Marketing Manager, iF Design USA Inc.
iF Design is one of the world's leading independent design institutions. Since 1954, we have organized the globally-prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD. Every year, we receive more than 10,000 submissions across 82+ design categories from 70+ countries. iF International Forum Design GmbH is headquartered in Hannover, Germany, with offices in Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Brazil, Turkey, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and now in the United States. We are committed to excellence, objectivity, transparency and impact in design. With our iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD we support the talent of the future, and with our iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE we support responsible development across the globe. The sole shareholder of iF Design is the nonprofit iF Design Foundation, also headquartered in Germany.
With substantial growth goals for the US market, iF Design USA Inc. is seeking a results-driven Marketing Manager based in the New York City area. This is an essential manager-level position responsible for working with the company’s Managing Director to build brand awareness, interest, and participation within North America. Tasks will include business administration, research and data tracking, customer-centric content and communications, marketing and event planning and execution, partner and award participant support, and general help implementing impactful growth strategies.
To be successful as a Marketing Manager for iF Design USA Inc., the ideal candidate is self-motivated and extremely well-organized with excellent project management abilities, strong verbal and written communication skills, and a blend of creative and analytical; knowledge of and/or an interest in the world of design is a big plus. The Marketing Manager USA will report directly to the Managing Director of iF Design USA.
Job Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in business, marketing, or a related field required.
Minimum 4-7+ years of experience in a Sales, Operations or Marketing Manager role for a corporate brand, design/innovation/ad agency, or consulting firm.
Experienced in research, administration, event planning, social & other digital media.
Understands the fundamentals of how to drive brand awareness, loyalty, and engagement across marketing channels; technical experience deploying digital assets and/or working with press teams is a plus.
Self-starter with a proactive, can-do attitude recognized for responsiveness, follow-through, and attention to detail who can work independently to effectively prioritize, problem solve, multitask, deliver on deadline, and think outside the box.
A team player known for collaboration, adaptability, maturity, and confidence when working with diverse teams and/or senior-level executives.
High proficiency with software tools including Microsoft suite, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, XD, Acrobat Pro, and key marketing automation & email platforms, etc.
Excited to build strong relationships with North America-based companies to expand participation and partnership for iF Design, its awards, and other properties.
Committed to being a key contributor on a small team with an ability to take on increasing responsibility given demonstrated ability.
Available to travel up to 25% of time.
Passion for/Interest in cross-disciplinary design is preferred.
Responsibilities will focus on:
Community Development
Establish and maintain a database of current and past participants, target companies, potential partners, affiliations, etc.
Pursue new partner and community expansion opportunities.
Serve as primary point of contact for incoming inquiries.
Oversee design award submissions process for US entries.
Identify best practice for communications by segment; work with HQ team to establish cadence and deployment.
Collect and share participant feedback and improvement opportunities.
Marketing
Partner with US Managing Director and external agencies to source and launch innovative paid, earned, and owned opportunities for impact.
Help develop creative assets suitable for cross-channel campaigns.
Support social media and PR efforts for North America.
Co-lead live event planning and execution, including active attendance.
Create useful sales and marketing tools for target audiences.
Research & Administration
Conduct industry, competitor, and market analyses.
Cultivate lists of media outlets, event happenings, venues and vendors.
Effectively track market and design trends including key influencers.
Utilize data to deliver insights and regularly report on measurable KPIs.
Support US Managing Director with travel & logistics, meeting planning & scheduling, purchasing & IT as needed.
Interface with German HQ related to timelines, processes, and more.
This is a pivotal, early-stage role for iF Design USA, and we are seeking an experienced candidate who can hit the ground running and truly make a difference. The role is a remote, contract-to-hire position offering competitive compensation, as well as benefits following the initial contract period. The ideal candidate is located in the greater New York City metropolitan area for easy travel into Manhattan and is available for frequent domestic and occasional international trips. Candidates must have authorized work permissions for the United States.