Marketing Content Manager

The Marketing Content Manager drives the creative vision and voice of Metra's brand and marketing activities. Collaboratively working with the graphic designers and project managers, the Marketing Content Manager builds the visual energy for all the marketing projects that the team develops. This role will report directly to the Director of Marketing.

The Marketing Department is responsible for marketing promotions and business development with internal and external stakeholders.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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The primary duties include:

• Serve as subject-matter-expert providing creative insight during planning, brainstorming, and storyboard meetings to help develop materials that resonate with target audiences, drives engagement, and amplifies brand messaging.
• Collaborate with graphics team and marketing project managers to create content for marketing collateral presented across various platforms including digital and social media, onboard trains, and in publications that aligns with marketing strategies and is consistent in tone, style, and quality.
• Manage multiple creative projects from start to finish, determine objectives, themes, and concepts; create sketches or other images; ensure projects adhere to established timelines and budgets; and oversee final production of deliverables.
• Lead design team including assigning, reviewing, supervising, and evaluating work; training and mentoring team members; and guiding and assisting on projects.
• Research target audiences and their interests, monitor language and visual content trends, and keep current with advancements in content technology and platforms to develop persuasive relevant messaging.
• Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.
• Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures.
• Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field plus four (4) years of relevant experience is required. Alternatively, candidates without a degree must have at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, content creation, branding, or communications.
2. Considerable knowledge:
   • Brand, marketing, and communications strategic planning and execution.
   • Relationship and partnership building, and community outreach.
   • Knowledge of effective verbal and written marketing communications.
3. Considerable organization and analytical skills.
4. Considerable presentation, verbal, and written communications skills.
5. Good customer service skills.
6. Intermediate skill using a Microsoft 365, Canva, Adobe Suite required with website backend programs preferred.
7. Skilled using a variety of social media platforms.
8. Ability to:
   • Multi-task and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
   • Work in a fast paced environment.
   • Work cooperatively with a various constituent.
9. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
10. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.