Director of Marketing And Development

POSITION SUMMARYThe Marketing & Development Director is responsible for leading the marketing, communications, brand development, sponsorship, fundraising, and revenue-development efforts of Uptown Columbus, Inc. The position plays a key role in promoting Uptown as a premier destination to Live. Work. Play. and Shop!This position is responsible for developing and implementing integrated marketing and development strategies that increase awareness, visitation, engagement, partnerships, sponsorship revenue, private support, and economic activity throughout Uptown.The Director works closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, businesses, community partners, tourism organizations, event partners, sponsors, media, and other stakeholders to tell the Uptown story and advance the organization's strategic priorities. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES1. Marketing & Brand StrategyDevelop and execute Uptown's annual marketing and communications strategy.Maintain and strengthen the Uptown brand and its position as the Heartbeat of the City.Promote Uptown as a destination for residents, visitors, businesses, families, and tourists.Develop campaigns that promote Uptown's restaurants, retail, businesses, events, entertainment, recreation, RiverWalk, attractions, and public spaces.Coordinate seasonal and special-event marketing campaigns.Develop strategies to increase visitation, length of stay, repeat visitation, and local spending.Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all Uptown platforms and materials.2. Public Relations & MediaDevelop positive media relationships and proactively promote Uptown initiatives, events, businesses, projects, and success stories.Prepare press releases, media advisories, talking points, feature stories, and other communications.Coordinate media interviews and promotional opportunities with the President & CEO and appropriate staff.Identify opportunities to position Uptown in local, regional, and national media.Help manage the organization's public messaging and reputation.3. Sponsorship & DevelopmentDevelop and implement an annual sponsorship and development strategy.Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate, foundation, individual, and community partners.Develop sponsorship packages and proposals for Uptown programs, events, marketing initiatives, and special projects.Maintain a comprehensive sponsorship/development pipeline.Track prospects, commitments, renewals, deliverables, and revenue.Build long-term relationships with sponsors and donors.Identify new sources of unrestricted and project-specific revenue.Assist the President & CEO and Board with major donor and corporate-development opportunities.Coordinate sponsor recognition and fulfillment to ensure commitments are delivered.4. Fundraising & GrantsIdentify grant opportunities that align with Uptown's strategic priorities.Coordinate grant research, applications, supporting materials, and reporting.Develop funding proposals for capital projects, placemaking, public spaces, events, tourism, transportation, safety, and other initiatives.Maintain a calendar of grant opportunities, deadlines, awards, and reporting requirements.Work with the President & CEO and appropriate staff to develop measurable outcomes for funded projects.5. Events & PromotionsSupport the marketing and revenue strategy for Uptown events and programs.Develop promotional campaigns designed to increase attendance and economic impact.Coordinate event sponsorship opportunities and sponsor activation.Work with event partners, businesses, tourism organizations, and community groups to maximize cross-promotion.Evaluate event marketing performance and recommend improvements.Help identify opportunities to create new events, programs, and experiences that generate visitation and revenue.6. Tourism & Economic VitalityPromote Uptown as a regional destination and tourism asset.Work with Visit Columbus, Columbus Chamber, City partners, hotels, attractions, restaurants, retailers, and other stakeholders to increase visitation.Develop collaborative marketing opportunities that encourage visitors to explore Uptown, stay longer, and spend locally.Support major tourism opportunities, including sporting events, festivals, conventions, and regional events.Help communicate Uptown's economic impact and value to the community.7. Business & Community PartnershipsDevelop strong relationships with Uptown businesses, property owners, community organizations, tourism partners, educational institutions, and civic organizations.Create opportunities for Uptown businesses to participate in marketing campaigns and promotional initiatives.Identify opportunities for collaborative promotions and cross-marketing.Serve as a resource and connector for businesses looking to promote their Uptown presence.Help strengthen the overall Uptown experience for businesses, residents, and visitors.8. Board & Organizational SupportPrepare regular marketing and development reports for the President & CEO and Board of Directors.Provide measurable updates on marketing performance, sponsorships, fundraising, media exposure, digital engagement, and campaign results.Assist with development of annual goals, budgets, work plans, and performance measures.Participate in Board, committee, staff, and community meetings as requested.Represent Uptown professionally at community events and partner meetings.KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURESThe Marketing & Development Director will be evaluated based on measurable outcomes, including:MarketingGrowth in digital reach and engagementWebsite traffic and email engagementCampaign performanceMedia coverage and earned media valueGrowth in Uptown visitation and engagement where measurableDevelopmentAnnual sponsorship revenueNew sponsors and donor prospectsSponsorship renewalsCorporate and foundation supportGrant applications and awardsFundraising pipeline developmentPartnershipsNumber and quality of business/community partnershipsCollaborative marketing initiativesTourism and regional promotional partnershipsSponsor and partner satisfactionEventsEvent attendanceSponsorship revenueMarketing reachEconomic/visitor impact where measurableSuccessful sponsor activation and fulfillmentREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, business, nonprofit management, development, tourism, or a related field preferred.Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, development, fundraising, tourism, economic development, nonprofit management, or a related field.Demonstrated success developing marketing campaigns and partnerships.Demonstrated ability to generate sponsorship or development revenue.Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.Experience managing social media and digital marketing platforms.Strong project management and organizational skills.Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.Ability to build relationships with businesses, sponsors, donors, community leaders, media, and public partners.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common digital marketing tools.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience in destination marketing, downtown development, tourism, events, or community development.Nonprofit fundraising or development experience.Experience securing corporate sponsorships and grants.Experience working with boards, civic organizations, municipalities, or public-private partnerships.Knowledge of the Columbus, Georgia region and its business, tourism, arts, recreation, and community landscape. TO APPLYSend cover letter and resume detailing experience. No phone calls or visits, please. By email: stephen@uptowncolumbusga.com Include Job Title in the subject line