Description

Director of Program Development & Marketing  

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Program Development & Marketing is a professional-level, leadership position responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive programming services for the Van Buren Community Center (VBC) as well as other recreational/leisure activities and special events at parks and other VBT facilities to serve the Van Buren community. 

The position will be the primary resource in strategic planning and visioning for modern and innovative programs. The role will manage department staff collaboratively with the Community Services Operations Director, coordinate with other department heads, build and expand VBC membership, market and promote specials events, such as the live concert series at the parks; procure instructors for fitness, health and wellness oriented programming for VBT residents of all ages, as well as visitors to our community; Responsible for marketing the programs and getting enrollment into programs; create and manage sports leagues, such as volleyball, pickleball, basketball or special sporting events or tournaments. 

The ideal candidate will have excellent soft (interpersonal) skills and networking experience, be high-energy and positive, have a track record of building programs from the ground up, creating excitement for special events and be social media and digitally savvy.        

Essential Job Functions, Duties, & Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Interchangeable and overlapping responsibilities and duties with the Community Services Operations Director
Developing fitness, health, wellness and sporting programming for the VBC and delivering the successful implementation of premier programming activities.   
Serves as the primary marketing and promoting resource for leisure and recreations activities at Van Buren Community Center (VBC), VBT parks and other facilities. 
Engagement with community groups and the Van Buren Public Schools, to build interest and participation in programs and special events. 
Designs programs to suit community needs in relation to the latest emerging trends in recreational programming, fitness, health and wellness.
Develops comprehensive communications strategies for promoting recreational programming and special events. 
Be the primary source to develop program descriptions, event announcements, registration information, promotional materials, and public messaging for Community Services programs.
Provides functional leadership for the Community Services Department Manages Recreation Programmer, Senior Programmer; Responsible for hiring, supervising and disciplining full and part-time Community Services staff collaboratively with the CS Operations Director. Hires and manages contractors and consultants for as needed programs.    
Prepares and monitors annual department budget collaboratively with the CS Operations Director; Makes financial expenditures in accordance with township policies and procedures.
Procure fitness instructors, partner with sport league managers…  
Develop strategic plans to address long-range community needs for recreational, leisure, fitness and sporting activities. 
Works directly with the Communications Department to design marketing materials and social media campaigns to promote programs and special events. Establish consistent messaging, branding, visual identity, and communication standards throughout the Department. Identifies target audiences and develops communication strategies designed to increase public awareness, participation, accessibility, and engagement with the public. 
Performs other duties as assigned by the Supervisor’s Office.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the position.

Demonstrated experience developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies.
Demonstrated experience managing social media platforms and digital communications.
Experience developing professional written, visual, and multimedia content.
Experience with Canva and/or Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, or comparable applications.
Experience with website content management systems and digital engagement platforms.
Experience with photography, video production, graphic design, and digital content creation.
Experience using Microsoft Office or comparable productivity software.
Experience interpreting engagement metrics and using data to improve communications.
Knowledge of public-sector communication practices and community engagement principles preferred.
Must possess a valid Michigan driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within twelve (12) months of employment.
Additional certifications related to marketing, communications, emergency management, public information, or digital media are desirable. 
Preferred Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, communications, public relations, fitness, digital media, graphic design, public administration, business administration, or a related field, with three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations, digital media, community engagement, or a related field. Equivalent professional work-related experience will be considered. 
Preferred municipal, governmental, parks and recreation, nonprofit, community engagement, or public-sector communications experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Preferred experience communicating with elected officials, government leadership, media representatives, and community stakeholders. 
Establish priorities and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
Work independently while maintaining effective communication with Department leadership and municipal staff.
Exercise sound judgment and discretion when responding to public, media, and internal communication needs.
Adapt communication strategies to changing community needs, technology, and emerging trends.
Physical Abilities and Work Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with some travel to different sites; when visiting parks or construction sites the incumbent may be required to walk on uneven and slippery surfaces, be exposed to all weather conditions, dust and pollen, and mechanical hazards such as construction equipment; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside Township boundaries to attend meetings.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a custodial setting; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate large floor care equipment requiring repetitive hand movement, kneeling, stretching and fine coordination including ascending and descending a ladder; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

The Charter Township of Van Buren is an equal opportunity employer