Senior Manager, 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

Senior Manager, Marketing
Job
Full-time
Office/WFH
100% remote
5/30/2025
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

Summary/Objective:

The Senior Manager, Marketing is 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 Senior Manager has a deep understanding and experience in marketing principles and tactics, as well as a full understanding of IFT’s mission and audiences. The Senior Manager has expertise in developing, executing, and evaluating integrated marketing communications strategies, as well as implementing corresponding tactical plans designed to support program goals. The Senior Manager is committed to communicating the value of the IFT brand and is instrumental in the achievement of IFT’s organizational goals.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Supports the achievement of IFT’s business goals through the ideation, planning, development, execution, and ongoing assessment of marketing program metrics and strategy
  • Conducts audience assessment, channel assessment, and selection utilizing data to influence strategic plan development
  • Has a strong focus on demand and lead generation
  • Engages with and manages expectations of various stakeholders, including senior leadership and external partners
  • Has a deep understanding of how to generate and use marketing data to identify insights, drive revenue and increase engagement of key audiences
  • Serves as a key partner and counselor with other IFT staff, understanding their goals and timelines to proactively develop plans and approaches that engage audiences and drive results
  • Demonstrates a clear understanding of IFT audiences through work with the Channel Strategy and Implementation team in addition to using audience assessments, channel assessment, and selection utilizing data to influence strategic plan execution
  • Responsible for effective marketing and communication plan development and adherence, project management, copywriting, design oversight, and social media content development coordination
  • Partners closely across the full Integrated Communications team 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 

IFT FIRST Focused Responsibilities:

  • Works in close collaboration with VP, Meeting and Exhibit Experiences, along with the team, to develop a full-year marketing and awareness plan for IFT FIRST
  • Leads the creation and execution of the IFT FIRST marketing strategy to communicate the value proposition and experience for members, prospective members, attendees, exhibitors, and other stakeholders
  • Manages the IFT FIRST Marketing and Communications budget by comparing monthly actuals against planned spend and providing reforecasts, processes invoices, manages production costs and vendor subscriptions
  • Partners closely 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
  • Uses deep understanding of event management, marketing and audience engagement techniques to identify physical and virtual traffic patterns and insights
  • Develops and implements innovative approaches to reach new audiences to increase registration at IFT FIRST with an eye toward attracting audiences and exhibitors that further IFT’s impact across the global food system
  • Works in close partnership with the Sales and Meetings teams to develop marketing strategies, messages and materials for external events
  • Directly involved in development of content and branding materials related to IFT FIRST, including website, social media, mobile app, signage, etc., aligning brand to overall IFT brand identity
  • Works cross-functionally to ensure clarity and simplicity in messaging and approach to create an engaging and frictionless experience for audiences
  • Identifies and contracts with external resources needed to assist in achieving goals and works with the VP, Meeting and Exhibit Experiences, and Senior Director, Marketing & Communication Strategy to gain approvals as needed

Travel Required:

Occasional domestic travel is expected including the ability to attend occasional evening, weekend, and overnight meetings

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or equivalent
  • 5+ years of related experience in a similar position, preferably at an association or in an education-focused environment
  • 5+ years of experience owning and managing the marketing for several product lines at one time
  • 5+ years of demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely with exceptionally strong communication skills
  • 5+ years of experience of successfully building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
  • 3+ years of experience in demand and lead generation efforts specifically focused on events
  • Strong computer skills including proficiency 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: $90,000 To 95,000 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. To learn more about IFT and our excellent benefits, please visit our career page: https://www.ift.org/about-ift/work-at-ift



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