Marketing Associate

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This position oversees group sales efforts for the RP Funding Center (arena, theatre, and convention center) and its events. Work involves the assistance of marketing, advertising, social media, digital campaigns, public and community relations, and grassroots campaigns for the RP Funding Center. Position will also assist with graphic design for advertising and promotional materials.

Work is carried out under the supervision of the RP Funding Center Director, Marketing & Sales Manager, and Marketing Supervisor and is reviewed periodically by conferences, reports, and results achieved.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with maintaining the annual marketing department budget
• Assists with implementing an effective annual Marketing Plan for the venue that creates local, regional, and national awareness, increases ticket sales and event revenue, and creates a positive facility image.
• Oversees group clients using the venue ticketing system, accounts payable policies and procedures, and communication with other departments regarding group ticketing and transportation needs.
• Generates new group sales business through participation in trade shows, grassroots initiatives, and corporate relationship development.
• Works directly with events and catering departments to create "added value" opportunities for groups, including exclusive activities, tours, behind-the-scenes experiences, and event packages.
• Maintains all group patron accounts, updates contact information, and coordinates billing and payments.
• Creates event images and collateral.
• May handle graphic design needs for digital creative, print advertising, collateral, and promotional materials (flyers, postcards, poster banners, and mailers).
• Supports aspects of the venue's marketing activities, including but not limited to, advertising, public relations, social/digital campaigns, ticket sales, venue branding, and collateral materials.
• Assists with planning and managing public relations and internal communication programs designed to create and maintain a favorable public image.
• Creates promotional activities, including social media content and collateral materials.
• Supports the maintenance of the venue's websites and social media pages.
• Assists with sponsorship fulfillment duties.
• Assists event promoters in marketing efforts and artists' experience for touring acts.
• Responds to non-ticket-related venue complaints and is an intermediary between venue, patrons, and promoters.
• Remains current on national trends in the industry and local market changes to best serve the venue's mission.
• Provides timely updates and status reports to superiors.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
Position designated as Mission Critical.

• Position assists with general administrative duties, including financial statements, spreadsheets, and contracting paperwork.
• Attends meetings, conventions, and conferences.
• Possible business-related travel within and outside the State. Includes attending industry and event-related consumer/trade functions, meetings, and conferences.
• Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE) AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or other related field.
• One (1) year of experience in marketing or advertising, preferably within a convention center, arena, hotel, and/or event venue management.
Experience in Graphic Design using Photoshop and/or Illustrator

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Considerable knowledge of marketing techniques, including public relations and event promotion.
• Considerable knowledge and demonstrated aptitude in social media development and analytics.
• Ability to multi-task under deadline pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with clients, employees, group leaders, patrons, and others encountered during employment.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of marketing principles, practices, and methods.
• Considerable knowledge of modern office equipment and personal computers and the ability to use computer programs, including Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, database systems, and Adobe.
• Knowledge of Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.
• Basic knowledge of switchboard systems, cell phones, and radio communication.
• Ability to write and prepare advertising copy/art for print and electronic media ads, press releases, and advisories.
• Ability to work flexible, non-traditional business hours, late nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Sound knowledge of creating, developing, implementing, and evaluating advertising, marketing, public relations, and promotional programs.
• Ability to proofread and edit all written and visual materials for clarity, accuracy, and content.
• Firm understanding of area demographics, advertising layout, and media buying.
• Excellent ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with all levels of employees, clients, patrons, and customers.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, lessees, patrons, consultants, vendors, sponsors, promoters, community leaders, and the public as necessary.

• Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 20 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.
• The job risks exposure to no significant environmental hazards.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE