Join Downtown Raleigh Alliance

Communications & Marketing Director

Department: Engagement
Reports to: President & CEO
Status: Full-time, non-exempt

Resumes can be emailed to finance@downtownraleigh.org

Job summary:

Are you a communications professional with a passion for the Downtown Raleigh community? Do you want to develop strategic marketing and communications campaigns that help support downtown Raleigh’s storefront businesses? Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) seeks an innovative and experienced communications professional to enhance the organization in all aspects of marketing and communications strategies. This position will lead DRA’s communications and marketing strategies with opportunity for advancement in the organization.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Develop and lead integrated marketing strategies to support DRA programs, events and initiatives to include advertising, social media, emails, content creation and blog, public relations, video, printed collateral.
Manage DRA video and graphic design needs, identifying needs, managing projects with outside vendors within budget and keeping on schedule.
Lead marketing and communications strategy and execution for DRA marketing programs including First Friday, Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week and holiday shopping campaigns. Includes engaging with downtown businesses and stakeholders to understand marketing needs and develop strategies accordingly.
Lead media and public relations strategy including advertising, managing media requests, and press releases.
Provide support and review on weekly newsletter and produce other newsletters/e-blasts as needed.
Supervise and manage Digital Communications Manager, who executes DRA social media and newsletters. Supervision duties include strategizing with Digital Communications Manager on social media content, overseeing content calendar, reviewing newsletters, blog posts and website content as well as other written communications, as needed.
Work with President & CEO to set budget for communications and marketing department and manage the budget on an ongoing basis

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree required, emphasis in communications preferred; Master’s degree encouraged but not required.
At least 5 years of experience in marketing and communications with demonstrated success.
Supervisory experience preferred.

Skills and Capabilities:

Strong written communications skills that translate across multiple platforms
Strong ability to manage time with multiple simultaneous priorities while keeping an attention to detail with a keen sense of the downtown Raleigh landscape
Analytics – ability to analyze data to make informed decisions
Strong project management and organizational skills
Professional understanding of social media and communications platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Be proactive and forward thinking
Possess strong level of curiosity and be community-driven
Be highly organized and detail-oriented
Thrive in fast-paced environment
Big picture thinker
Be willing to engage with and be passionate about helping the downtown Raleigh community

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Travel required (if applicable): N/A

Other duties:

Please note this job description is not designed 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.

Compensation:

The Communications and Marketing Director is a non-exempt employee. Compensation shall be competitive and commensurate with experience and will qualify for a generous benefits package to include health, dental, and retirement contributions. Vacation and sick time are also included.

Position Environment:

The Communications and Marketing Director will work a hybrid schedule with in-office time required, but regular flexibility provided for remote work.

EEO statement: We are an equal employment opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, or other reasons prohibited by law (referred to as "protected status"). This nondiscrimination and opportunity policy extends to employment, use of all company facilities, membership, board service and leadership, volunteerism, participation in any of the organizations programs or services and all employment actions such as promotions, compensation, benefits and termination of employment.

Economic Development and Planning Intern

Department: Economic Development & Planning (ED&P)
Reports to: Planning and Transportation Manager
Status: Part-time, Paid Internship, Temporary
Duration: 12-14 weeks during the Summer 2024 Semester

Resumes can be emailed to marysell@downtownraleigh.org

Job summary:

The Economic Development & Planning Intern will provide valuable support to the Economic Development & Planning team, with a specific focus on urban planning and transportation initiatives during the upcoming summer semester. This role is ideal for a local graduate or undergraduate student with a keen interest in economic development, city planning, and a passion for contributing to the growth of a vibrant downtown community.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Support the Planning & Transportation Manager and DRA Economic Development &
Planning team in major planning and advocacy initiatives, such as the ongoing Downtown Economic Development Strategy.
Assist in coordination efforts related to transportation planning and major downtown
projects such Raleigh’s first Bus Rapid Transit line.
Contribute to the creation of reports, including the annual State of Downtown and
quarterly market reports.
Assist in data collection, analysis, and maintenance of downtown data.
Support small business and retail recruitment programs.
Participate in stakeholder meetings and community engagement efforts.

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program with a focus on urban
planning, economics, business, research, public administration, geography,
sustainability, or related field.
Strong interest in economic development, city planning, and community revitalization.
Excellent analytical and research skills, with a keen eye for detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

Benefits:

Gain hands-on experience in economic development and city planning.
Work closely with a dynamic and experienced team of economic development and
planning professionals.
Networking opportunities with local stakeholders and professionals.
Compensation for your contributions

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Must be able to access various departments of a given location.

Position Environment:

This is an in-person role, with the candidate reporting to the Downtown Raleigh Alliance offices at 333 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1150, Raleigh NC. Office space will be provided onsite at DRA and the intern may also be in the field providing support to our Downtown Raleigh community. DRA will provide parking for regular or required on-site work. DRA will also provide the option of transit passes for regular or on-site work. Travel outside of periodic travel to and from Downtown Raleigh and the DRA office will not be required of this position.

Other duties:

Compensation:

This position is a temporary, part-time position, at approximately 12 to 20 hours a week and limited to a maximum 14-week term, aligned with the summer university calendar. Anticipated pay range is $14 - $20 an hour commensurate with qualifications and prior experience. This position is non-exempt and not eligible for benefits at DRA.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter highlighting your interest in economic development and planning to marysell@downtownraleigh.org. Applications will be accepted until Monday, May 6th. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Working with us

Our people are critical to the mission of Advancing the vitality of Downtown Raleigh for everyone. As part of our work for the community, we strive to provide a place where employees feel valued, nurtured and supported. Our values at DRA are centered around being community driven, forward thinking, curious, empathetic, and ensuring everything we do is with integrity.

People who thrive at DRA embody these values and find great satisfaction from the highly impactful and highly visible work every employee engages in to make downtown Raleigh a better place. From producing fun events to developing relevant research to executing marketing and promotions that support locally-owned small businesses, DRA’s work touches every part of this diverse and unique downtown. Employees at DRA get to see their impact every day and become visible and known members of the downtown and Raleigh community.

Through our culture, benefits, and community within our workplace, DRA seeks to set the standard on being an effective organization that takes care of its people, who, in turn, help take care of this community.

Because our employees are our most valuable asset, we support them professionally and personally by offering:

Employer-paid insurance, including health, vision and dental
Comprehensive Paid Vacation (up to 13 days in the first year accruing biweekly increasing after 1 full year of employment)
Sick Time (up to 10 days annually accruing biweekly)
Paid Parental Leave (up to 8 weeks)
Paid Volunteer day (1 per year)
Commuter Benefits – includes parking cash out option for those interested in commuting to work via alternate means
Flexible work schedule, including hybrid working model
Paid Holidays (14 holidays per year that includes a floating holiday)
Professional Development and career aspiration support
Retirement accounts that include a matching contribution up to 3% of salary
Section 125 plan
Life Insurance
A commitment to diversity in composition of both our staff, leadership, and Board of Directors
Monthly team activities

DRA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff.