Description:
About the Organization
TechTown is Wayne State's entrepreneurship hub. We empower Detroit-based startups and local businesses by providing resources, collaborative workspace and education for entrepreneurs that will further accelerate inclusive economic development across Detroit.
About the Opportunity
The Strategic Brand Manager is responsible for building and executing a creative marketing strategy that sets TechTown Detroit apart from its competitors, builds high visibility and deep connection to brand and helps drive the organization toward fulfilling its goals. The Strategic Brand Manager oversees all identity-related aspects of marketing and ensures both internal and external communication materials are on brand.
The Strategic Brand Manager has a deep understanding of TechTown's goals (overall goals, programmatic goals and marketing and communications-specific goals) and is a proactive impact player in presenting innovative and effective strategies to help teams reach target audiences and said goals through brand messaging and storytelling. A successful candidate in this role will embrace the full scope of work by TechTown and Wayne State University's Division of Economic Development (DEED) including 20+ unique programs and services offered through its collective mission.
The Strategic Brand Manager will be actively hands-on in both leading brand engagement and executing in creation of materials the marketing and communications team is responsible for. This role supports both TechTown Detroit and Wayne State University's Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development marketing and communications needs.
Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Strategic Brand Manager will collaborate closely with the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, the Digital Marketing Manager, other members of the Marketing and Communications team, internal and external stakeholders across TechTown, Wayne State University and its Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.
The Impact You Will Make:
Branding and Creative Direction
- Collaborates within the Marketing and Communications team and across the organization to accelerate goals and amplify the visibility of programs, services, and initiatives.
- Proactively presents creative solutions and problem-solving strategies that drive TechTown toward organizational alignment and successful outcomes.
- Confidently leads strategy on and produces all creative-based elements of TechTown's work ranging from social media graphics to video storyboarding, from art directing photography to creating event flyers.
- Ensures all external and internal marketing and communications assets uphold alignment with the organization's brand identity.
- Stays in sync with digital trends, social media trends, in-person creative solutions and trends, etc.
- Leads strategy on and executes creative direction, graphic and visual design, human-centered design thinking, and user-focused design.
- Works closely with the Marketing and Communications team, internal teams, and external stakeholders to ensure project management deadlines and tasks are met.
- Manages external vendors on marketing and creative project management deadlines and tasks.
- Actively creates creative assets and collateral for TechTown including, but not limited to: small business services, tech-based programs, collaborative workspaces, Ops+, and administrative teams as needed
Strategy
- Conducts research and presents solution-focused reports on competitors within the small business, tech, and innovation ecosystem as well as the collaborative workspace ecosystem.
- Has a deep understanding of the ecosystems TechTown exists in and uses brand expertise to amplify the organization's voice.
- Understand how to reach unique and segmented target audiences through traditional and non-traditional platforms and spaces.
- Works in tandem with program staff to understand and inform creative solutions to market TechTown over competitors.
Requirements:
What You Will Bring to the Table:
- Broad knowledge and previous experience to guide the organization's marketing and communications efforts including creative direction, graphic design, visual storytelling, content marketing, digital marketing, social media marketing, market research, user experience, and user journey design
- A deep personal commitment to equity, inclusivity, and impact-based work
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in art and creative direction, brand management, and/or brand strategy in an editorial or agency setting
- Must be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite programs: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere
- Must be proficient in Microsoft 356 programs: Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, OneDrive
- Shows knowledge of and interest in harnessing AI tools and resources
- Requires basic knowledge in WordPress, project management tools, Canva
- Understanding of nonprofit and/or Detroit's entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem preferred
To Apply:
Please apply by submitting your 1.) application, 2.) cover letter, and 3.) portfolio of previous work samples in the "Upload Additional Files" section. Only applications with all required items will be considered for the role.
Salary:
The budgeted salary range for this position starts at $70,000 and may be adjusted according to qualifications and experience.
The Perks:
echTown offers generous health and dental plans as well as vision, life insurance, short-term disability, a 401(k) plan, and a team member assistance program. Full-time team members also receive:
- 100% TechTown paid Life, STD, and LTD benefits
- Wellness Inspired Workplace with a Wellness Program and onsite Wellness Room
- 5 Weeks of paid time off per year
- 23 paid holidays (including 2 weeks in December and 1 week in July)
- 12 Paid Mental Health Days per year (one per month)
- $2500 Professional development stipend
- Retirement plan with employer matching up to 6%.
- Paid parental leave
- Creativity and innovation supported and encouraged by leadership
- Fulfillment and the knowledge of having made an impact in Detroit's economic growth
Work Arrangements:
Most TechTown team members (including this position) are assigned to work remotely (with occasional in-person collaborative meetings required).
Accessibility:
At TechTown Detroit, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all team members, clients, and tenants feel valued, respected, and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live in and serve, and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential.If you are a candidate with a disability and need an accommodation to complete the application process, email our Human Resources department at Careers@TechTownDetroit.org. Include your full name, the best way to reach you, and the accommodation needed to assist you with the application process.
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