Managing Director, Marketing and Communications Job Summary:

We're looking for a Managing Director, Marketing and Communications to join a well-established and well-known company in Herndon, VA. Currently, this position is 100% telework, however, as the company starts to return to our new normal, a hybrid work pattern, this position may be required to periodically work onsite, and the frequency would depend on the department/division's requirements. Therefore, candidates must either reside within a reasonable distance to commute to the office or be willing to travel to the office in Herndon, VA, when required.

Are you passionate about social media, buying digital media, and helping with lead generation? Do you understand search engine marketing (SEM)? Do you want to develop content strategy for both enterprise and education solutions? If this is all ringing true to you, read on.

Come join the largest nonprofit education data company in the country and drive content, brand, marketing, and communications strategies. This role is the senior marketing role in the organization and will drive the company's overarching messaging to the market and key stakeholders across the education and workforce industries and the multiple stakeholders that serve learners throughout their journey. This role will help shape and define the development of the company's voice and brand in the marketplace through holistic marketing and communications strategies. The edu-workforce ecosystem is undergoing a major transformation and disruption and the company sits at the epicenter of the data and research insights generation of this historic transition. Our marketing and communications functions will serve as foundational elements to communicate the company's evolving brand of relevance in this space.

Managing Director, Marketing and Communications Responsibilities:

• Manage an agile, and highly collaborative team to develop integrated customer-centric marketing and communications to our expansive customer and stakeholder groups.
• Collaborate with sales and product teams across the company to highlight our portfolio of products and services and enhance our reputation within the industries and across the customer segments we support.
• Oversee the development, management, and delivery of an integrated marketing and communications strategy for the company, including digital marketing, social media, brand execution and direct marketing, and support our customer experience strategy.
• Responsible for the oversight and leadership of the Corporate Marketing and Communications teams, including creating and executing strategies that proactively build and maintain our reputation in the market and position the company and our products.
• Manage the company's crisis communications plan.
• Oversee and lead the company's media relations activities, including developing media events, press conferences, and targeted media communications, such as article placements and interviews.
• Build a team-based environment that aligns with company values, ways of working, and competencies.
• Recruit and select the best talent to help optimize skills and experiences and motivate and manage staff to maximize productivity and efficiency.
• Develop and manage career development and advancement opportunities at the company through MAPS conversations, developing and reporting on performance and goals, and defining and monitoring training and development plans to ensure job and career satisfaction.
• Ensure staff is adequately trained and provide guidance as needed.
• Monitor employee performance and conduct appraisals.
• Reward employees using formal and informal methods.

Managing Director, Marketing and Communications Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of directly related experience, specifically including demonstrated experience leading a corporate marketing organization. A combination of education and experience, including military service, will be considered.
• 10+ years of experience in digital and direct marketing and communications experience in the education industry.
• 10+ years of experience in campaign building and execution (e.g., for promotion of our monthly publications).
• 10+ years of experience in media management strategies, including press release and conference-related engagements.
• 5+ years of experience leading a diverse team or function, in all aspects of complex, cross-functional, large-scale projects, in a fast paced and highly competitive ever-changing data environment.
• Ability to lead cross functional teams in the development and implementation of corporate wide marketing and communications strategies.
• Ability to use the latest digital marketing and communications tools.
• Ability to build and manage multi-product and corporate brand marketing and communications and utilize digital media in both a B2B and B2C capacity.
• Ability to work in an agile team environment and achieve results within a team environment
• Inspirational and dynamic executive leadership capabilities.
• Deep demonstrated understanding of the principles of digital marketing and brand building.
• Excellent analytical skills and detail oriented.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communications and presentation skills with the proven ability to effectively communicate at detailed operational, technical and strategic levels.
• Proven track record of facilitating cross-departmental issue identification, problem solving, and resolution.
• Making complex decisions - Expected to be a methodical problem-solver, including effectively identifying a problem by gathering information, finding and evaluating alternatives, selecting and implementing the best alternative, and monitoring and evaluating results.
• Being flexible and adaptable - Positive and professional attitude with the demonstrated ability to adapt to and work within a fast-paced team environment and achieve results.
• Building collaborative relationships and optimizing diverse talent - Demonstrated ability to develop and lead a team in a positive and professional manner with a proven track record of facilitating cross-departmental issue identification, problem solving, and resolution.
• Focusing on performance - Highly customer-centric and service-oriented with the ability to understand, execute, and meet customer expectations.
• While this is a "remote first" role, must be willing to travel to the corporate headquarters in Herndon, VA, industry conferences and client visits.

Qualified candidates should apply below AND call Sparks Group for additional details. Please note, resume must include a valid email address in order to be considered. We look forward to discussing your background, your current job search, and your potential career path with Sparks Group!

Sparks Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship, family status, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

This Position Requires U.S. Citizenship

This Position May Either Require COVID-19 Vaccination or Regular Testing