Marketing & Communications Manager

Smithbucklin, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the association market, with primary offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C. is looking for a Marketing and Communications Manager to join its Chicago office. The Marketing and Communications Manager uses market information and key strategies to help Smithbucklin client organizations achieve their marketing goals. The selected individual is expected to lead the delivery of varied services, including brand and messaging development, strategic communications, creative development, member acquisition marketing, event and convention marketing, market research, and public relations that go beyond the successful execution of program and campaign deliverables.  

At Smithbucklin, we embody a culture driven by optimism, ambition, expertise, and thoughtfulness, where every team member is empowered to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Join us in shaping the future of association management, where our values serve as the cornerstone of our success.

What You Will Do:    

• Develop, lead, and manage integrated marketing and communications campaigns for 4-6 client organizations comprised of trade associations and professional societies in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Develop and deliver marketing plans and activities, including market assessment and analysis, objectives and key strategies, new tactics and channels, and tactical analysis.
• Develop and deliver digital marketing strategies and tactics, including SEO, SEM, content marketing, and digital advertising.
• Develop and manage client marketing budgets, including tracking and reporting.
• Manage and engage teams in the implementation of marketing campaigns, including organizing and delegating project roles/responsibilities, managing team performance, and ensuring a quality product and timely delivery.
• Develop, cultivate, and maintain relationships with client leadership and other team members

Foundational Qualifications:    

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of marketing and communications experience.
• Proven track record for designing, leading, implementing, and tracking the performance of traditional and digital marketing and communications campaigns.
• Proficient in budgeting and financial management.
• Strong people management and project management skills.
• Proficient in using core Microsoft applications, including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word, and social media, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
• Ability to travel 10% of the time.     

Preferred Qualifications:     

• B.A./B.S. with a concentration in strategic/integrated communications, marketing, or business.
• Experience working in a collaborative, matrixed environment (agency or professional services firm experience is a plus), and/or experience working for an AMC or association.
• Proficient in HTML, basic coding, marketing automation, and digital advertising applications.