Manages the development and execution of the marketing and communications strategy and ensures all marketing communications are consistent with CNS brand identity and messaging. Oversees creation of marketing plans, and campaigns to generate prospects and recruit new members through marketing activities and sales of member products and services, e.g., CNS Annual Meeting, live courses, online educational services. Responsible for developing and analyzing data-driven strategies for all communication channels and developing strategy for segmented communications. Connect CNS stakeholders with our mission and products with a blend of strategy, creative execution, and rigorous measurement. Supervisory responsibility for Marketing & Communications staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
Oversees multi-year, measurable brand plan; maintains in-depth knowledge of the association’s portfolio including business goals, strategic plan, and market challenges.
Develops and oversees development of marketing plans and associated budgets for all CNS programs, products, and activities, as well as for Section and other partner meetings managed by the CNS.
Develops cohesive marketing strategy across all programs and products, to include segmentation strategy for practice setting, career phase and other key demographic segments.
Work cross departmentally, to create and execute marketing plans for other sources of revenue. Works in collaboration with Membership department on promotions and campaigns. Works with Director of Research and Business Development to assess member/prospects needs and develop/adjust strategies as needed.
Oversees and assists with creation of the design, copywriting, and content development for all collateral and promotional materials, electronic communications, advertising, cross-promotional opportunities, website, video, etc. to ensure consistency with CNS brand, messaging strategy and style.
Creates and manages corporate visual brand identity, branding guidelines and design standards (print, website, electronic communications, templates, collateral, logos, etc.) and ensures all materials, including digital and social channels are continuously refreshed and consistent with brand guidelines and industry standards.
Develops and oversees execution of product marketing strategy for select products as directed by the Staff VP, Programs and Communications and in collaboration with each Staff project/product and program team lead.
Has primary management responsibility for marketing publications that support functions and events.
Develops and fosters strong relationships with contacts in traditional and online media outlets and becomes their primary resource for stories related to neurosurgery.
Fields inbound media inquiries with the CEO and manages those to successful public relations coverage with the advisement of the PR Committee.
Develops messaging and responses for various issues that might have public relations implications.
Crafts informative press releases and articles, manages member testimonials, and facilitates content distribution among various audiences.
Assists with onsite management of Annual Meetings, courses, etc., as needed.
Serves as primary liaison to CNS Committees as needed for Marketing and Communications including the CNS Annual Meeting Committee (with Staff VP, Programs and Communications).
Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
A minimum of 7 years’ experience in marketing, communications, and PR
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field preferred.
Experience with developing and implementing integrated marketing campaigns including direct mail, digital marketing, and social media.
Ability to turn ideas to action, ability to turn project concepts into viable public relations programs.
Strong project management/organizational skills with the ability to successfully coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, change priorities and meet deadlines without sacrificing details.
Supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to lead a cohesive team and utilize the diverse abilities of staff.
Basic HTML skills/experience and /or familiarity with web CMS.
Experience with SEO and SEM.
Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop preferred.
Experience with analytics and measurement of campaigns and website including through use of Google Analytics.
Strong writing and proofreading skills.
Strong computer and typing skills required, including expertise with Microsoft suite of software: Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Solid understanding of social media and ability to navigate popular outlets (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
In depth knowledge in online communications (i.e., internet, email campaigns and trends)
Ability to effectively interact and collaborate with volunteer neurosurgeon leaders including those that serve as influencers.
Work with minimal supervision and exercise independent judgment and tact.
Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills required.
Only candidates local to the Schaumburg, IL HQ office will be considered.
The Congress of Neurological Surgeons is the leader in education and innovation, dedicated to advancing neurosurgery. The CNS provides members with the educational and career development opportunities they need to become leaders and innovators in the field.
Our volunteers and staff serve more than 11,200 members around the world. Working with us gives you firsthand opportunities to support our mission!
With an operating budget of 15M and a dedicated team of 34 employees, the CNS offers a collaborative environment, generous holiday/time off policy, comprehensive benefits (health, vision, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability and life), employee assistance program, and 401(k). In addition, the CNS offers an employee referral bonus, casual dress code, flextime, summer hours, and telecommuting options.