge of budgeting and fiscal management.
• Strong leadership and management skills. Servant leadership, coaching, developing, and mentoring (direct reports and others).
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate concepts effectively at all levels. Public speaking/presentation skills.
• Ability to evaluate and sequence strategic and operational initiatives.
• Strong organizational, analytical, time management, and stress management skills.
• Ability to provide vision, leadership, and execute change.
• Embodies and promotes corporate values.
• Exercises sound and well-reasoned judgment.
• Exhibits discretion and integrity with confidential data.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to manage large and small projects with great attention to detail.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Detail-Oriented.
• Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Must have editorial, production experience, and graphic design background with a proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat).
• General understanding of the insurance industry would be advantageous in understanding how arbitration fits within the industry and how AF administers its programs is a plus.
• Soft skills (listening, understanding, empathy, teaching others, respect, professionalism).
• Customer (Member) service.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to think creatively and inspire creativity in others to foster a culture of innovation.
• Desire to learn, personal growth and development/continuous improvement.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to write speeches and articles in original or innovative techniques or style.
• Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or Boards of Directors.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a fully remote position requiring reliable high-speed internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.