Divisional Marketing Director - Employee Benefits

SUMMARY 

Plans and directs all aspects of the marketing and communications department for Alliant's Employee Benefits division; including marketing integration of brand, B2B, digital, creative, analytics, public relations, media, and communiations strategies. Responsible for evaluating and developing marketing strategies, planning and coordinating marketing efforts, communicating the marketing plans to executive leadership, key sales and operations stakeholders, and the marketing team.  Directs and oversees internal and external communications activities associated with marketing and public relations.  Directs and oversees communications programs and promotional campaigns that effectively describe and promote the organization and its services through various types of media.  Ensures that all external communications result in positive public relations.  Provides strategic guidance to top management regarding effective communications approaches.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

•    Contributes to marketing effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues that must be addressed; producing innovative solutions; communicating information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommending options and courses of action; implementing directives and delivering results.

•    Plans and executes a marketing strategy for Alliant EB, defines objectives, identifies key success indicators, oversees marketing strategy implementation, measures results, and achieves successful outcomes.

•    Oversee all media relations including press releases, strategic relationships with insurance industry focused editors and writers, editorial placement, award submissions, and speaking opportunities.

•    Evaluates, and authorizes all forms of communication regarding the division for release to the public.

•    Researches trends in the industry and activities of competitors, evaluates various inputs, and adjusts the organization's marketing and communication plans accordingly.

•    Collaborates closely with Producers and RFP Response teams to develop strategies that will optimize revenue, market share, and deliver measurable results.

•    Develops and continually improves the company’s brand strategy.

•    Prepares and manages all communications materials.

•    Provides marketing and communication expertise which increases sales and lead generation efforts.

•    Plans and directs marketing projects from start to finish.

•    Increases market awareness by developing and executing marketing plans for brokerage groups and directing promotional support.

•    Oversees social media marketing strategy and content marketing.

•    Remains highly responsive to and regularly engages with executive leadership and sales teams.

•    Promotes a culture of a sales-driven marketing organization.

•    Provides management oversight of entire marketing department staff to ensure a high level of execution through delegating, monitoring assignments and projects, mentoring, motivating, planning, appraising work performance, and initiating corrective actions if necessary.

•    Oversees and engages with graphic design team to create sales presentations, templates, brochures, and advertisements.

•    Prepares and administers an annual marketing and communications budget, schedules expenditures, analyzes variances, and revises budget numbers.

•    Manages media relations and develops contacts with media members and community leaders.

•    Creates and manages a calendar of events such as podcasts, webinars, conferences and thought leadership contributions

•    Manages the organization of sponsorships, conferences, trade shows and major events.

•    Provides tools and materials to enable the sales team to function effectively.

•    Negotiates with media agencies and secure agreements on the production of promotional materials.

•    Actively supports the professional development of the marketing staff by providing mentorship, educational and experiential growth opportunities.

•    Provides tools and resources to enable the marketing team to execute and deliver.

•    Engages with outside marketing consultants, as needed.

•    Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE 

Bachelor's Degree in business, marketing, or communications, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Ten (10) or more years experience developing and driving marketing and communications strategies which integrate analytics, B2B, brand, and digital marketing with successful outcomes

Five (5) or more years executive-level leadership experience

Experience which includes an increasing level of responsibilities in various aspects of marketing and communications; including digital marketing, graphic design, marketing automation, and public relations

Experience with Salesforce or other customer relationship management software

Experience with sales enablement, graphic design, and marketing campaign technologies (e.g., Seismic, Adobe Creative Suite, Asana)

Experience in the insurance industry as a high competency management stakeholder preferred

SKILLS

Strong knowledge of all aspects of marketing and communications, including applying best practices

Knowledge of market research, including knowledge of tools, techniques for collecting, collating, and analyzing information about existing or potential markets and market needs

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, effective communication, leadership technique, organizational methodologies, and coordination of people and resources

Proficiency in all Microsoft applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems

Skill in conceptualizing innovative marketing strategies in support of business growth

Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills

Skill in talent management through motivating, developing, and directing employee work performance

Ability to understand and express opposing points of view while maintaining positive working relationships

Ability to interact diplomatically with diverse groups of individuals at all organizational levels

Ability to work collaboratively and build strategic relationships with others

Ability to develop objectives, evaluate effectiveness, and assess needs

Ability to leverage technology to drive strategy

Ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget

#LI-REMOTE

#LI-AQ1