Director of Marketing Strategy

Ascensus is the leading independent technology and service platform powering savings plans across America, providing products and expertise that help nearly 16 million people save for a better today and tomorrow.

The Director of Marketing Strategy will help drive the growth of the Retirement organization. They will be responsible for both leading, managing, and supporting differentiating marketing strategies for lead generation, but may also contribute to, product development efforts; offer development; positioning and messaging; client loyalty and client experience integration.
The Director will design and execute campaigns that attract, qualify, and convert financial advisors, RIAs, and retirement specialists, while continuously improving performance through testing, analytics, and tight alignment with Sales. This is a builder role focused on outcomes, not activity.

Success in this role will demand:

• Deep understanding of the retirement business and the sales cycle
• Thinking strategically and creatively
• Plan effectively with great forethought and attention to detail
• Consultation and influencing of stakeholders and leaders of the business
• Strong project management abilities
• This position assumes responsibility for the strategic and tactical implementation of data driven marketing and content.

Section 2: Job Functions, Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Requires the ability to create and oversee unique strategic programs in support of sales and retention, including the development of exceptional go-to-market plans for new product releases, campaigns and other national efforts
• Identify, develop and execute appropriate marketing programs and tools designed to build and extend the Ascensus’ brand, generate revenue and support the sales and service teams to strengthen market position
• Work closely with the key business stakeholders and teams to develop a cohesive plan to help shape and influence our future distribution partner communications, training programs, and other key priorities
• Envision future state, build strategy and programs to chart our path; ability to create, understand and shape an effective, measurable digital experience
• Implement required procedures for effective delivery of programs and materials
• Manage high profile projects to ensure our positioning is compelling, differentiating, and targeted to its intended audience
• Management of the related activities to gather and summarize competitive information and recommend strategies and tactics that maximize competitive opportunities.
• Monitoring of competitive positioning, remaining current on industry trends and regulatory issues and the expected impact.
• Collaborate well with product managers and other center of excellence marketing managers to build the brand and deliver business value
• Responsibility for adhering to proper legal process and review, vendor development, timeline management and budget creation
• Must be available for travel as business requires
• Responsible for protecting, securing, and proper handling of all confidential data held by Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access, improper transmission, and/or unapproved disclosure of information that could result in harm to Ascensus or our clients.
• Our I-Client service philosophy and our Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always® should be visible in your actions on a day to day basis showing your support of our organizational culture.
• Assist with other tasks and projects as assigned

Supervision  

• Potential to have direct reports.

Section 3:  Experience, Skills, Knowledge Requirements

• BS Degree in Marketing or related field or work equivalent required
• Requires a minimum of 7 years’ experience with a strong concentration in retirement products and services, and the marketing discipline; solid knowledge of retirement industry trends impacting savings and purchase behaviors
• Out-of-the box thinker, with a passion for envisioning new approaches and creating programs that inspire, motivate, and aim to “convert” interest into action
• Requires strong writing ability to craft compelling communications, including the skill of communicating technical topics, both orally and on paper, in a simplified manner
• Must be able to work with internal constituents to develop strategic plans to ensure products and services are delivered in an exceptional manner to the marketplace
• Wide range of technical expertise regarding industry and competitive landscape, regulatory environment, client interaction, marketing programs, tools and digital experience preferred
• Ability to work within a team effectively and willingness to partner and develop strong relationships with other disciplines within the company toward the end of creating integrated, comprehensive programs
• Ability to think strategically and to manage a large workload efficiently, including the ability lead others within the company
• Willingness to handle tactical implementation at all levels and stages of development as needed
• Ability to set marketing agendas consistent with company growth objectives
• Delivery of strategic plan consistent with Ascensus’ I-Client philosophy
• Strong communications and presentation skills – dynamic, creative, persuasive and succinct
• Strong business sense and attention to detail particularly with regard to program logistics and budget considerations

The national average salary range for this role is  $125-135k in base pay, exclusive of any bonuses and benefits. This base salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salary offered will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, performance, and internal pay alignment. We do not anticipate that candidates hired will begin at the top of the range however, from time to time, it may occur on a case-by-case basis.  Other rewards and benefits may include: 401(k) match, Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid-Time-Off, etc.  For more information, please visit careers.ascensus.com/#Benefits. 

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

Be aware of employment fraud. All email communications from Ascensus or its hiring managers originate from @ascensus.com or @futureplan.com email addresses. We will never ask you for payment or require you to purchase any equipment. If you are suspicious or unsure about validity of a job posting, we strongly encourage you to apply directly through our website.