Director of Marketing

The Director of Marketing is responsible for directing and providing oversight of all aspects of GrainBridge branding, marketing, advertising, media relations, social networking, website management, event promotion, internal and external communications, and agency management. The goal is to continue to increase awareness of GrainBridge and its products in the Agriculture Technology industry with a focus on individual farmers, potential strategic partners and business customers.

Essential Job Functions

Responsible for drafting and executing an ongoing marketing plan that incorporates and coordinates GrainBridge’s internal and external communications by leveraging support with internal Leadership, Sales, Outreach and IT Development teams as well as any external agency teams. Actively engage and maintain positive relationships with the media and all external business partners. Effectively manage the marketing plan so strategies are launched on or ahead of time.
Maintain consistency in establishing and executing on GrainBridge’s brand guidebook. Develop and communicate all standards with internal teams and external business partners.
Collaborate directly with and manage GrainBridge’s selected external marketing agency(s) on the overall executions of the marketing plan. Establish and ensure all assigned goals are reached prior to or by the assigned timeframe. Provide timely updates to the Leadership team on status of relationship.
Conceptualize and execute on omni-channel campaigns across the prospect and customer lifecycle ensuring the alignment of communications and messaging across all channels is consistent.
Prepare and manage public relations activities and communications for GrainBridge, including press releases, blogs, new product announcements, other company announcements, notices and media materials. Including content to be presented during radio, TV, video, and podcast interviews and releases.
Manage content and updates for customer and internal touch points, establishing budget guidelines, participating in internal and external events, documenting business processes, and providing additional sales support.
Provide oversight to GrainBridge’s website and by updating content, site design, and images as necessary to improve usability and conversion. Collaborate with internal and external business partners on execution as necessary. Monitor the optimization of the GrainBridge website on search engines such as Google, Bing, etc., including paid search.
Develop and manage digital marketing campaigns on selected social media sites by executing on a content calendar that is in line with both internal and relevant external industry events to drive greater brand and product awareness. Continually increase GrainBridge’s network, evaluating effectiveness by analyzing reporting and working with external partners as needed.
Perform research and analysis to identify new and emerging market trends in the Agriculture industry and determine both potential market opportunity and related barriers to entry. Present information to the Leadership team to determine alignment with GrainBridge’s company strategies.
Develop and perform customer surveys to measure satisfaction and increase customer engagement. Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of targeted results and communicate results to appropriate GrainBridge personnel.
Assist in the development and management of the annual marketing budget. Provide monthly and quarterly updates on actual spend along with upcoming projected spend. Work with external business partners to obtain the most cost-effective pricing and highest quality work possible.
Research industry conferences and trade shows for GrainBridge to attend. Coordinate the registration and scheduling needs for GrainBridge employees, including booth and marketing material transportation.
Propose, promote and coordinate GrainBridge events, including conference speaking engagements, industry conferences, and client-engagement socials.
Design, update, and maintain all online and print marketing and business development materials. This includes brochures, fliers, print publications, on-line advertising, newsletters, mass email communication, etc. along with any additional support required by internal business partners.
Select supply vendors and oversee the purchasing and stocking of promotional items to be distributed to customers, strategic partners, and/or GrainBridge employees.
Work directly with joint venture partners marketing departments regarding their branding guidelines, corporation communication requirements and co-branding opportunities.
Develop robust knowledge of division businesses and key target markets.
This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and works closely with the Chief Strategy Officer on certain company projects and initiatives.
Travel up to 20% may be required to industry related events, trade shows, conferences, business partners, and vendors.
Duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proven success in developing and effectively managing a marketing department, including the hiring, training, and oversight of a team.
Strong organizational, project, and time management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Google Analytics; Social Media (including but not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.); Adobe Creative Cloud products; and other related software products.
Excellent written and presentation skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
A strong aptitude in the trading, merchandising, and hedging of agricultural commodities.
Willingness to continue to expand own knowledge of new marketing methods and practices.

Education and Work Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, communications, or related field with an emphasis in Agriculture. Masters preferred.
A robust understanding of the Agriculture industry with emphasis in economics, finance, commodity marketing, and/or farm management is preferred.
7-10 years of experience leading a corporate marketing/communications department in the Agriculture industry or related field.
Website design and strategy experience.
Knowledge of current digital marketing concepts and best practices.
Demonstrated experience with social media administration and content development.
Examples of published written material in industry related publications or corporate blogs.