About IAAPA

IAAPA is the global association for the attractions industry. Our purpose is to bring the global attractions family together and our mission is to inspire, grow, and protect the industry through member connections.

IAAPA represents the diverse and ever-changing attractions industry. For over a century, IAAPA has connected companies of all sizes and people of all levels to provide meaningful experiences for their guests around the world.

IAAPA hosts global events and conferences that provide a showcase for innovation, support trade, and facilitate the sharing of best practices. We also provide valuable tools and resources that make member businesses smarter, safer, and more profitable while delivering guest experiences that delight and provide memories that last a lifetime.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions; manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants; and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members own and operate a variety of location-based entertainment venues and attractions including amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, and cultural and natural attractions.

Overall Responsibilities:

The Category Marketing Manager is a strategic thought leader responsible for developing and executing comprehensive marketing plans for a group of designated member categories. This role works cross-functionally to drive member growth, enhance member value, expand brand equity, and maximize engagement within their assigned member categories.

Job Title: Category Marketing Manager

Hours: Full time

Report to: EVP/CMO

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning –

• in-depth market research, analyze member and consumer trends, competitor strategies, and member data to develop and implement long-term category marketing plans aligned with overall business objectives.
• category specific OKRs and metrics to measure performance and ROI of marketing campaigns and initiatives in tandem with 4 markets.

Product Management –

• with membership teams on member benefits and customization per category, including positioning, messaging, and go-to-market strategies.
• benefit positioning, work with regions on pricing and promotional strategies to optimize member experience and member acquisition.
• out models to track benefit use and evaluate future benefit opportunities that should be evaluated with the commercial organization.

Market Intelligence –

• monitor market dynamics, track competitor activities, and identify emerging member and consumer preferences to adjust category plans, tactics and content.
• market insights to inform member innovation, new opportunities, and address potential threats or risks.

Cross- Functional Collaboration –

• strong working relationships with sales, commercial, expo, regions, and volunteer committees and task forces.
• with regional marketing & membership teams to develop impactful campaigns, including advertising, digital marketing, public relations and event activities.
• closely with suppliers and vendors to negotiate contracts, secure favorable terms, and manage relationships.

Budget Management

• manage and optimize the category marketing budget to ensure efficient allocation of resources.
• global marketing expenditure and provide regular reports to analyze return on investment (ROI), CAC, and LTV.

Documentation & Administration –

• and maintain thorough process documentation for global marketing and membership activities to ensure transparency and understanding on deliverables.
• clear timelines and project milestones, ensuring timely delivery.
• out monthly analytics performance documentation and turn it in to CMO for monthly reporting.

Content Creation and Copywriting

• compelling and persuasive copy for various marketing assets, including benefit descriptions, website content, email marketing, member assets, and promotional materials.
• consistent brand messaging and voice across all category-related content.
• Expo and Sales development assets for specific categories.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Required:

• degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or Psychology
• of 5 years of experience in category management, brand management, or product marketing.
• track record in driving growth within a specific product category.
• writing, reporting, proofreading, and editing skills, including strong knowledge of AP Style.
• in the use of marketing automation platforms and the ability to extract and interpret data from analytics tools.
• analytical skills with proficiency in interpreting market data, member reports, and consumer insights.
• project management skills with the ability to participate and lead multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• communication and presentation skills both written and verbal.
• ability to consistently meet tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• organizational skills and high level of attention to detail.
• in identifying problems and developing creative, efficient solutions.
• attitude, written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with global and local teams and document processes.
• be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Google Docs and Sheets.
• in Amusement, Attractions, Tourism or Hospitality industries preferred.

ADA Specifications:

This position is located in the Orlando, Florida, headquarters office with occasional domestic travel to attend and participate in select IAAPA events. The position is required to be in office a minimum of 3 days a week with a preference for 4 days a week in office and 1 day remote work.