Position Summary

The Director of Marketing is focused on developing and implementing marketing strategies designed to strengthen the Aquarium’s brand. The responsibilities of the Director of Marketing include developing a strategic marketing plan; supporting the execution of the Aquarium’s voice in all owned media channels; guiding the creative development of advertising campaigns; and building strategic partnerships with tourism and marketing partners. Ultimately, the Director of Marketing should be a creative problem solver adept at building brand affinity.

Essential Position Functions

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan that builds brand awareness, increases affinity for the Aquarium and drives attendance
• Ensure all social media, website and advertising messaging is aligned and integrated with the same brand message and voice
• Provide strong, consistent and inspired leadership to the Marketing team
• Leads, supports and mentors direct reports in various areas, such as coaching, counseling, development and training
• Assists with managing advertising agencies; including providing agencies with strategic input and direction in all campaigns and media plans
• Organize and utilize insights from transaction data, guest research, consumer reviews and visitor interactions to continually refine messaging and tactics
• Develop and share marketing impact reports with organizational leadership
• Develop and manage cooperative strategies and alliances with industry and promotional partners
• Continually evaluate the effectiveness of marketing initiatives; adjusting plans and budgets as needed
• Responsible for the strategic vision and management of the departmental budget
• Establish strong working relationships with organizational peers to facilitate best-in-class marketing execution
• Collaborate effectively with vendors, donors, members, applicants, guests and board members as necessary
• Identify, build and manage key relationships with marketing and community partners that strengthen the Aquarium brand
• Support all Aquarium departments in the development of effective public messaging, as necessary
• Ensure that marketing is aligned with and supports the Aquarium’s shared purpose, vision and values
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• Four-year degree in marketing or related field
• At least 7 years’ of experience in the marketing field
• Prior experience managing direct reports and/or teams
• Prior experience at an aquarium, zoo, attraction, or in tourism field preferred
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with other members of The Florida Aquarium team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, etc.)

Competencies

• Leadership (Supervisory) – Shows leadership by providing vision and strategies; sets clear expectations and goals for the team that support departmental and organizational goals. Guides staff toward individual accomplishments, departmental, and organizational goals. Exhibits and demonstrates core value competencies. Creates a positive environment in which people are motivated to do their best. Invites input from team and can delegate responsibility appropriately. Recognizes contributions and supports professional growth of staff
• Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork – Works collaboratively within a team and across departments for organizational success. Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative, seeks to understand before being understood. Fosters a positive, supportive, and encouraging work environment. Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions, trusts in their abilities, and recognizes their contributions.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge – Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies.
• Teamwork — supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
• Planning and organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the aquarium; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment.
• Judgment — Deciding on and committing to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; finding creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; taking strategic risks when necessary.
• Concern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item
• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
• Information Gathering and Monitoring — Effectively collects relevant data using questioning or research techniques to monitor and manage projects and people

Typical Physical Requirements

• Sitting (2 to 8 hours per day)
• Standing (8 hours per day)
• Walking (3 hours per day)
• Bending/Stooping, Squatting, Kneeling — Occasionally
• Climbing stairs — Occasionally
• Reaching above shoulders — Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling, Carrying, Lifting (up to 50 lbs.) — Occasionally
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Exposure to dust, fumes and gases
• Excellent vision for proofing and detail work
• Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained
• More than normal talking, including on telephone
• Ability to travel (car, boat, plane, truck) as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Flexibility in working varied days, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed