Assistant, Marketing

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Chicago Event Management is more than an event production company, it’s a team motivated to connect the communities we serve through the events we produce. At the core of our organization, we believe in sharing best practices, using learnings to create unforgettable experiences and building lasting relationships that lead to new ideas and innovation.

Since its inception in 1996, CEM has stayed true to this mission and as a result, has become a leader in event production and the endurance sports industry.

JOB SUMMARY

The Marketing Assistant enhances brand presence, optimizes marketing efforts, and supports the success of company-produced events. This role contributes to marketing initiatives across all audiences, including participants, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, and the broader community, ensuring seamless execution of campaigns across digital and print platforms.

Working cross-functionally, the Marketing Assistant gathers and coordinates key details to keep marketing projects on track. Additionally, this position supports research, marketing analytics, and administrative tasks to help drive strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and passionate about engaging diverse audiences effectively.

This newly created role will begin as a part-time position, with the potential to transition to full-time within one year of employment, based on performance and company needs.

Status: Part-Time to Full-Time, Non-Exempt Hourly

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Support

• Maintain marketing calendars, Google Docs (TAR), and deadlines.
• Coordinate with internal teams, such as sponsorship and design, to ensure smooth execution of marketing initiatives.
• Keep internal calendars up to date.
• Prepare marketing post-event reports.
• Collaborate with the communications team to maintain the marketing calendar on Basecamp.
• Research and recommend marketing tools and software.
• Work with advertisers on specifications and ad placements.
• Support bi-monthly marketing meetings with note-taking and other tasks.
• Perform other administrative tasks as assigned.

Marketing Materials

• Design PowerPoint and Google Slides templates for high-quality promotional materials and corporate presentations.
• Develop concepts and templates for marketing and promotional projects.
• Collaborate with the communications department to strategize and plan marketing materials.
• Prepare rough drafts and present ideas, ensuring graphics and layouts are visually appealing and on-brand.
• Maintain a keen eye for aesthetics and details while utilizing Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Content Development

• Conduct research on target audiences and industry trends to inform content strategy.
• Analyze email campaign performance and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with Design and Communications Team to develop engaging content for email campaigns, social media posts, website copy, and other marketing materials based on research findings.
• Collaborate with Manager, Social Media to generate industry-driven content on company social media channels.

Data Analysis

• Collect and analyze data related to marketing campaigns, website traffic, and social media engagement.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate key findings to stakeholders.
• Utilize Google Analytics (G4) for insights.

Research

• Identify new advertising opportunities in both online and physical publications.
• Explore college publications and online platforms for marketing prospects.
• Research local competitors and events in the Chicagoland area and maintain an updated events calendar.
• Provide new ideas for marketing channels and campaigns.

Event Week Responsibilities

• Manage Expo main stage.
• Monitor active marketing campaigns for the Chicago Distance Series and other events produced by the company.
• Assist with planning and execution of activations led by the company at its events.
• Collect content for future marketing materials.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties upon Transition to Full-Time

Cross-Functional Marketing Support

• Work cross-functionally to support marketing efforts across various stakeholder audiences, such as Expo/Exhibitors, Volunteers, Charities, and more
• Assist with curating strategic content for recurring newsletters to applicable audiences
• Assist with creating campaigns targeted at applicable audiences, such as recruiting volunteers, or driving sales to the Expo booths, Virtual Bag, or group participation
• Assist with materials for notable moments in time, such as Welcome, Thank You/Appreciation, or Recap Reports
• Manage administration of Virtual Bag offers from participating sponsors and vendors, including:
• Communicate with contacts via email and follow up as needed.
• Ensure all virtual bag ad elements are submitted in the requested format.
• Route virtual bag offers through Basecamp workflow for internal review and approval.
• Input approved offers into the virtual bag platform (Haku) and route them for final approval.
• Ensure all communications are sent to stakeholders during event production periods.
• Facilitate internal marketing of the virtual bag to various event stakeholders.
• Create offers that generate revenue for the company.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPECTED WORK LOCATION & SCHEDULE

• Primary work location: CEM Office in Downtown Chicago.
• Opportunity to work remotely up to two days per week as per CEM’s Hybrid Work Policy.
• Occasional work at CEM Warehouse in Bellwood, Illinois, and on-site event locations throughout Chicago.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Moderate walking, standing, prolonged sitting, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with occasional work in warehouse spaces or on-site event locations.
• Ability to lift and move items up to 25 pounds occasionally.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Available to All Employees

• Hybrid work policy
• Potential for discretionary mid-year and year-end bonuses
• Limited opportunity to attend industry events and professional development conferences
• Event-issued merchandise

Available upon Transition to Full-Time

• Medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurances with generous company contribution to medical and dental premiums
• Company paid basic life and long-term disability insurances
• Access to Employee Assistance Program and discount programs
• Optional legal and ID protection insurances
• 401K plan

QUALIFICATIONS

• Marketing & Content Creation: Ability to develop engaging content for newsletters, advertisements and promotional materials.
• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze marketing metrics, social media engagement, and website traffic.
• Software Proficiency: Comfortable using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Google Analytics (G4), Microsoft Office, and Basecamp.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with various teams and stakeholders.
• Project & Time Management: Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities.
• Administrative & Organizational Skills: Experience maintaining marketing calendars, managing workflows, and preparing reports.
• Customer Service Orientation: Ability to professionally interact with internal and external audiences.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Ability to think quickly and troubleshoot issues that arise during events and marketing campaigns.
• Event Coordination: Experience in event coordination is a strong plus but not required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Marketing, Visual Arts, Design, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience considered.
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and PowerPoint preferred.
• Experience communicating professionally with internal and external audiences.