Vice President, Marketing & Communications - Economic Development

Job Title: Vice President, Marketing & Communications - Economic Development

Job ID: 27694819

Work Hybrid: Yes

Location: HOUSTON, TX 77010

Other Location

Description

Why the Partnership
When you join the Greater Houston Partnership, you get the opportunity to work with an organization helping guide the future of the Houston region. Our team of professionals work across multiple disciplines, including: Economic Development (Regional and International), Executive, Finance & Accounting, Marketing & Communications, Member Engagement, Public Policy, Regional Workforce Development, Research, Resources, and the Center for Houston’s Future.

Who We Are
The Greater Houston Partnership works to make Houston one of the best places to live, work and build a business. As the economic development organization for the region, the Partnership champions growth across 12 counties by bringing together business and civic-minded leaders who are dedicated to the area’s long-term success. Representing more than 900 member organizations and approximately one-fifth of the region’s workforce, the Partnership is the place companies come together to make an impact.

We look forward to telling you more about the organization and helping determine if a career with the Partnership is right for you!

Today, We Are Looking For
The VP of Marketing & Communications - Economic Development is responsible for developing and leading the execution of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies designed to support the attraction and retention of targeted companies, investment, and talent to the Houston region. This position directly supports the efforts of our Economic Development Division.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Vice President will:

In coordination with the economic development division leadership, lead the development of marketing and communications strategies including:
- Branding and message development related to Houston’s key industries and image
- Public relations and advertising campaigns
- Social and digital media campaigns
- Event, trade show, in-bound/out-bound missions, and grass-roots marketing and awareness efforts
Oversee the planning and creation of all content and marketing initiatives to drive traffic, engagement, and leads that deliver new economic development projects into the project pipeline and promote the Houston region as an excellent place to do business
Work alongside the Partnership's public relations agency to generate positive earned media coverage of the Houston region in major local, national, and international media outlets
Collaborate with the division's media relations team to ensure consistent and appropriate media coverage and outreach
Support the economic development team’s strategic planning for domestic and international missions, conferences, and trade shows, and lead the development of all related marketing communications elements
Support the economic development team’s programs to engage with site selection consultants including outreach via digital/social media, email, and direct touchpoints
Oversee branding, messaging, and packaging for economic development division responses to formal project RFIs
Oversee website strategy for economic development-related sections of the Houston.org website and any associated microsites
Develop and maintain strategic and external relationships with appropriate marketing allies, corporate contacts, government officials, and media representatives to publicize and advocate for the Partnership’s economic development efforts
Lead economic development-related executive communications and thought leadership programs for the organization’s chief executive officer, chief economic development officer, and other executives to position Houston as a leading destination for corporate relocation
Connect with the Houston Energy Transition Initiative to incorporate appropriate messages and materials to bolster Houston’s economic development work to grow as a comprehensive energy hub with the aim to attract new companies, investment, and talent to the region
Track campaign effectiveness by reviewing metrics such as website hits, and social media engagement and conducting perception surveys
Closely monitor economic development marketing trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activities, and adjust strategies, as needed, to keep the strategy relevant and fresh
Manage external marketing partners such as advertising agencies, digital marketing firms, and production companies
Effectively interface with internal and/or external graphic designers, digital media specialists, and project teams
Manage brand standards and usage guidelines and assist with integrating campaigns with brand consistency
Oversee the economic development marketing budget in conjunction with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Chief Economic Development Officer

Leading Others

Effectively identify and develop talent, advancing high performers
Assist team members in their development as individuals and professionals
Directly manage Director, Economic Development Marketing and Communications and Coordinator, Economic Development Marketing and Communications drawing support from Marcom’s six-person shared services team (media relations, digital/social media, graphic design)
Also maintains a dotted-line advisory role with Manager, Economic Development Marketing in the Economic Development Division
Partner with the CMCO to goals and direction of the department and maintain budget parameters for the team
Direct the activities of the team as described above, setting priorities and delegating responsibility to staff
Set performance metrics that drive the team’s success
Deliver and participate in formal and informal performance reviews for direct reports and indirect reports
Implement strategies that enhance the division and the organization's mission, vision, values, and strategy
Lead and staff committees, working groups, partnerships
Support the development of annual plans and budgets
Ensure compliance with all regulations, Partnership bylaws, rules, and federal laws
Work with confidential matters
Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are desirable for job success:

Excellent written communication skills required; composition, writing, grammar, and spelling
Fluency in Salesforce or other enterprise-grade CRM systems, preferably in an economic development environment
Sales proposal/RFI response preparation experience a plus
Skilled at both long- and short-form content creation and distribution
Familiarity with email, digital, and social media campaigns
Ability to deliver a clear articulation of the business goal behind the creation of a piece (or series) of content
Project management skills to manage editorial schedules and deadlines
Energetic and passionate about Houston
Excellent writing and speaking ability
An aptitude for selling ideas
Possess a proven track record that demonstrates public relations and business-to-business marketing skills
Possess a working knowledge of the local and global economy, the private sector business community, and government at local, state, and federal levels
Excellent verbal, written, analytical, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Preference for working with internal and external contacts at all levels
Ability to prioritize simultaneous assignments
Ability to work in a team environment
Executes with excellence by consistently delivering on promises to the highest standard
Professional appearance
Collaborative both internally and externally; works with others to achieve common goals
Advanced level proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
Nimble/Flexible to work some overtime and/or work on additional projects, as necessary
Some light travel may be required

Behavioral Competencies-Attributes, Behaviors, and Competencies (ABC’s)
Leaders of People Competencies
Impact-oriented- Mission driven; seeks to make a vital difference in the development and success of the greater Houston region through the work of workforce development.
Exceptional Communications-Communicates effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing; can write prose with proper grammar and syntax; listens actively; builds trust; uses the appropriate media for the situation; knows what and when to communicate to a particular audience
Managing People- Develops subordinate skills and encourages growth. Provides direction and gains compliance. Provides regular performance feedback and manages subordinate’s activities.
Planning & Organization Integrates changes smoothly, plans for additional resources, prioritizes and plans work activities, sets goals and objectives, uses time efficiently, and works in an organized manner.

Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Communications

Required Experience
12+ years' experience in Marketing, PR, Communications, or related field required.

Physical Requirements

Good vision and hearing acuity (with adaptive aids if necessary).
Manual dexterity and skillful use of computer keyboard.
Physical exertion includes bending, pushing, standing, and walking. Must be able to move or lift approximately 25 pounds on occasion.

Mental and Aptitude Requirements

Job requires the ability to hear, see, and talk; critical thinking, detail-oriented, and empathy.

Safety Requirements
Adhere to office safety policies.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The Greater Houston Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Employer.