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Job Title: Director of Marketing and Communications

Division: Administration

Organization: Friends of Southwest Virginia

Reports To: Executive Director

Location: Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace – One Heartwood Circle, Abingdon VA 24210

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Friends of Southwest Virginia is in search of an experienced and creative professional to spearhead the marketing strategies and advancement of the Southwest Virginia brand. The Director of Marketing and Communications will collaborate closely with the Executive Director to strategically plan, oversee, direct, and proficiently execute marketing, advertising, and public relations endeavors and campaigns for the Southwest Virginia region.

The ideal candidate will have a track record of success in guiding an organization's marketing and public relations endeavors, thrive in managing multiple projects, foster a team-oriented approach, and possess a deep-seated dedication to serving the Southwest Virginia region.

Additionally, this role will entail representing Friends of Southwest Virginia at prominent events and functions, participating actively in community groups, adeptly collaborating with the region's tourism and main street leaders, and ensuring the fulfillment of all goals, missions, and performance plans set forth by Friends of Southwest Virginia.

General Responsibilities

• Develop and Execute Marketing Strategies: Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing strategies aimed at enhancing the visibility and reputation of Southwest Virginia. Collaborate with the Executive Director to strategically plan marketing, advertising, and public relations campaigns to promote the region effectively.
• Manage Marketing and Communication Initiatives: Oversee all aspects of marketing, advertising, and public relations endeavors for the Southwest Virginia region. Directly supervise the execution of marketing campaigns, social media engagement, media relations activities, and the creation of promotional materials to ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Represent Friends of Southwest Virginia: Serve as a representative of Friends of Southwest Virginia at events and functions, fostering positive relationships with stakeholders and community groups. Actively participate in community engagement efforts, collaborate with tourism and main street leaders, and ensure the organization's goals and missions are fulfilled to further advance the Southwest Virginia brand.
• Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts. Regularly monitor and evaluate the performance of campaigns and initiatives, making data-driven decisions to optimize strategies and achieve desired outcomes. Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for organizational leadership to communicate progress and areas for improvement.

Additional Responsibilities

• Oversee the marketing initiatives with the Southwest Virginia brand, Friends of Southwest Virginia, 'Round the Mountain Artisan Network, and Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation.
• Act as a primary liaison with marketing and public relations agencies.
• Lead and oversee comprehensive website development and management.
• Ensure cohesive visual branding across both print and digital channels for the SWVA brand.
• Effectively manage marketing budget and handle administrative duties.
• Strategize and execute email and social media campaigns to engage target audiences.
• Maintain and update contact databases for tailored outreach efforts.
• Manage social media platforms for Southwest Virginia, 'Round the Mountain Artisan Network, Friends of Southwest Virginia, and the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center.

Qualifications:

• 5 Years of destination marketing experience
• To perform the essential functions of this position, the candidate must possess broad and seasoned knowledge and expertise in advertising, marketing, and public relations.
• Have excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing, by telephone, and deliver excellent group presentations
• Superior project management skills with great organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
• Thorough and careful attention to details and accuracy
• Excellent computer skills including Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office products.
• Website management and content development
• Knowledge of email campaign tools
• Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously
• Work effectively with multiple projects, external vendors and internal department staff
• Ability to stand and sit for up to two hours
• Ability to work on a team and have fun

Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Travel / Irregular Hour Requirements:

Frequent regional travel required. Occasional overnight travel.

Occasional Weeknight / Weekend Hours

About Friends of Southwest Virginia

Spanning 19 counties and four independent cities, Southwest Virginia, nestled along the southern and western borders of Virginia, is rich in cultural heritage. Established in 2008 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission leads the charge in fostering a creative economy in the region. Evolving into the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation in 2011, this community-driven organization, supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, collaborates with the Friends of Southwest Virginia, a supporting non-profit, to empower local artists, craftspeople, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs.

Through a multifaceted approach, initiatives aim to identify and leverage the region's cultural and natural assets, streamline operations for partner organizations, and maximize state investments for comprehensive restructuring efforts. Key initiatives include branding and marketing Southwest Virginia as a unique cultural destination, sustaining the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center, promoting outdoor recreation development, and revitalizing downtown areas to enhance quality of life and economic opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY:

Upload resume and cover letter to Indeed.

Open Until filled; resumes will be reviewed immediately. Earlier applicants have a better chance of being interviewed, so apply ASAP. No phone calls.

Friends of Southwest Virginia is an EEO/AA employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Abingdon, VA 24210: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

• Marketing: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person