Senior Director of Marketing, Communications, and Engagement

With its reputation for actionable research and award-winning innovative solutions, Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is a growing and dynamic organization. AEO is the leading voice of innovation for microfinance and microbusiness. Our mission is to create economic opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs throughout the United States. We engineer transformational change through research, convening, incubation, and advocacy to foster a robust and inclusive marketplace. For more than 30 years, AEO and our member organizations have helped millions of entrepreneurs support themselves and their families while contributing to their communities through business ownership.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Marketing and Communication will lead the strategic development and execution of marketing, branding, and communication initiatives for the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO). This role requires a visionary leader who can drive innovative marketing strategies, enhance brand visibility, lead member engagement and effectively communicate the organization’s mission to various stakeholders. The Senior Director will collaborate closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.

This includes oversight of strategic communications with external audiences, overseeing the agency of record for marketing and communications consultants, and working closely with AEO’s team to identify and maximize opportunities to raise the level of awareness of AEO’s mission and achievements. This should be achieved through a diverse mix of marketing, advertising, media, and strategic engagement campaigns using the full range of traditional and digital tools available.

Responsibilities also include the creation and development of print and online advertising, email marketing, web site management and content development, press releases, bylined articles, white papers, organization videos, and marketing budget development and cost tracking, among other critical functions of marketing, communications and strategic engagement outlined in more detail below:

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning:

  1. Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communication strategies aligned with AEO’s mission and objectives.
  2. Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges in the industry.
  3. Set measurable goals and KPIs to track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and initiatives.

Brand Management:

  1. Enhance and maintain the organization’s brand identity, ensuring consistency across all marketing and communication materials.
  2. Oversee the development of creative content, including graphics, videos, and written materials that resonate with target audiences.
  3. Manage the organization’s visual and verbal brand guidelines.

Stakeholder Engagement:

  1. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including members, partners, sponsors, and the media.
  2. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and alignment of marketing efforts with organizational goals.
  3. Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and meetings.

Campaign Development and Execution:

  1. Plan, execute, and evaluate integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels, including digital, social media, print, and events.
  2. Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to produce high-quality marketing materials.
  3. Monitor and optimize campaign performance using data-driven insights.

Digital Marketing:

  1. Lead the digital marketing strategy, including SEO, SEM, email marketing, and social media.
  2. Oversee the management of the organization’s website, ensuring it is user-friendly, up-to-date, and optimized for search engines.
  3. Develop and implement social media strategies to increase engagement and reach.

Communications and Public Relations:

  1. Develop and execute communication plans to effectively convey key messages to stakeholders, including members, partners, and the media.
  2. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, managing media relations and crisis communication and represent and communicate about AEO at industry events
  3. Write and edit press releases, speeches, articles, white papers, and other communication materials.

Membership Engagement

  1. Develop and implement strategies to engage and retain members, ensuring they feel valued and connected to the organization.
  2. Oversee the creation and distribution of member communications, including newsletters, event invitations, and updates on organizational activities.
  3. Plan and execute member-focused events and activities to foster a sense of community and encourage active participation.

Team Leadership and Development:

  1. Lead and mentor a team of marketing and communication and strategic engagement professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
  2. Provide regular feedback, professional development opportunities, and performance evaluations to team members.
  3. Manage departmental budgets and allocate resources effectively.

Policy Team Management and Legislative Engagement:

  1. Oversee and direct the policy team to ensure alignment with organizational goals and strategies. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with congressional offices and key legislative stakeholders to effectively advocate for the organization’s policy positions and legislative priorities. Ensure timely and accurate communication of policy developments and legislative activities to internal and external audiences.

Reporting and Analysis:

  1. Track, analyze, and report on the performance of marketing and communication initiatives.
  2. Utilize data and analytics to inform decision-making and optimize strategies.
  3. Prepare regular reports and presentations for executive leadership and the board of directors.
  4. Develop and manage creation of annual report on behalf of the organization

Qualifications and Required Skills

  • Knowledge of and experience providing communication services on the topic of economic development, business, entrepreneurship, public policy, innovation, and other topics of relevance to the work of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity
  • Must possess excellent organizational and planning skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills with full capability to write articles, position statements, print and e-communications.
  • Superior project management and time management skills.
  • Must be a confident communicator and presenter to internal and external audiences.
  • Strong knowledge of policy and industry trends impacting the work of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media and of the power of integrated, multichannel communications to enhance AEO’s market presence.
  • Self-motivated, decisive, and resourceful with the ability to flex with rapid change, anticipate, and act quickly on opportunities.
  • Ability to build productive relationships with internal and external constituents.
  • Willingness to do what it takes to get the job done.
  • Exemplary team player with a positive and professional approach to management.
  • Experience working with a trade association
  • Proficiency with Pardot, Salesforce, and WordPress

To perform this job effectively, a master’s degree in communications, marketing, or equivalent, is preferred, together with a strong knowledge of business, and experience in managing effective, external relations. In addition, 10 years of professional experience in the areas of responsibility listed above is a must.

Location

The primary work location is AEO’s nonprofit headquarters, located in Washington D.C. All employees must be within reasonable commuting distance of the office such that compliance with the hybrid work policy is possible.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. AEO offers a comprehensive benefits package and generous leave policies.

We Offer

  • Competitive compensation based on experience including retirement matching. 
  • Fully paid medical, dental, and vision coverage. 
  • A collaborative and high-performing work environment.  
  • A convenient location in downtown Washington, D.C. 
  • An onsite gym and rooftop patio.

To Apply

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Include a brief writing sample and salary requirements. Failure to submit in the format will disqualify the candidate.

Salary range for this role is between $120,000-$160,000. 

AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

AEO is clear of its vision to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.