Director, Marketing

Institute of Food Technologists

Envision what the very best minds involved in the science of food can achieve when they work together: providing each and every person on the planet with a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply. Since 1939, IFT has been advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system by creating a dynamic forum where individuals from more than 95 countries can collaborate, learn, and grow, transforming scientific knowledge into innovative solutions for the benefit of people around the world.

Together, we are creating a world where science and innovation are universally viewed as essential to a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for everyone. As a scientific society with vision, IFT is feeding the minds that feed the world.

https://www.ift.org/


Position Details

Director, Marketing
Job
Full-time
Office/WFH
100% remote
6/17/2025
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

Summary/Objective:

The Director, Marketing leads a team of Marketing professionals and together they are directly responsible for the effective marketing of IFT products, services, and programs. This role works cross-functionally with key internal stakeholders and serves as a counselor and partner to drive marketing efforts that increase revenue, enhance the brand and align to IFT’s strategic objectives. The Director has a deep understanding and experience in marketing principles and tactics, as well as a full understanding of IFT’s mission and audiences. The Director has expertise in leading the strategies and work of a team, as well as personally being able to develop, execute, and evaluate integrated marketing communications strategies, as well as implement corresponding tactical plans designed to support program goals. This role is committed to communicating the value of the IFT brand and is instrumental in the achievement of IFT’s organizational goals.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Develops primary strategies and has leadership for IFT Marketing efforts and team
  • Supports the achievement of IFT’s business goals by leading a team and internal partners through the ideation, planning, development, execution, and ongoing assessment of marketing program metrics and strategy
  • Maintains a thorough understanding of target audiences and uses that knowledge to partner with the channels team to identify appropriate channels and implementation activities based on the strategic plans.
  • Understands the full-funnel approach to lead generation and can partner with both the Sales and Channels teams to develop outreach targeted to the right audiences and driven by data.
  • Engages with and manages expectations of various stakeholders, including senior leadership and external partners
  • Serves a key partner and counselor to key stakeholders inside of IFT, understanding their goals and timelines to proactively develop plans and approaches that engage audiences and drive results
  • Partners closely with the Content and Channels teams to use data to guide decisions on content development, timing and channels for marketing initiatives
  • Maintains knowledge in developing industry trends and technologies
  • Ensures compliance with industry and legal regulations and best practices, and adherence to company processes and procedures

Science and Sales Focused Responsibilities:

  • Works in close collaboration with Sales team on sales and sponsorship initiatives by successfully developing and implementing targeted marketing tactics
  • Responsible for all marketing strategies, counsel, and execution for Sales, Knowledge and Learning (KLE) and Science & Policy Initiative offerings (i.e., Journals, Global Food Traceability Center (GFTC) etc.)
  • Has deep understanding of how to drive Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) and implements approaches in collaboration with the VP, Sales
  • Deeply understands how to develop audiences (advertising and programming) to drive increased sales and engagement opportunities
  • Partners closely with IFT FIRST Marketing lead on efforts related to the Scientific Program at IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, providing integrated, strategic marketing to reflect IFT’s role as a convener across the food system
  • Partners with the KLE team to ensure product designs reflect audience needs and align with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Develops and implements integrated marketing strategies to reach new audiences and bolster marketing qualified leads for KLE/GFTC products
  • Is directly involved in the development of any sales and/or science-related content and branding materials for IFT FIRST, including website, social media, mobile app, signage, etc., aligning brand to overall IFT brand identity
  • Partners with the Channels teams to facilitate a scalable email and LinkedIn outreach system focused on creating sales funnels
  • Works cross-functionally to ensure clarity and simplicity in messaging and approach to create an engaging and frictionless experience for audiences
  • Seeks out opportunities to engage with new audience groups to generate increased exposure for KLE/GFTC products, ultimately driving increased sales and revenue

Management Responsibilities:

  • Manages two direct reports
  • Manages external vendor relationships

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or equivalent
  • 8+ years of related experience in a similar position, preferably at an association or in an education-focused environment
  • 8+ years of experience owning and managing the marketing for several product lines at one time
  • 8+ years of demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely with exceptionally strong communication skills
  • 8+ years of experience of successfully building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
  • 5+ years of experience in demand and lead generation efforts in partnership with a sales or advertising team
  • Digitally proficient
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Experience:

  • Experience with HubSpot or a similar email marketing platform
  • Experience with content marketing at a food, health, or scientific organization

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Salary Range: $85,000 to 95,500 Per Year (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
  • Benefits: IFT offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to reward and energize our employees, so they can live a balanced life and maintain their well-being. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans at affordable rates. Life and Long Term Disability insurance is completely free to all employees. Most benefits begin the first of the month following employee’s start date.


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