Director of Marketing and Communications

Reports to:          Chief Operating Officer

Salary range:      $105,000 - $125,000

Classification:  Exempt

Position Summary

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest professional association for economic development professionals of its kind, seeks a Director of Marketing and Communications with a strong background in digital marketing and prior experience marketing membership associations. This role requires a strategic leader who can effectively promote IEDC’s goals, programs, and initiatives to our diverse audience in alignment with our mission of advancing the economic development profession. The Marketing and Communications Director will report to the Chief Operating Officer and work closely with IEDC’s executive leadership and other external stakeholders, including the media. The ideal candidate will have experience leading and managing a team and the ability to foster a collaborative and innovative work environment with a results-orientation. 

Areas of Responsibility

The Director of Marketing and Communications will drive IEDC’s mission and success by overseeing all marketing and communications initiatives, with a particular focus on digital channels. This role leads IEDC’s marketing and communications team, which includes management and quality control of digital marketing strategies, social media presence, email marketing, press relations, digital communications, graphic design, conference and event communications, website management, and brand positioning. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a full rebranding and website relaunch ahead of IEDC’s 100^th anniversary in 2026. Key areas of responsibilities include:

Marketing Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement comprehensive digital marketing strategies to drive growth, engagement, and brand recognition across all online platforms. This includes email marketing, content marketing, and digital advertising.
• Develop and implement integrated marketing strategies to promote programs and initiatives across various channels in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Develop and oversee targeted email campaigns to drive engagement, retention, and growth among members and stakeholders.

Communications & Public Relations 

• Oversee all digital communication channels, ensuring consistent messaging and brand voice in alignment with the organization’s goals.
• Manage and enhance the organization's presence on social media platforms.
• Supervise the development of visually compelling materials for both online and offline marketing efforts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and foster relationships with journalists, influencers, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead crisis communication efforts when necessary.

Brand Management & Positioning

• Manage a full organization rebranding process and website redesign in time for IEDC’s 100^th anniversary in 2026.
• Maintain consistent and strategic application of IEDC’s brand and ensure quality control across all platforms and initiatives.
• Develop messaging frameworks that clearly articulate the value of membership and the benefits of association programs.
• Lead efforts to enhance IEDC’s reputation and visibility within the field of economic development, including managing awards programs and recognition efforts.
• Manage IEDC’s website and web presence, ensuring it remains up-to-date, user-friendly, and aligned with branding.

Team Leadership & Collaboration 

• Lead and mentor the marketing and communications team, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment with other departments (membership, events, professional development) to ensure marketing and communications strategies support overall organizational goals.
• Effectively negotiate and manage contracts with external vendors, agencies, and freelancers as needed to support marketing initiatives.
• Develop and manage the marketing and communications budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
• Define, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve brand recognition, strengthen relevancy, and increase social media engagement. This includes defining and monitoring metrics such as social media reach, engagement rates, follower growth, and sentiment analysis.
• Regularly analyze performance data, make data-driven adjustments to strategies, and provide actionable insights to enhance our online presence and audience perception.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of 7 years of proven experience in marketing and communications with progressive leadership, preferably in a membership organization, economic development organization, non-profit, or trade association.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, related field, or equivalent experience. Advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing multi-channel digital marketing campaigns, including experience with social media management, email marketing, content marketing, and digital analytics.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills, with experience in content creation and brand management.
• Experience working with media and managing public relations efforts.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Supervisory experience that includes the ability to attract, develop, and retain talented individuals, create an environment that helps supervisees realize their highest potential, and support the organization to meet future challenges.
• An excellent and active listener who can quickly gather, synthesize, and act on feedback from diverse sources.
• A collaborative and innovative mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity, responsibility, and accountability.
• A commitment to advancing the goals of a diverse and inclusive workforce and authentic relational approach.
• Proficiency in marketing and graphic design software, CRM and web content management systems, and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, HubSpot).
• Knowledge of economic development or related fields is highly advantageous.
• Occasional out-of-town, overnight travel is required for meetings, conferences, and/or team events.

Job Location  

This position is eligible for remote work within the United States, however, our preference is for local candidates within commuting distance of Washington, DC. Local IEDC employees have the option to work from IEDC’s offices on a flexible, hybrid schedule. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. 

Benefits 

IEDC has a generous benefits program that includes health, dental, vision, term life, and disability insurance, plus sick and annual leave, federally recognized holidays, a cell phone benefit, a 401(k) plan, and an annual professional development stipend. 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to careers@iedc.org. Applications submitted without cover letters will not be considered.

IEDC seeks to model the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About IEDC

IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that, for nearly 100 years, has been helping economic developers around the world facilitate economic well-being in their communities. It is the largest organization of its kind supporting this profession. 

About International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.

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