Marketing Manager of Economic Development & Tourism

The Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing and communication strategies that enhance the City of Lynchburg’s reputation as a premier destination for business investment, tourism, and talent attraction. This role is key in supporting economic development initiatives, including business attraction and retention, small business growth, and destination marketing. The Marketing Manager collaborates with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure consistent, compelling messaging that authentically represents the Lynchburg brand.

Learn more about our work:  Economic Development work: https://www.opportunitylynchburg.com/

Tourism work: https://www.lynchburgvirginia.org/

Learn more: https://www.lyhlovesyou.com/

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Marketing & Content Strategy

  • Develop and implement integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social, and traditional platforms to drive economic development and tourism goals.
  • Maintain and update digital content, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with branding guidelines.
  • Create and manage editorial/content calendars to effectively engage target audiences.
  • Develop compelling narratives highlighting the City of Lynchburg’s strengths in business, tourism, and workforce attraction.
  • Oversee content development, including written, visual, and multimedia assets, to ensure high-quality and impactful storytelling.

• Public Relations & Community Engagement

  • Lead media relations efforts, coordinating press outreach, interviews, and proactive PR initiatives to enhance the city's visibility.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with the Office of Communications and Public Engagement to align messaging and ensure brand consistency.
  • Cultivate relationships with anchor institutions, business leaders, and community partners to amplify marketing efforts.

• Advertising & Brand Management

  • Manage the department’s advertising strategy, overseeing media buys, sponsorships, and creative production.
  • Ensure marketing materials—newsletters, promotional campaigns, digital signage, and advertisements—effectively communicate Lynchburg’s economic and tourism assets.
  • Oversee contracts and direct the work of external vendors, including writers, graphic designers, web developers, and videographers.

• Performance Analysis & Budget Management

  • Track, measure, and analyze marketing campaign performance, using insights to optimize future initiatives.
  • Prepare reports and presentations with key metrics and recommendations for improvement.
  • Manage the department’s marketing and advertising budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

• Team Leadership & Collaboration

  • Supervise and mentor marketing staff as designated by the Director of Economic Development & Tourism.
  • Provide strategic direction and support for the Assistant Director of Economic Development and the Tourism Sales Manager in executing marketing initiatives.

Additional duties and responsibilities, as assigned, may include the following:

• Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to businesses and citizens may be assigned.
• When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, economic development, or a related field.

• Must reside in the City of Lynchburg. 
• Telework is permitted only in emergencies.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and an acceptable driving record according to the City's driving criteria.
• Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment.  May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

Salary : $42,328 - $78,562