Position Summary
Are you a creative strategist who loves community development and placemaking? Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI) is seeking a dynamic, collaborative Marketing and Communications Director to lead our strategic marketing, branding, communications, public relations, and storytelling efforts.
This vital role promotes Downtown Appleton as a premier destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, events, and business investment. The ideal candidate thrives on building relationships, crafting big-picture campaigns, and executing day-to-day communications while serving as an authentic voice for our vibrant downtown community.
Key Responsibilities
Marketing & Brand Strategy
- Develop and implement an annual marketing plan and budget that aligns with organizational goals, events, promotions, and business development.
- Create, execute, and evaluate paid advertising and promotional campaigns across print, digital, broadcast, outdoor, and emerging media channels.
- Cultivate strategic media partnerships and collaborate with external marketing agencies, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, and content creators/influencers to generate authentic, high-quality visual content.
- Oversee the end-to-end production and distribution of marketing materials, promotional collateral, and advertising assets.
Communications & Public Relations
- Serve as ADI’s primary PR representative and spokesperson, including handling media inquiries, and conducting regular live television and radio appearances.
- Maintain ongoing communication with ADI members, Business Improvement District (BID) stakeholders, partners, and the public.
- Manage all digital communication platforms, including the website, blogs, social media strategy, and member email newsletters.
- Coordinate and facilitate quarterly Image Marketing Committee meetings.
- Direct the development and distribution of downtown guides, promotional publications, and other print and digital communication pieces, including advertising sales coordination.
- Serve as the host and producer of the organization’s podcast, managing everything from guest recruitment and content planning to distribution.
Reporting & Organizational Leadership
- Track, analyze, and report on marketing, social media, and campaign performance metrics.
- Prepare quarterly reports to the Board of Directors, highlighting key accomplishments, data trends, and strategic recommendations.
- Monitor industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to keep ADI innovative.
Events & Community Engagement
- Support the planning, promotion, on-site execution of ADI events and community initiatives throughout the year.
- Coordinate real-time content capture, photography, and videography at events for rapid storytelling and PR purposes.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with downtown businesses, sponsors, vendors, and community partners.
- Attend designated ADI events as an on-site representative, providing marketing, communications, and operational support.
Qualifications & Skills
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, or a related field is preferred; equivalent professional experience will be fully considered.
- Experience: Proven experience developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications plans, managing digital advertising, and working with media outlets, creative agencies, and vendors.
- Communication Skills: Strong writing, editing, verbal communication, and public speaking/media appearance skills.
- Digital Proficiency: Hands-on experience managing social media platforms, websites, email marketing, and content creation.
- Project Management: Ability to organize, prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple stakeholders independently with strong attention to detail.
- Core Passion: A genuine passion for downtown development, community engagement, placemaking, and creating memorable experiences.
Working Conditions
This position operates in a dynamic community environment. It requires occasional evening and weekend availability to support events, promotions, media appearances, and community engagement activities. The Marketing and Communications Director is expected to actively participate in select event operations throughout the year while serving as a visible, energetic representative of Appleton Downtown, Inc.
Additional benefits available.
Appleton Downtown, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Education:
Work Location: In person
