Marketing Director, Americas, Economist Events

Location: New York

The Economist

With a growing global circulation (worldwide: 1,473,939; North America: 833,667) and a reputation for insightful analysis and opinion on every aspect of world events, The Economist is one of the most widely recognised and well-read current affairs publications. The paper has sections about each region of the world, plus science and technology, books and arts, and the weekly obituary. The website (www.economist.com), with its 5.9 million unique readers, is also accessible through devices including the iPhone and iPad

Summary purpose of job

Economist Events is building a delegate-led, media business focused on developing and delivering content for the ‘ideas people’ who are creating value in the global economy. Convened around subjects like finance and economics to innovation and the role of corporations in society, Economist Events deliver in live and digital form The Economist’s brand vision. Today, our events business facilitates in-person debate and discussion on these topics.

Economist Events seeks a Director of Marketing to grow an expanding business by driving audience acquisition and retention at its live events and online properties. We are seeking a dynamic, media savvy, creative person to manage the marketing efforts and growth of these event franchises. The individual selected for this position must be a high-energy, team-player with excellent communication skills, demonstrated analytical ability, a proven record of meeting revenue goals and a natural sense of urgency. Direct marketing experience is required, and previous experience in live events experience or related media is preferred,as is somebody who has experienced developing and nurturing brands.

The Director of Marketing will:

· Develop and execute a marketing strategy focused on growth for each of the event franchises in the portfolio in the Americas

· Build brands for our Buttonwood, World in and Ideas Economy event franchises.

· Seek information and insight into our target audience and the competitive marketplace.

· Develop branding, direct marketing materials, web and mobile platforms, and publicity campaigns around the portfolio of events.

· Manage the marketing team, create a workflow to accomplish the department’s goals, and deliver consistent reporting and forecasting to management to accurately predict marketing spend and revenues.

· Build strategic relationships with potential partners and associations, including external media,

· Liaise with the sponsorship and programming teams to best execute the goals of the department.

· Provide support for the sales team by managing the RFP and sales development process.

· Build and manage the lead generation system for the sales team.

· Ensure the sales team have the necessary marketing collateral to be able to sell both events and research products.

· Oversee the management of external vendors for new product development.

Key Accountabilities

• Effective communication of marketing strategies to internal and external constituents that includes the development of comprehensive marketing plans for events
• Assist the VP of Research and Events in developing and planning budgets
• Assist in the concept and direction of all testing strategies including offer, creative, format, lists and media mix (email, direct mail, display advertising, search engine optimization, Web marketing, etc).
• Ensure correct test set-up and interpretation of results
• Day-to-day management of the marketing team
• Provide regular written and verbal updates to management covering campaign results, budget re-forecasts, testing, etc.
• Work closely with marketing counterparts in Branding & Communications department to ensure proper branding and positioning.
• Smooth running of the relationship with the sales team.

Decision Rights

· Management of the marketing team, including external agencies, technology vendors and consultants.

· Develop and control the marketing budget.

· Creation, review and approval of branding, marketing and sales materials

· Create and manage partnerships.

Performance Measures

• Meet participant revenue goals for all events.
• Deliver appropriate audiences to events.
• Build awareness, drive web traffic and increase the ‘funnel’ of potential customers.
• Effective forecasting and measurement of results.

Skills and Capabilities profile

Education and training	· BA/BS required; MBA preferred
Previous work experience	· 5+ years of direct marketing experience with a focus on new customer acquisition · Event experience is a plus as is brand development /management
Languages	· Spanish or Portuguese an advantage.
Knowledge and skills	· Experience with developing marketing campaigns · Previous experience building and managing brands (luxury ones a plus) · Knowledge of best practices for marketing events · Familiarity with marketing techniques such as email marketing, search engine optimization, display advertising, print advertising, web marketing and social media strategies · Ability to strategically oversee creative development and execution · Strong analytical skills related to campaign testing and analysis · Familiarity with website development and content management · How sales teams function.
Personal attributes	· A self-starter and natural leader who can operate independently of the VP within agreed upon goals and objectives as well as in a collaborative team environment · Exceptional project management skills · Demonstrated track record of achieving pre-determined goals · Highly organised with excellent attention to detail with the ability to relate to a larger strategy · Commercially driven. · Ability to work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial team oriented environment and manage relationships.

The Economist Group values diversity. We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We welcome applicants regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age.

If you would like to be considered for this challenging position, please submit your letter of interest (Salary Requirements a must) and resume to jobsny@economist.com