Director of Marketing

About the Job

The Director of Marketing at Destin Commons develops and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to strengthen brand awareness, drive customer acquisition, enhance revenue, and support overall business objectives. This role oversees digital marketing, advertising, social media, public relations, special events, sponsorships, and market research. The Director collaborates with cross‑functional teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging and data‑driven decision‑making. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and marketing expertise are essential. Please note: This position is on-site at Destin Commons shopping center in Destin, Florida.

What You Do

Strategic Planning

• Develop and execute the annual marketing plan using all available platforms to impact FFO, sponsorship income, leasing, sales, traffic, and market share.
• Coordinate with the VPSM on the corporate advertising campaign and maintain brand strategy.
• Oversee all aspects of brand management and communication.
• Monitor retail competition and emerging brands to identify opportunities or threats.
• Use innovative, creative marketing tactics to meet evolving center needs.
• Build and leverage media relationships to secure value-added opportunities.
• Analyze sales and traffic trends to guide strategic decisions.
• Support the GM/AGM with merchandise mix analysis.
• Develop sponsorship proposals and fulfill all obligations.
• Execute corporate programs on time and in accordance with guidelines.
• Assess the effectiveness of marketing initiatives and advertising programs.
• Manage in-mall collateral, trade-outs, and vendor agreements.
• Maintain timely Proof of Performance and documentation.

Retailer Intensification

• Maintain current retailer PR/marketing contact lists.
• Keep retailers informed on all marketing-related initiatives.
• Promote corporate and center-specific programs to tenants.
• Secure retailer-exclusive promotions to support sales initiatives.
• Analyze tenant sales reports to identify trends.
• Implement strategies that increase sales and foot traffic.
• Monitor market trends to develop synergistic promotions.

Communications

• Develop strategies to collect/analyze customer data and shopping behavior insights.
• Maintain strong communication with partners, management, and corporate teams.
• Integrate corporate promotional and PR initiatives into local plans.
• Build strong tenant relationships through consistent engagement.
• Communicate key marketing plan components to all stakeholders.
• Provide timely responses to information requests.
• Coordinate tenant and partner meetings as needed.

Public & Community Relations

• Develop programs that enhance community relations and market positioning.
• Oversee PR agency efforts or manage PR internally as needed.
• Build partnerships with local organizations to drive engagement.
• Maintain an up-to-date media contact list.
• Distribute press materials promptly; track local/national/international coverage.
• Align marketing with charitable organizations when appropriate.

Special Events

• Strategically plan and execute special events to increase awareness, traffic, and sales.
• Establish performance tracking for all events.
• Build brand-aligned partnerships to enhance impact.

Web & Digital Marketing

• Develop and manage a comprehensive digital marketing program, including CRM, online advertising, and web content.
• Ensure the website is accurate and current.
• Manage hosting services, developers, and digital partners.
• Oversee social media strategy, content creation, and engagement.

Tourism

• Maintain awareness of regional and drive markets.
• Coordinate consumer advertising, including hotel and niche market partnerships.
• Collaborate with visitor organizations and travel industry partners.
• Monitor and analyze visitor trends to adjust tourism marketing efforts.

Customer Service

• Promote a customer‑centric culture across all touchpoints.
• Respond to reviews and online feedback to maintain a positive reputation.
• Work with tenants to improve customer service standards.

Financial Responsibilities

• Create and manage the annual marketing plan and budget.
• Maintain communication with accounting teams to track marketing fund impacts.
• Allocate funds strategically and analyze ROI on major expenditures.
• Monitor monthly variances and manage year‑end accruals.
• Develop strategies to attract sponsorships and expand revenue.
• Oversee in-mall advertising, Arts & Entertainment budget, and financial tracking.

Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

What You Bring to the Table (Requirements)

• Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of marketing, management, or advertising experience; MBA preferred.
• Shopping center industry experience required.
• Strong knowledge of retail management, marketing, branding, and advertising.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong fiscal management and budgeting experience.
• Advanced computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and related tools.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as needed.
• Strong leadership and team‑building capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Event management experience required.