Job Description
Job Description
Marketing Director Job Description
About the Hattiesburg Convention Commission
The Hattiesburg Convention Commission manages and promotes a diverse portfolio of premier attractions that serve as the cornerstone of tourism and economic development in the Hattiesburg area. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents while attracting visitors from across the region and beyond through exceptional venues, cultural experiences, and entertainment offerings.
Our Portfolio Includes:
Lake Terrace Convention Center - State-of-the-art facility for meetings, conventions, and events
Saenger Theater - Historic venue for live performances and cultural events
Hattiesburg Pocket Museum - Innovative cultural attraction
Sixth Street Museum District - African American Military History Museum, historic Eureka School, historic Smith Drug Company, Oseola McCarty House Museum (opening fall 2025), Moeller Military Vehicle Museum (in construction), and Generations Strong Wall
Hattiesburg Zoo - Beloved family attraction
Serengeti Springs Water Park - Exciting seasonal recreation facility
The Lawn at Lake Terrace - Outdoor concert venue
Hattiesburg Visitors Center - Tourism information and services
Position Overview
The Marketing Director serves as the strategic leader and visionary for all marketing, advertising, and promotional efforts across our diverse portfolio of attractions. This executive-level position requires a proven marketing professional who can effectively coordinate and execute comprehensive marketing strategies that drive visitor engagement, increase revenue, and enhance the reputation of our varied venues while working collaboratively with individual facility managers.
The successful candidate will develop and implement integrated marketing campaigns that showcase the unique value proposition of each facility while creating synergies across the entire portfolio. This role demands exceptional leadership skills to oversee graphic artists and marketing staff, astute budget management capabilities, and the strategic acumen to determine the most effective advertising channels and promotional strategies for our diverse range of attractions.
Essential Responsibilities
Strategic Marketing Leadership
- Develop comprehensive annual and multi-year marketing strategies for all facilities
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities
- Create detailed marketing plans with specific goals, target audiences, messaging strategies, and performance metrics
- Establish and maintain cohesive brand identity across all facilities while respecting each venue's unique character
- Stay current with industry best practices and emerging marketing technologies
Team Leadership and Staff Management
- Provide direct supervision to graphic artists, social media marketers, and marketing staff
- Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate marketing team members
- Develop clear performance standards and provide constructive feedback
- Coordinate multiple marketing campaigns across various facilities and deadlines
- Foster collaboration between marketing team and facility managers
Cross-Facility Coordination
- Work effectively with facility managers responsible for day-to-day operations and programming
- Understand unique operational requirements, target audiences, and marketing needs of each venue
- Support convention center lead generation, theater show marketing, museum educational outreach, and family attraction campaigns
- Respond to immediate marketing needs while maintaining long-term strategic focus
Campaign Development and Execution
- Conceptualize and execute comprehensive marketing campaigns for each facility
- Utilize multiple marketing disciplines: traditional advertising, digital marketing, social media, content marketing, public relations
- Oversee creation of all marketing materials maintaining consistent brand standards
- Manage website, SEO, social media strategy, email marketing, and online advertising
- Handle crisis communication and reputation management
Performance Measurement and Analytics
- Establish comprehensive systems for measuring marketing effectiveness across all facilities
- Develop relevant KPIs for each facility's objectives
- Use analytics tools to gather data for strategic decision-making
- Conduct post-campaign analysis and present findings with recommendations
- Drive continuous improvement through data-driven insights
Budget Management
- Develop, manage, and optimize the organization's marketing budget across all facilities
- Negotiate with vendors, media outlets, and service providers for optimal rates and terms
- Monitor expenditures, track performance metrics, and make real-time adjustments
- Implement ROI measurement systems and provide regular reports to senior leadership
- Justify marketing investments through detailed cost-benefit analysis
Public Relations and Community Engagement
- Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets and community organizations
- Write and distribute press releases, coordinate media interviews, organize press events
- Identify newsworthy stories and angles for different types of media outlets
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Hospitality Management, or related field
- Master's degree preferred
- Professional certifications from American Marketing Association, Digital Marketing Institute, Google Analytics, HubSpot, or industry-specific organizations viewed favorably
Experience
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive marketing experience
- At least 5 years in senior marketing management role with supervisory responsibilities
- Experience in tourism marketing, hospitality marketing, entertainment venue marketing, or cultural institution marketing highly preferred
- Proven success developing and executing marketing strategies for multiple venues or diverse product lines
- Experience managing marketing budgets with demonstrated ability to achieve measurable results
- Leadership experience including direct supervision of marketing staff and creative professionals
Core Competencies
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strategic thinking and analytical abilities
- Project management expertise
- Creative problem-solving capabilities
- Technology proficiency including marketing software platforms, CMS, social media tools, email marketing, and analytics
- Financial management skills including budget development, expense tracking, and vendor negotiations
Preferred Qualifications
- Tourism marketing or themed attraction marketing experience
- Advanced proficiency in marketing automation platforms and CRM systems
- Event marketing and promotion experience
- Experience working with creative teams and understanding of design principles
- Strong leadership qualities with emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity
- Adaptability, attention to detail, innovation, and creativity
Application Requirements
Required Materials:
- Detailed resume highlighting relevant marketing experience, educational background, and professional achievements
- Cover letter addressing interest in the position, relevant marketing experience, and vision for marketing our diverse portfolio
- Three professional references including former supervisors, colleagues, and direct reports
- Portfolio materials strongly encouraged: examples of successful marketing campaigns, creative materials, strategic plans, or other work products demonstrating marketing expertise
Selection Process:
The selection process includes multiple stages to thoroughly evaluate qualifications, experience, and organizational fit. Initial screening focuses on education, experience, and basic qualifications. Qualified candidates will be invited for comprehensive interviews that may include marketing strategy presentations, case study discussions, and meetings with senior leadership. Final candidates may participate in facility tours and additional stakeholder meetings.
Apply Today
This position represents an exceptional opportunity for an experienced marketing professional to lead comprehensive marketing efforts for a diverse and dynamic portfolio of attractions. Join an organization committed to excellence, innovation, and growth, with the support and resources necessary to develop and execute effective marketing strategies that drive visitation, revenue, and positive community impact.
If you are passionate about marketing excellence and excited to shape the future of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission's outstanding portfolio of attractions, we encourage you to apply.
*The Hattiesburg Convention Commission is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.*