Marketing Manager

Description

Division/Department: Marketing

Job Title: Marketing Manager

Reports To: General Manager / Vice President, AHR Senior Management, and AHR Director of Marketing

Type of position: Exempt / Salary

Employee Classification: Regular

Location: Bryson City, NC 

Compensation: $50,000-70,000

Job Summary: The Marketing Manager will work to develop, execute, and manage successful branding, marketing, sales, and public relations programs for WNC’s premier scenic train.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute all marketing and advertising plans and monthly/yearly budgets. Includes all digital, social, email, print, branding, photography, videography, etc. platforms, and methods.
• Manage and monitor all social media platforms with engaging content used to drive sales and exposure.
• Maintain, update, and monitor www.gsmr.com. Including but not limited to refreshing imagery and video content, monitoring web, and booking flow (e-tix/rockhouse), SEO, and ROI.
• Produce and facilitate monthly reporting of all marketing platform performance.
• Serve as a Great Smoky Mountains Railroad representative at a local community level and appropriate tourism-related events.
• Serve as a Great Smoky Mountains Railroad point person for companies, civic organizations, chambers, merchants associations, media contacts, government agencies, NRHS associations, and various local and national tourism groups.
• Develop, implement, and analyze customer satisfaction surveys.
• Monitor and evaluate the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad experience from the perspective of the passenger and from the perspective of Great Smoky Mountains Railroad employees. 
• Seek media exposure by working with outside contractors generating PR opportunities and mass exposure.
• Respond to all media requests and coordinate information to and from media, influencers, bloggers, various local entities, etc.
• Assist the General Manager in the formulation and development of marketing strategies and the implementation of these in cooperation with other managers.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of advertising, promotions, and specialty excursions.
• Seek, secure, and serve as the point of contact to all marketing and advertising agencies and vendors.
• Fully support and assist the organization and execution of all special events, including full involvement with THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE including but not limited to marketing, recruiting, logistics, MOD, supervisor/employee oversight, and quality control. 
• Develop and manage a team with Special Events and Entertainment Manager, Department Assistant, and various interns.
• Perform other duties as requested by the General Manager and AHR.

Work Environment:

• Majority of the time spent in an office setting. 
• Onboard a moving train during special events and THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE.

Requirements

Education, Skill, and Work Experience Requirements:

• College courses in Marketing/Public Relations/Advertising or proven history of working experience.
• Preferred: Minimum 5 years of marketing experience in the hospitality, travel & tourism industry. 
• Strong organizational skills.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make and keep deadlines. 
• Computer skills including word processing and graphics.
• Preferred: WordPress, Photoshop, HTML, Videography.
• Must be available for overnight travel, weekends, and holidays.