Grand Rapids Kroc Center- Marketing Manager

Position Summary: The Marketing Manager is responsible for executing and managing marketing, public relations, and digital media efforts that enhance the image and programs of The Salvation Army Kroc Center. This role focuses on implementing multi-channel marketing strategies, coordinating digital and print campaigns, managing media relations, and supporting special events to drive engagement and community involvement. The Marketing Manager works closely with leadership, vendors, and community partners to ensure timely execution of promotional initiatives while tracking the success of marketing efforts to meet organizational objectives. This hands-on role requires a proactive approach to project management, creativity, and collaboration.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Marketing and Advertising
  • Develop a multi-channel marketing, branding, and public relations plan in collaboration with Kroc Center Leadership. The plan will align with internal and external objectives, include goals, target audience, media outlets, and action steps, and be updated annually or as needed.
  • Write, design, and manage the production of internal and external marketing collateral, including print, digital, and social media content.
  • Stay updated with digital marketing trends, using this knowledge to enhance the Kroc Center's online presence and execute campaigns across platforms such as the website, social media, and email.
  • Track data and metrics to measure the success of marketing campaigns, adjusting strategies to improve performance.
  • Coordinate with external vendors (e.g., printers, mail distribution) to ensure timely and accurate production of promotional materials.
• User Experience & Content Management
  • Utilize all available communications tools to optimize the customer journey of Kroc Center members, program participants, church congregants, and other guests.
  • Manage content updates for the website and execute social media strategies, along with other public-facing systems such as the phone network, online registration system, mobile apps, etc.
  • Create and maintain internal printed and digital signage, external digital displays, and printed collateral including schedules of recurring classes, programs, and events.
  • Work with the membership and program teams to solicit, evaluate, and act upon customer inquiries and feedback.
  • Coordinate with all departments to process, prioritize, and execute requests for marketing support and collateral.
  • Learn basic front-line customer service functions in order to support other departments in giving facility tours, checking in guests, etc.
• Public Relations
  • Maintain relationships with media representatives and track media appearances related to the Kroc Center.
  • Ensure a strong Kroc presence at community events, including supporting Salvation Army collaborations as well as internal and promotional events.
  • Make cold calls and presentations to obtain support for events and programs
  • Represent the Kroc Center in partnerships and collaborations with other community organizations
• Special Events and Community Engagement
  • Coordinate marketing strategies and promotions for special events, ensuring alignment with overall organizational goals.
  • Support the execution of both internal and external events to enhance public engagement with the Kroc Center.
  • Track and measure the success of marketing and PR events, adjusting tactics as needed to improve future outcomes.
  • Receive and respond to requests for donations from other community organizations.
• Communications
  • Support in creation and distribution of internal communications, including writing/editing content for employees and the weekly staff newsletter.
• Preform other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:  Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, communications, public relations or another related field, with a minimum of 2 years experience in communications or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: 

• Ability to read, write and communicate in English with the preferred ability to also communicate in Spanish.
• Ability to write with versatility
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision under tight deadlines
• Strong writing, proofreading and editing skills
• Project management and knowledge management skills preferred

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud
• Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Complete Safe From Harm training, and keep current
• Have CPR/AED/First Aid or obtain within 45 days
• Must have and maintain a current valid driver’s license and pass the Salvation Army Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR)

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. 

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

In addition:

This job description does not list all duties of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform other duties as needed. The Salvation Army reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and does not infringe upon The Salvation Army’s at will employment status. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions. 

Qualifications:

The Salvation Army offers the following benefits:

• Health Care Benefits which include:
• Medical
• Dental
• Vsion
• Hearing
• Flexible spending accounts
• AFLAC
• Voluntary life insurance benefits
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Pet Insurance
• Pension contributions (currently 6.0% of your earnings) begin the first quarter after 1 year of employment.
• Vesting starts after three years of employment, 100% vested after five years of employment
• The Salvation Army also offers a 403(b) voluntary retirement savings plan in which you may participate immediately, with approved vendors. There is currently no organizational match for 403(b) contributions.
• Employee Discounts

• Paid Time Off which includes:
  • Up to (6) earned sick days per year may be used as discretionary days.
  • The accrual rate is based upon years of service and approved hours worked.
• Sick days begin accruing the first of the month following 30 days of employment and you may begin to use accrued sick days once available. 
• Vacation begins accruing the first of the month after one full calendar month after employment begins, and you may begin to use vacation days after (90) days of employment. 
• You will receive up to 2 personal days per year based on date of hire.
• Birthday off with pay.  
• Paid holidays are effective immediately.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer.  Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.