The Marketing & Merchant Engagement Manager advances Downtown Inc.'s mission by leading marketing, communications, promotions, and merchant engagement efforts that strengthen Downtown York's business community and enhance the district's vitality, visibility, and economic success.

Serving as the primary liaison to downtown businesses, this position promotes Downtown York as a destination, supports business retention and attraction initiatives, connects merchants with organizational and community resources, and encourages collaboration among businesses and stakeholders.

Working collaboratively across Downtown Inc and the York County Economic Alliance, this role develops strategic marketing campaigns, manages digital communications, supports events and grant programs, and ensures consistent messaging across the organization's four pillars: economic development, promotions, placemaking, and public safety.

The ideal candidate is a creative, organized, relationship-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, manages multiple priorities effectively, and is passionate about building a vibrant downtown community.

DUTIES

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and execute strategic marketing and communications across digital, print, media, and public relations channels.
• Manage Downtown Inc.'s website, social media, email marketing, blogs, publications, and other content to promote downtown businesses, programs, events, and initiatives.
• Create compelling stories, business spotlights, visitor content, press releases, and promotional materials that increase awareness and engagement.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop creative assets including photography, video/reels, graphic design, and publications.
• Support sponsorship recognition, fundraising campaigns, grants, and organizational communications while maintaining consistent branding.
• Track marketing performance and recommend new strategies based on industry trends and analytics.

Merchant Engagement & Economic Development

• Serve as the primary contact for downtown businesses, connecting merchants with Downtown Inc, YCEA, City of York, and partner resources.
• Build strong relationships through regular outreach, business visits, and ongoing communication.
• Develop merchant newsletters, surveys, email communications, and stakeholder updates.
• Encourage participation in Downtown Inc. programs, promotions, events, and advocacy initiatives.
• Gather merchant feedback, identify emerging needs, and provide recommendations that support business retention, attraction, and economic vitality.
• Foster collaboration among businesses through networking opportunities, partnerships, and shared promotions.

Events & Programs

• Lead marketing and promotional efforts for Downtown Inc events and initiatives.
• Engage merchants in signature events through partnerships, activations, and promotions.
• Collaborate with community organizations, businesses, sponsors, and media partners to increase participation and visibility.
• Support event planning, logistics, sponsor fulfillment, and on-site operations as needed.

Grant Administration

• Administer the Downtown York First Friday Grant Program and Welcoming Communities Grant Program, including application management, applicant support, compliance, reporting, and sponsor recognition.
• Promote grant opportunities, provide technical assistance, and evaluate program outcomes.

Administrative & Organizational Support

• Maintain project timelines, communication calendars, records, and performance metrics.
• Provide coverage at the Downtown Resource Center.
• Serve as staff liaison for the York Business Improvement District Authority (YBIDA), including board administration, meeting coordination, agendas, minutes, and compliance.
• Maintain relationships with government agencies, community organizations, donors, businesses, and stakeholders.
• Represent Downtown Inc publicly when assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, journalism, hospitality, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Up to five years of experience in marketing, communications, merchant relations, customer engagement, or a related field.
• Excellent writing, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management abilities with experience managing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated creativity, initiative, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, and website content management systems.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for meetings and events.
• Ability to travel throughout downtown York and lift up to 25 pounds for event support.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

The compensation range is $55,000 - $60,000. This is a salaried position that will require work outside of traditional business hours.

WHY WORK FOR US?

We #MakeThingsHappen in YoCo! We have a great team and our job is to wake up daily and make positive change occur across our County.

We offer competitive benefits that include healthcare, a retirement plan, paid family leave, and tuition reimbursement. We respect that your personal time is important, that is why we offer paid time off and vacation leave and encourage you to utilize it. We can accommodate flexible in-office and remote working. We respect and encourage community volunteer involvement.

WE ARE A WELCOMING WORKPLACE

The York County Economic Alliance and Downtown Inc are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to cultivating an environment where all voices are welcomed, celebrated and treated with respect. Our mission is to create equitable economic prosperity. Read about our Economic Equity Plan here.

Our organization is dedicated to provide opportunities to all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protecting employees and applicants under the law.

INTERESTED? HERE’S HOW TO APPLY:

Send cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and the names/contact information for three references in one PDF file to LSchmaltz@YCEAPA.org with “Marketing & Merchant Engagement Manager” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit resumes by Friday, July 17.