Marketing Associate

This position handles a variety of marketing and advertising duties within the ECSC marketing department. Priorities include coordinating the DMO’s cooperative advertising program, handling day-to-day communications with agency partners,  and organizing advertising deadlines and submissions along with general marketing tasks. 

II.  Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

·       Coordinates cooperative advertising program for preferred hotel partners and attractions/events partners, to include tracking expenditures, managing invoices and partner budgets, meeting with and presenting tailored proposals to partners and coordinating with agency representative for program support.

·       Gathers and organizes information on prospective marketing and advertising opportunities at the request of the VP or director of marketing. Obtain, organize and present information to VP of Marketing & Communications and director of marketing from both proactive research and incoming calls from advertising reps and publications. Use information to organize content for cooperative advertising guide.

·       Organizes deadlines for ECSC advertising creative due and submit work orders for creative to agency partner or in-house designer. 

·       Organizes invoices for ECSC advertising and submits for payment and approvals. 

·       Communicates with designated agency representative(s) on a continuous basis to facilitate details of ad campaigns, web design, and special projects, including compiling feedback from team members and supervisors.

·       Coordinates content for cooperative marketing and advertising guide and connects with agency representative on annual updates

B.    Marketing Responsibilities

·       Assists with planning and coordination of marketing promotions and projects. 

·       Assists director of marketing in maintaining strong web presence by creating content through blogs and copywriting as directed. 

·       Drafts marketing materials including copy and graphic design following brand guidelines

·       Works collaboratively with team members on signature, rotating, or one-time events and conferences (ex: Rivals in Red Soccer Match, Clemson/Carolina Neutral Site Game, Governor’s Conference) as well as annual events such as Governor’s Carolighting and Colonial Life Charity Classic. 

·       Supports local marketing and brand activation through event coordination and presence at events (ex: SC Pride, Columbia Food & Wine Festival, St. Pat’s in Five Points etc.)

·       Runs errands related to the coordination of marketing/communications projects.

·       Assists staff with reporting, research, and data entry.

·       Organizes files both electronic and manual.

·       Fosters and maintain relationships with partners through communication, networking events, one-on-one meetings and sharing ECSC marketing wins and coverage. 

·       Maintains an organization system and inventory for marketing materials. 

·       Participates in strategic planning of marketing efforts.

III.        Skills:

·       Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving.

·       Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; able to interact with the public at all levels.

·       Ethics- Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

·       Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

IV. Education/Qualifications Required:

·       Successful candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree and experience in marketing, communications, business, hospitality management, tourism management, journalism or related field.

·       Knowledge of social media strategy, advertising process, and website management is preferred. 

·       Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. 

·       Must have a passion for promoting the attributes of the Columbia area.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required and the responsibilities of the position may change.