Tompkins Chamber
Job Description

 Tompkins Chamber is hiring!  The Marketing & Communications Specialist will support the mission, strategy, and work plan goals of the Tompkins Chamber and Chamber Foundation through implementation of comprehensive integrated communications and marketing strategies for the organization and its brands and initiatives; support well-designed and frequently updated websites; effective development of content and storytelling across multiple platforms; and conducting outreach to meet the needs of members and partners.

The pay range for this position is $23.00-$31.00, dependent on relevant experience and career tenure. This is a full-time position at 37.5 hours per week. Typical work week schedule is 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, with limited events after hours (approximately 1-2 per month). We are a flexible, hybrid workplace, with main offices located in Ithaca’s West End. Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401K match, PTO, paid vacation time, paid holidays, and a wellness program, among others.
 
Our workplace is highly collaborative, mission-driven, and committed to supporting a healthy work-life integration.
 
Please see below for additional details on job duties, essential functions, and the candidate profile. Interested parties should answer all five assessment questions listed at the bottom of this posting, and submit a resume to the attention of Carly Hansen, Director of Operations and HR, at chansen@tompkinschamber.org. Partial submissions will not be considered. The application window closes at 5:00pm on Tuesday, February 25th. 
 
JOB DUTIES:

Chamber Website, Communications, and PR Management (60%)
Under supervision of the President and in collaboration with other Chamber & CVB team members, implement a holistic and effective annual marketing and communications strategy to support the organization’s goals and objectives, including:

Website:
  • Lead efforts to ensure Chamber website is accurate, up to date, and supports the mission and goals of the organization, representing our portfolio of events, member benefits, and community impact. 
  • Structure website and create/manage process in more efficient ways for integration of regular Chamber communications, blogs, and events/program information.
  • Analyze website performance and implement effective SEO strategies to improve performance and traffic.
 Social media & email marketing:
  • Enhance the Chamber’s profile on social media platforms; build following on all platforms and improve on measurable outcomes.
  • Regularly post enriching content and updates provided by colleagues and members; support goal of increasing event attendance through social media promotions.
  • Prepare and send eblasts or other member email communications, including weekly Chambergram newsletter.
  • Support promotion of programs/funding opportunities such as grants and other initiatives of Chamber, Foundation, or CVB.
 Advertising Placement & Sales:
  • Manage placement of advertising in multiple formats to support implementation of marketing plan, utilizing annual marketing budget. Advertising vehicles include print, web, radio, and other local avenues determined to meet organization’s goals.
Content Development & Program Management
  • Coordinate Member Milestones Program - in collaboration with Member Relationship Manager - communicating with members, Cayuga Radio Group, and distributing content via e-newsletter and social media.
Other communications, branding, PR elements of role:
  • Monitor progress on marketing, advertising, and brand related work and submit a monthly summary/report of progress to the President, for inclusion in Board and stakeholder report.
  • Lead implementation of Chamber brand across multiple platforms, utilizing brand guide, strategic plan, and annual work plan as guides.
  • Design logos, program graphics, presentations, etc. to align with brand and convey desired image.
  • In coordination with the President, write and disseminate press releases for newsworthy items and programs to media contact list; manage media contact list in email list and database formats; keep up to date.

Program, Budget, and Administrative Responsibilities (25%)
  • Implementation of member advertising purchases including the website, eblasts, print relocation/community guide, and Chambergram.
  • Participate in annual marketing planning, budgeting, and communication.
  • Monitor progress on marketing, advertising, and brand related work and submit a monthly summary/report of progress to the President, for inclusion in Board and stakeholder report.

Event Engagement & Other Duties as Assigned (15%)
  • Photograph/document Chamber events and programs to develop content library and support social media goals
  • Attend webinars, conferences, and other professional development opportunities which support work plan goals and growth in role with organization.
  • Oversee work outcomes of part time intern, if resources allow/intern available to support marketing & communications work.
 
Candidate Profile & Position Requirements

Desired Education & Experience: At least three years’ related work experience, with demonstrable skills applicable to work scope described herein. High school degree or equivalent required, some college, associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. Marketing and communications experience required; social media content development, posting, account management experience required; website design/maintenance experience desired; sales/sponsor development experience ideal; graphic design background desired; budget development/administration and public relations/media relations experience are desired.

Desired Characteristics: Strong oral and written communications skills; inquisitive and entrepreneurial nature; effective time management; taking initiative and exercising creativity; attention to detail; planning, organizing, and ability to execute on deadline. The ability to lead and manage projects independently is desired, as is understanding the benefits of a workplace culture encouraging and elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Additional criteria, working conditions, or technology used: Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams; Zoom/virtual environments; PowerPoint; Adobe Suite; Canva web-based design software; Chambermaster/CRM database; Constant Contact/email platform; website software; social media apps/management software.
 
Training & Development: All staff members are expected to participate in regular staff training sessions and team development opportunities, pursue professional development opportunities deemed mutually beneficial to the individual and organization and as budget allows, and to participate earnestly in diversity, equity, and inclusion educational offerings and discussions. 

PERFORMANCE FACTORS:
Overall goals for the role will include:
  • Successful integrated marketing strategies for all Chamber/Chamber Foundation needs
  • growth in social media following/engagement in various platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter/X)
  • growth in website analytics, traffic, reach
  • growth in advertising/sponsorship revenue annually
  • comprehensive brand integration across platforms, websites, and organizational printed materials/giveaways
 
The Chamber is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion; candidates who share these values and who can support us in achieving our goals in this area are encouraged to apply.

Assessment Questions:
Please answer all five questions to be considered for this position:
  • What are the most reliable measurements of website performance?
  • How do you determine what type of content is appropriate for different social media platforms?
  • Please describe an example of content you have successfully developed.
  • How would you convey the value of an event to an email marketing audience?
  • Do you have experience creating visual content using brand guides?
 
Contact Information