Job Description

Job Summary
Welcome to Merit Network - the nation's premier Research and Education Network. For 60 years, Merit has provided trusted technology services to Michigan's public universities, colleges, K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare organizations, and other nonprofit institutions.

The Marketing and Communications Manager leads Merit's marketing, communications, brand, and outreach efforts in support of the organization's strategic goals. This role is responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies that strengthen Merit's brand awareness, support Member engagement, promote Merit's products and services, and advance the organization's visibility across the research, education, technology, broadband, cybersecurity, and nonprofit communities.

This position sets priorities and operating expectations for the Marketing and Communications teams; oversees the marketing calendar, communications channels, vendor ecosystem, and campaign execution; and ensures that Merit's messaging, content, events, and public presence are consistent, compelling, and measurable.

This position reports to the Vice President for Community Engagement and works collaboratively with Merit's Executive Team, Member Engagement, Technology Services, Workforce Development, and other departments across Merit.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, highly organized, and collaborative marketing leader who can balance long-term planning with hands-on execution. This person is proactive, data-informed, comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines, and able to translate complex technical services into clear, audience-focused messaging.

The position requires travel (5-6 times per year) within the state of Michigan and out of state to attend conferences, promote Merit's brand, and interface with Merit's Membership and peer organizations.

Responsibilities*
Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

As the Manager of Marketing, this position's key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Marketing, Communications, and Team Leadership - 50%

Develop and implement Merit's overall marketing and communications strategy, including brand awareness, business goals, digital marketing, publications, website, social media, public relations, and other channels. (E)
Lead the Marketing and Communications team through planning, prioritization, capacity management, performance management, professional development, and regular operating cadences. (E)
Coordinate with Merit teams, peer organizations, and national outreach programs to align and execute marketing strategies. (E)
Build and maintain a strong departmental understanding of Merit's products, services, audiences, value proposition, competitive differentiators, and Member needs.
Collect, analyze, and share market intelligence, stakeholder insights, and marketing performance data to inform executive decision-making, product development, and future strategy.
Identify opportunities to increase Merit's visibility in networking, cybersecurity, broadband, workforce development, research and education, industry, and other community spaces.
Integrated Marketing, Digital Communications, and Public Relations - 25%

Oversee integrated marketing campaigns, including request intake, prioritization, campaign briefs, messaging frameworks, channel plans, and the integrated marketing calendar. (E)
Guide the development and execution of communications assets across digital marketing, social media, print, educational materials, newsletters, web content, partner communications, and co-marketing initiatives. (E)
Maintain, improve, and strategically evolve Merit's website and other internally hosted websites. (E)
Track marketing and communications performance, provide quarterly analytics reports, identify trends, and recommend strategic adjustments. (E)
Strengthen lead generation, analytics, and research-informed decision-making for Merit's products and services.
Manage public relations efforts in coordination with Merit's contracted public relations firm, including press releases, media opportunities, executive visibility, and similar events.
Build and maintain relationships with external communications partners.
Manage trade and service mark registrations with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Events, Partnerships, Sponsorships, and Operations - 25%

Provide strategic oversight for Merit's event portfolio, including conferences, roadshows, digital events, Communities of Practice, and other educational and outreach events. (E)
Lead event planning and execution, including content development, logistics, sponsorships, profitability, communications, recruitment, and attendee experience. (E)
Recruit and manage Merit Community Supporter sponsors, maintain key stakeholder relationships, and strategically use sponsorship funds to support Members' educational development initiatives. (E)
Manage departmental budgets, vendor relationships, agency and freelancer partnerships, print and web support, event vendors, and other operational resources. (E)
Evaluate current and future vendor, sponsor, and partnership opportunities to ensure alignment with Merit's goals and performance expectations. (E)
Leverage events as part of Merit's broader marketing, outreach, membership, and sales funnel strategies.
Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has formal supervisory responsibility for Marketing and Communications employees. Responsibilities include assigning and prioritizing work, setting goals, managing performance, supporting professional development, approving schedules, and participating in hiring, compensation, corrective action, and other employment-related decisions in partnership with Human Resources and organizational leadership.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud-based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software & equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Employees must frequently work at computer stations, answer telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client communication. Employees may on occasion be required to move items of various sizes and up to weights throughout the office or building.

Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
5+ years of experience planning and implementing marketing and communication plans, campaigns, and strategies
Demonstrated success in executing marketing campaigns, product marketing or go-to-market activities (positioning, launches, enablement)
Experience developing and managing public relations activities such as press releases and press conferences
3+ years of experience in leading, coaching, and developing high-performing teams
Experience in developing dashboard reports, or other analytical tools, that communicate marketing metrics, campaign performance, audience engagement, and other strategic insights to leadership
Strong verbal and written communication skills along with storytelling experience
Demonstrated ability to develop working relationships with vendors, and internal and external stakeholders
Self-reliant, with strong critical thinking and independent decision making skills
Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team and across the organization.
Experience managing budgets including expense and revenue forecasting.
Excellent stakeholder and customer management skills.
Desired Qualifications*
Strong grasp of writing educational content, technology services marketing materials and technical writing
Experience in technology, networking/cybersecurity, higher ed/research, or membership organizations.
Familiarity with copyediting and developing content marketing assets
Experience in technology, networking/cybersecurity, higher ed/research, or membership organizations.
Experience with marketing of network technology or cybersecurity products and services
Experience developing marketing plans for a Membership organization
Demonstrated success in product launch campaigns
Familiarity with broadband technologies and computer networking
Familiarity with CMS (e.g., WordPress), email tools, analytics, and basic SEO.