Jobs · Marketing · Michigan

Communications and Marketing Manager

Acton Institute · Grand Rapids, MI · 2 mo ago
On-siteMarketingFull-time

Position Summary

The Marketing Manager is an entrepreneurial, mission-driven communicator who will help lead Acton's core marketing functions while driving high-impact initiatives that elevate the organization's reputation and reach. This position blends strategic planning, digital communications leadership, and initiative management.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Communications Planning

  • Collaborate with the Vice President of Communications and Marketing to evolve Acton's brand and modernize its messaging to resonate with diverse audiences.

  • Research, recommend and implement emerging best practices in email, social, and digital communications.

  • Partner across the organization to ensure alignment between strategic initiatives and organizational goals.

  • Social Media and Digital Communications

  • Guide Acton's social media presence across platforms, including content strategy and development, scheduling, and performance tracking and optimization.

  • Develop and execute paid social advertising campaigns to reach target audiences and achieve defined KPIs.

  • Monitor trends, engagement, and audience growth to continuously refine Acton's social strategy.

  • Email Communications and List Management

  • Lead Acton's email communications program including newsletters, announcements, and campaign messaging.

  • Oversee list segmentation, subscriber hygiene, and third-party list auditing tools to maintain a clean and effective contact database.

  • Continuously research new techniques to optimize audience engagement and deliverability.

  • Design and Production Support

  • Produce visual assets using Canva and periodically oversee the work of contracted graphic designers to ensure brand consistency and quality.

  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is helpful.

  • Serve as a resource for podcast production, filming, and audio recording as needed; prior experience or education in these areas is a plus.

  • Vendor Oversight and Project Management

  • Manage day-to-day relationships with third-party vendors supporting communications, marketing, and initiative delivery.

  • Apply strong project management skills to keep multiple initiatives on track simultaneously.

  • Identify new vendor or platform opportunities that could strengthen Acton's communications capabilities.

  • Media Relations

  • Build and maintain relationships with faith-based journalists, editors, producers, and media outlets across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.

  • Develop and execute proactive media pitches to secure coverage for Acton's programs, publications, scholars, and leadership.

  • Cook up interview requests and media appearances, preparing spokespeople and ensuring follow-through.

  • Work in tandem with the Vice President of Communications and Marketing on media list maintenance, monitoring, and reporting.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, media or film production, or a related field.

  • Seven or more years of experience in marketing, communications, or a related discipline, with demonstrated progression into senior responsibilities.

  • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

  • Experience managing social media platforms, email marketing systems, and list management tools.

  • Experience managing vendor relationships and overseeing third-party partners.

  • Proficiency with Canva; experience with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.

  • Strong project management skills with the ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

  • Demonstrated media relations experience including press outreach, pitching, and placement.

  • A faith-informed perspective and familiarity with faith-based communities and their role in civic life.

  • An entrepreneurial mindset and the initiative to identify, propose, and launch new programs.

  • A flexible disposition and willingness to work outside standard hours for events or deadline-driven needs when needed.

  • A creative mindset with a genuine passion for compelling content and effective storytelling.

  • Understanding of and alignment with Acton's mission.

  • A collaborative, service-oriented, positive, and partnership-driven approach to work.

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