BASIC FUNCTION:

The Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for executing the marketing, communications, and public relations strategy for the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and its affiliated entities. This role translates high-level strategic direction into campaigns, content, and communications that drive member engagement, enhance brand visibility, and support organizational revenue goals.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and Implement Marketing & Communications Strategy and Tactics:

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies aligned with organizational goals, including advertising, digital marketing, social media, and content campaigns across all channels
• Create and manage marketing and communications calendars for social media, The MRLA Magazine (quarterly), newsletters, website content, and editorial content for MRLA and affiliates (MHF, DRLA, HTIM, MHTA)
• Produce compelling marketing collateral, content, and messaging to promote MRLA programs, benefits, and priorities; maintain brand consistency and visual identity across all channels
• Creative content lead for all external communications channels
• Oversee website content management for MRLA and affiliate sites, ensuring content is current, user-friendly, and strategically aligned
• Manage and monitor marketing and communications budget
• Evaluate marketing and communication performance through data analysis and metrics

Public Relations & Media Management

• Generate and execute an annual editorial calendar to increase MRLA and affiliates presence in media outlets
• Manage and prepare for media requests including scheduling interviews, drafting talking points and providing additional resources to outlets
• Oversee media relations in the creation press releases, fact sheets, media kits, etc., distribution of press releases and media pitches, as well as management of the Association’s media list
• Coordinate on crisis communications and time-sensitive media situations

Team Collaboration:

• Collaborate with internal departments, including government affairs, membership, events, and education, to align marketing and communications efforts with organizational initiatives.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and agencies, ensuring effective delivery of marketing and communications services and campaigns.
• Collaborate on the development of Women in Hospitality Leadership (WIHL) initiative both for chapters and statewide conference.
• Work closely with Event Manager on marketing strategies for all MRLA events including promotional campaigns, registration materials, event signage, and post-event content

Event Support

• Develop and execute marketing strategies for all MRLA and MHF events including Stars of the Industry Awards, WIHL Conference, PAC events, and member programming to drive registrations and other goals
• Create event marketing materials including save-the-dates, invitations, promotional graphics, email campaigns, social media content, signage, and post-event recaps
• Coordinate event visual branding and sponsor recognition with Event Manager; provide onsite support at major events as needed for social media coverage and content creation
• Serve as on-site event support with Events Manager

Required Experience & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field with 3-5 years of marketing and communications experience (association, nonprofit, or hospitality industry preferred)
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills across diverse formats including press releases, social media, long-form articles, website copy, email campaigns, and marketing materials
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) with proven graphic design capabilities
• Strong social media management and website content management experience (CMS platforms); media relations experience including pitching stories and building press relationships
• Strategic thinker who excels at hands-on tactical execution; self-starter who thrives managing multiple priorities independently with meticulous attention to detail
• Proven project management skills with ability to meet deadlines consistently; collaborative team player comfortable working across departments without direct authority

Preferred Qualifications:

• Association experience or knowledge of membership organizations
• Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) experience
• Email marketing platform experience

Professional Competencies:

• Demonstrates sound judgment, professional maturity, self-confidence, and positive attitude in all interactions with employees, members, media contacts, and stakeholders
• Communicates articulately and concisely in written and verbal formats; adapts tone and style appropriately for different audiences and contexts
• Demonstrates initiative, collaboration, and coachability; seeks feedback and continuously improves skills
• Maintains composure and effectiveness under tight deadlines, changing priorities, and high-pressure situations

TEAM MRLA PERKS & BENEFITS

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for you and your dependents with generous employer premium share
• Employer-funded Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending and/or Dependent Care Accounts
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with matching funds available
• 12 days Sick Time per year
• 2-weeks paid vacation per year
• 10 paid Holidays per year
• Paid parking

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individual encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work will be performed indoors in a generally comfortable office environment as well as some travel to potential and current members. Employees must possess the following physical requirements:

• Able to communicate with staff on a telephone, and hear and speak clearly to members and others face to face
• Has vision sufficient to read printed documents, computer screens, forms, and other communications
• Able to sit or stand for long periods of time
• Able to reach above shoulder level to work, as well as bend, squat and sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist/turn, finger and feel
• Must have ability to travel locally and out-of-town for extended periods, using private or commercial transportation and staying in public accommodations
• Must have the physical ability to attend meetings, conventions, and other events, which may be held in large convention facilities with various accessibility, and maneuver through such facilities to perform a broad variety of duties