Director of Marketing and PR

Director of Marketing and PR

Little Rock / Marketing / Full-Time

About The Venture Center

Established in 2014, The Venture Center is a globally recognized, Arkansas-based nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization (ESO) that accelerates success for start-up founders, small business owners and corporate innovators through award-winning entrepreneurship programs, platforms and partnerships. In addition to providing opportunities to local entrepreneurs and small businesses, we are the home of award-winning industry accelerators.

About this Role

The Venture Center team is growing and we’re looking for an experienced Director of Marketing and PR to lead and guide our organization in these efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Marketing and PR will oversee the planning, development and implementation of integrated communications strategies to boost brand awareness, drive engagement and increase program and event participation. You will work closely with TVC clients and their PR teams to consistently, accurately, and creatively execute strategic plans supporting the success of world-class accelerators and entrepreneurial programming. You’ll also set goals and guidelines, establishing strategies for the daily marketing operations of your team including the Social Media Manager and Graphic Artist. If you enjoy using your creative ideas to drive consistent marketing and PR initiatives, then you’re in the right spot!

Responsibilities

Marketing

• Planning, directing and coordinating all marketing activities
• Developing short- and long-term plans and budgets for the marketing department and its activities, monitoring progress, assuring adherence and evaluating performance
• Compiling marketing materials to describe and promote our programs, events and services
• Building brand awareness and maximizing positioning
• Creating and coordinating marketing projects from start to finish
• Creating and executing integrated communications plans for company conferences, trade shows and major events
• Leading Social Media Manager and Graphic Artist to produce effective marketing materials and communications.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with colleagues in entrepreneur programs, accelerator programs and development to create impactful marketing initiatives
• Managing and updating email marketing lists and segments
• Managing the digital assets of The Venture Center including both video and photography
• Preparing and reporting key KPI metrics to Executive Director for Board meetings
• Managing and being accountable for marketing budgets and expenses

Public Relations

• Developing, implementing and monitoring systems and procedures necessary for the smooth operation of the marketing & PR function
• Creating and executing effective public relations strategies and plans to maximize The Venture Center’s positive exposure
• Drafting and editing press releases and by-line articles to a high standard consistent with company messaging and editorial guidelines
• Responding to inquiries from the press
• Cultivating and nurturing relationships with media organizations and important influencers, both locally and nationally
• Providing counsel to The Venture Center leadership on messaging and media relations, providing talking points; hosting media interviews
• Tracking campaign success and media coverage
• Crisis communications planning

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, a related field or relevant experience
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant marketing and public relations experience
• Demonstrated success in implementing media campaigns, including social media
• Demonstrated success in securing media coverage in a variety of outlet types
• Demonstrated track record of developing successful working relationships with the press
• Experience working closely with senior-level executives
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to develop relationships and communicate with all levels of management
• Portfolio of previous work including articles, copywriting, web page content, press releases, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and prioritize scheduling of work
• Experience managing content delivery with relevant communication tools including content and project management tools
• Strong interest in entrepreneurship or experience as an entrepreneur/working with entrepreneurs
• Must be willing to participate in after-hour events and programs (approx. 1-2 per month)
• Occasional travel (5%)

Bonus

• Experience using the following tools:  Asana, Agorapulse, WordPress, Canva, Adobe Suite, Google Workspace and Mailchimp
• Working knowledge of Google Analytics
• Working knowledge of graphic design and video editing
• Experience covering banking/fintech industries

Benefits

• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid downtown parking
• Hybrid Schedule
• 13 Paid Holidays Flexible PTO
• Paid Parental Leave

EEOC Statement

The Venture Center is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We believe that our differences are our strengths and we know that diversity builds a better team.