The Marketing and Communications Manager will work closely with the Director of Business Development and the senior leadership of the Future of StoryTelling (FoST) and Melcher Media to assist in implementing and leading all efforts pertaining to visibility, strategy, vision, and execution associated with the development of the community and the elevation of the FoST and Melcher Media brands. You will increase brand awareness and drive community engagement by cultivating an active, welcoming, and best-in-class experience for current and prospective members with the ultimate goal of strengthening their connection to both FoST and Melcher Media, thereby increasing their likelihood of participating, supporting, and sharing information about both brands. This will include growing and managing social media channels, executing email/direct mail marketing initiatives, developing brand campaigns, and supporting all efforts with paid media where applicable. In addition, you will focus on driving our communications strategy, media relations, press inquiries, and broadcast appearances. You will craft messages and narratives, secure successful interactions with press, and altogether raise the company profile. This is an exciting opportunity to help establish the official voices of both companies across platforms, create fresh and engaging content, and help broaden our audience and media presence, particularly for FoST. Responsibilities will include:
• Leading community initiatives designed to create connections among members, amplify member engagement, and drive overall audience;
• Understanding the FoST audience, community, and various stakeholders as well as broader industry trends to help identify and prioritize audience needs;
• Developing and executing social media strategies to engage the FoST audience on key topics that align with FoST services to achieve marketing goals;
• Building a monthly communications plan that is orchestrated across channels and supports key priorities;
• Helping to publicize FoST speaker films and place them with appropriate media outlets;
• Creating a communications strategy that specifically drives attendees to the FoST Summit and other events;
• Managing day-to-day activities for communication channels; publishing content and engaging with influencers and followers;
• Monitoring progress and effectiveness of marketing campaigns, community growth, and engagement through Google Analytics and other measurable metrics;
• Conducting ongoing analysis and reviews of competitors, influencers, and audience; and staying abreast of the latest marketing trends across industries to inform overall marketing strategies. The identities of both companies are forward thinking, and our own marketing approach needs to reflect that;
• Creating, Planning, and executing PR strategies that support the community of talent who participate at the FoST summit and other events throughout the year and enhance their visibility. These include speakers, workshop leaders, performers, and exhibitors;
• Partnering closely with FoST partners to co-create and deliver on campaigns to support sponsorships and collaborations, providing creative strategy, and ensuring seamless process of integrating partners into FoST assets and feeds;
• Collaborating with internal teams to develop a strategic messaging calendar, incorporating tent poles, roll-outs, and content strategy;
• Managing and directing all aspects of corporate communications and press inquiries;
• Being responsible for arranging media interviews (print, video, broadcast, and online) with executives and managing preparation and research, as well as conducting any necessary follow-up;
• Leveraging superior networking abilities to make sure FoST always has a seat at the right tables;
• Monitoring high-visibility and business-building awards programs and managing company entries if applicable;
• Handling crisis communications and managing issues, if required; and
• Reviewing website regularly to ensure all content is on message and current.
You should aspire to be a leader in the company’s marketing and communications efforts; be able to think quickly on your feet; be interested in live events; be interested in and enthusiastic about new forms of storytelling, including VR/AR/MR, immersive theater, interactive gaming, etc.; feel comfortable in a highly collaborative, team-oriented culture; have 5+ years of experience with marketing and communications strategy and execution; have a sophisticated grasp of the evolving media and communications landscape; have exceptional writing skills and the ability to generate impactful content; have the ability to manage timelines and collaborate effectively to execute campaigns on time; and come with a thorough understanding of and experience using social media for professional marketing/communications purposes, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to greatstories@melcher.com