"Brand & Product Engagement Lead"

Job Summary

Merit Network, a non-profit, member-owned organization that has provided high-performance networking and related services to Michigan's research, education, and public service communities for nearly 60 years, is dedicated to advancing innovation and collaboration throughout the region and beyond. The Brand & Product Lead plays a pivotal role in elevating Merit's brand and supporting strategic marketing initiatives through innovative campaigns, engaging storytelling, and impactful events.

This position is responsible for planning and executing marketing strategies that promote Merit's products, services, and mission to both internal and external audiences. The role also includes supporting communication efforts, event logistics, and community engagement, as well as managing vendors and freelancers, implementing social media campaigns, designing proposals, tracking analytics, and handling sponsorship programs. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree, at least three years of creative leadership experience, and strong project or people management skills, with the ability to make significant independent decisions in support of department operations.

To learn more about Merit Network, please visit our website: https://www.merit.edu/

Responsibilities*

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

As the Brand & Product Lead, your main responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Product Marketing & Storytelling - 40%

• Plan, execute, and evaluate multi-channel marketing campaigns to drive awareness, engagement, and participation for Merit programs and services. (E)
• Identify and develop compelling storytelling from across the Merit community, highlighting member impact and organizational achievements through various forms of digital media and presentations. (E)
• Develop and oversee content for product promotions, newsletters, press releases, website, presentations, initiatives, social media, and member communications, ensuring consistency and cohesion in messaging and tone. (E)
• Collaborate with internal teams to generate product materials, original content, case studies, and thought leadership pieces, supporting both strategic goals and day-to-day communications. (E)
• Track and analyze data and analytics against KPIs relating to campaign performance and audience engagement to inform strategies and improve future outcomes.

Administration, Project, and Vendor Management - 30%

• Manage relationships with external marketing vendors, freelancers, and contractors to ensure projects align with organizational goals and have timely deliverables. (E)
• Negotiate contracts and monitor budgets for marketing and communications initiatives.
• Continued commitment to professional development to ensure awareness and adoption of new marketing tools and technologies. (E)
• Develop and maintain project budgets, timelines, and reporting processes. (E)
• Ensure compliance with brand guidelines and organizational policies in all marketing and communications work.
• Support internal program initiatives and provide logistical support as needed.

Community Engagement/Events - 30%

• Foster relationships with Merit members and key stakeholders to promote services, initiatives and to support member spotlights and success stories. (E)
• Represent Merit via digital channels, events, and partnership opportunities.
• Gather feedback and insights from members to inform marketing strategies and improve engagement. (E)
• Lead the planning, promotion, and execution of both virtual and in-person events, workshops, and training sessions. (E)
• Coordinate event sponsorships and logistics, including budget tracking, scheduling, registration, communications, and post-event follow-up. (E)
• Collaborate with team members and partners to develop engaging event programming.
• Track and report on event attendance, engagement, and outcomes to inform future initiatives.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Minimum three years of relevant experience in marketing, communications, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience leading projects, campaigns, or teams with successful, measurable outcomes
• Experience identifying, developing, and sharing compelling stories across digital media channels
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience planning, promoting, and managing events, including coordination of logistics, sponsorships, and key stakeholders
• Experience developing and implementing strategic social media campaigns that support both organizational and product-focused objectives
• Experience coordinating with creative contractors and freelancers
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with digital marketing tools, content management systems, and social media platforms
• Experience in digital storytelling, including video production, multimedia content creation, or similar initiatives
• Experience with product marketing
• Familiarity with analytics platforms and ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Creative problem-solving skills and adaptability in fast-paced or changing environments
• Experience working with organizations in the education, government, libraries, healthcare, or nonprofit sectors
• Understanding of competition across the telecommunications, security, and networking industries, including communications, product positioning, advertising, and other related areas of marketing