Description

Summary

The Marketing Manager is responsible for initiating creative and cost-effective marketing strategies to showcase programs, services, and events professionally. Responsibilities include developing and implementing marketing plans, particularly for major events, and providing crucial support for annual initiatives. Additionally, tasks encompass conducting social impact studies to meet the diverse community's needs, managing the District's brand identity and marketing materials, and assisting in photographing Park District programs and events for marketing purposes.

The position extends to serving as a media relations contact, responsible for disseminating information through various platforms. Maintenance of Park District websites, ensuring ADA accessibility, and identifying upgrade needs, are key tasks. The role involves coordinating award entries and fostering positive public relations through daily interactions to showcase the Park District's excellence. Dedication to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity is evident in internal and external communications. Success in this position requires staying current with industry trends, analyzing campaign performance, developing marketing proposals, and upholding high standards of quality in communication and budgeting. Collaborative and open lines of communication with all staff and departments within the Park District are crucial for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing or a related field or six (6) years of experience.
• At least three years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, recreation, or related field.
• Working knowledge of marketing plan creation, graphic design, videography, photography, social media, or media relations.
• Knowledge of Word Press is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office or similar programs as well as Adobe Creative Suites.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, budget, plan, and implement projects with multiple deadlines.
• Familiarity with parks, recreation, and events is preferred
• Ability to produce technical and creative writing pieces.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with clean driving record.

Supervision

The Marketing Manager is responsible to the Director of Marketing and Development. The Marketing Manager will oversee full-time and part-time staff.

Classification

• Exempt, salary
• Full-time

Training Can be obtained through Champaign Park District

• First Aid, AED, and CPR Certification
• Bloodborne pathogen training
• Facility training
• Recreation software system training
• Drivers training and test
• Harassment prevention training

Essential Functions

• Follow all Champaign Park District safety policies and perform all work in a manner that ensures the safety of the public, fellow employees, and themselves
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and discretion in all interactions, including maintaining strict confidentiality regarding staff information, communications from supervisors, and conversations with parents or patrons. Uphold the Park District’s policies and standards for data privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Initiate creative and cost-effective methods to market district programs, services, and events professionally and efficiently.
• Develop and implement marketing plans for the Park District and its major events, providing key marketing support for annual Park District initiatives.
• Create and implement social impact studies, ensuring our diverse community's needs are met effectively.
• Collaborate with the management team to align marketing initiatives with the overall organizational objectives.
• Develop and manage the Park District's brand identity and marketing materials.
• Assist in taking photographs of Park District programs and events for marketing purposes.
• Serve as one of the Park District’s media relations contacts, responsible for writing and disseminating news releases, media alerts, calendar listings, and photo captions across various platforms.
• Maintain District websites, ensuring they comply with ADA accessibility guidelines, while evaluating the need for upgrades.
• Promote Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity through internal and external communications
• Maintain positive public relations through daily interactions, involvement with groups and organizations, and promotion of district events through various media channels.
• Asist with coordinating and submitting award entries to national, state, regional, and local agencies, such as NRPA Gold Medal and IPRA Agency Showcase, showcasing the Park District's excellence.
• Secure and maintain professional relationships with Park District Partners and sponsors, fulfilling sponsor agreements.
• Develop and implement marketing proposals for Park District staff based on their program target markets and budget.
• Track and analyze the performance of marketing campaigns, making necessary adjustments to ensure effectiveness.
• Stay current with the latest trends and best practices in marketing and recreation marketing, fostering continuous improvement in marketing strategies.
• Lead by example, promoting excellence in proofing, writing, grammar usage, and budgeting.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with all staff and departments within the Park District, ensuring open lines of communication and collaboration.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and regular feedback to team members, fostering their professional development.
• Write scripts for media ad buys
• Comply with equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned.

Psychological Considerations

• The role may involve prolonged periods of computer use, requiring appropriate ergonomics and regular breaks to prevent strain.
• Attending District events and programs might involve lifting marketing materials or equipment.
• Flexibility to work occasional evening or weekends.

Environmental Considerations

• Adaptable to varying weather conditions when attending outdoor events or capturing photographs.
• Awareness of noise levels and distractions in public spaces when conducting community outreach or attending events.
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor in various environments, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for community interactions.

The Champaign Park District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employees are required to comply with our equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies, and procedures.

Benefits

• Health Insurance:
  • Provider: Health Alliance
    • 2 options: HMO or 3Tier Point of Service (POS)
  • The Park District pays 100% of full-time employee-only health insurance of the 3 Tier POS plan and 40% of dependent care
• Dental:
  • Provider: Kansas City Life
  • The District pays 100% of full-time employee-only standard dental insurance
  • There is a second option to buy up for more coverage in with the employee will contribute to
• Vision
  • Available to staff, paid by the employee
• Basic Term Life and AD&D
  • 1.5 times annual wages
  • $0.00 paid by the employee, voluntary additional life insurance for employee, spouse and children are available, paid for by the employee
• Flexible Spending Account
  • Medical Plan
  • Dependent Care Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
  • 100% pay the Park District
• Disability Policy
  • IMRF disability is available after 30 days at 50% of salary. The employee must be employed 1 year before being eligible
• Retirement options:
  • IMRF Pension (employer contributes)
  • ICMA 457 Plan
  • ICMA Roth IRA
• Expense Reimbursement
  • $100 annually for garments, steel toe boots, fitness, etc.
• Vacation Time
  • Years 1-3: 12 days
  • Years 4 - 6: 15 days
  • Years 7 - 10: 18 days
  • Years 11 and on: 21 days
  • Up to 240 hours (30 days) can be rolled over from year to year)
• Sick Leave
  • One sick day per month accrued provided to employees
  • Sick days roll over from year to year
  • No cap on how many sick days can rollover from year to year.
• Holidays
  • Ten (10) holidays per year provided to employees
• Personal Days
  • Two (2) personal days per year are provided to employees. Must be used in the fiscal year
• Free Membership
  • The Park District pays for employee only membership to the following places, upon request:
  • Leonhard Recreation Center, Sholem Aquatics Center, Martens Center, Bark District