Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Communications

Job Description This position will drive the company’s efforts to position itself as a visionary leader in the company’s niche markets and to achieve premium goals. The Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Communications provides strategic and executive leadership to the marketing, corporate communications, and web development teams. This role also provides ongoing support to GuideOne’s Commercial and Personal Lines Business Units, Senior Staff and the Sales Management Team. - Leads and oversees the Marketing & Corporate Communications team’s execution of the various programming areas including but not limited to: marketing, communications, GuideOne’s Net Promoter Score Program, advertising, public relations, company web sites (SharePoint environment), Direct/ E-Marketing, media relations, community relations, corporate giving, and government relations. Ensures the company’s marketing strategy is designed and executed to achieve business plan objectives. Measures the effectiveness of the marketing department and implement improvements. - Strong emphasis on providing leadership to execute modern digital and social media marketing strategies. Oversight of all direct mail, e-marketing, web banner advertising, search engine advertising, landing pages, lead management, fulfilment and analysis/ROI. Must have ability to plan and execute progressive marketing campaigns based on company needs. - Defines and directs marketing programs for demand creation, lead generation and interface with sales for lead tracking and management. Works closely with SVP of Sales to develop and manage channel and partner strategies and programs. Conducts and analyzes market research to determine risk and marketability of potential products and product features. Determines market needs and generate product. Responsible for competitive analysis, strategies and tactics. - Ensures appropriate corporate and brand positioning of the company and investigates methods for ensuring this positioning is within the company’s targeted niches and to its key audiences on a national level. Oversees the company’s collateral program, graphic standards, and logo use. Creates key message tracks for the company and ensures consistency throughout written communications. Gauges the company’s public perception and image. - Oversees marketing communications including public relations, advertising, white papers, trade shows, seminars and events collateral materials, analyst and market research management, and website design and content either directly or on an outsourced basis. Works with PR to ensure the proper amount and type of coverage to raise awareness, win reviews and ensure consistent corporate and product branding and image. Advises the organization’s executives on public relations challenges and strategies. Offers sound solutions that compliment corporate objectives. - Provides ongoing communication strategy to select internal audiences including corporate positioning market and competitive analysis, customer segment selection and penetration plans, and related product positioning. Provides issues management, competitive tracking and trend forecasting recommendations, when appropriate. Provides leadership on the analysis and key performance measures that support marketing efforts including GuideOne’s Net Promoter Program. - Works with an ad agency to create the media schedule, negotiate the rates, prepare the deliverables and execute. Follows-up and measures the advertising campaign using print and online methods. Works with the President & CEO and the other executive team members to identify and develops strategic alliances, raises venture/public financing, and closes/grows major customer accounts.

Skills & Requirements - Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, Public Relations or related field. - Master’s Degree preferred. - Accreditation in public relations preferred. - 10 years' experience in a Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations. - Prior corporate or agency communications experience preferred. - Experience with digital marketing and social media marketing strongly preferred. - Property & Casualty Insurance experience preferred. - Ability to plan and manage at both strategic and operational levels. - Exceptional track record of developing and implementing marketing and sales strategies that have consistently met or exceeded planned objectives - Providing personal leadership through example. - Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and staff to create a results driven, team oriented environment. - Strong strategic planning and analysis skills in sales, marketing, and business strategy. - Extremely effective public speaking skills and presence.