Manager, Digital Marketing

Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do.

As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of

appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

The Manager of Digital Marketing will lead the execution of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies to drive recruitment and enrollment of families in Start Early's Lake County (IL) programs.

This includes executing new and ongoing digital campaigns, collaborating closely with key stakeholders and developing content in efforts to drive enrollment goals and engage neighboring communities.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Digital Marketing, you will : Support the development of and execute overarching family and staff recruitment marketing and communications strategies and ongoing campaigns for Start Early Lake County's Early Learning Centers and Educare Lake County, working regularly with program and network leaders to raise awareness of programs and to reach enrollment goals.

Lead execution of recruitment strategies and manage paid media spending in partnership with digital media agencies. Monitor KPIs for digital campaigns, providing timely results and recommendations to shift marketing / paid media plans and budgets based on performance.

Lead development (e.g,, copywriting, design execution) and maintenance of family and staff recruitment materials (e.g., brochures, mailers) for Start Early Lake County's Early Learning Centers and Educare Lake County.

Act as lead for asset collection and development of parent testimonials, success stories and other media (photos, videos, etc.

that support recruitment needs.In partnership with Senior Manager, Digital Marketing, manage day-to-day support of parent-facing social media strategies - including developing social copy, creating social graphics, posting, community management and tracking and measurement.

Responsible for maintaining social media calendar. Stay on top of new content formats and other opportunities to extend organic reach.

Manage Educare Lake County website development and serve as webmaster post-launch, overseeing content updates and ensuring optimal functionality and design of EducareLakeCounty.

org.Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to elevate potential child, parent, teacher and practitioner stories as a means of amplifying Start Early's directly operated programs through Start Early's digital marketing channels.

Support marketing needs of community events that raise awareness of program and drive recruitment, such as Educare Lake County's groundbreaking ceremony, information sessions and opening day.

Tasks include development of promotional materials (e.g., flyer), driving event awareness through paid media and social media and ensuring brand alignment in event materials.Qualifications :

BA / BS degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.At least 5 years of professional experience in digital marketing including ad campaign ideation and management;

website creation and maintenance; and content creation including copywriting and graphic design.Proven history in managing and executing broader MarComm strategies.

Experience using digital analytics tools, pulling reporting data and finding meaningful insights that inform ongoing strategy.

Familiarity with the following tools is preferred : WordPress, GA4, Google Tag Manager, Google Ads, Adobe Creative Suite.

Strong written communication skills including practiced experience identifying key themes and details and developing creative, thought-provoking, action-oriented messages that connect with the intended audience.

Ability to foster interpersonal relationships, establish trust and collaborate across functions and with diverse audiences - internally and externally.

Strong ability to plan and prioritize assignments and manage deadlines. Comfort and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

A problem solver who shows initiative and can work independently and as part of a team.Deep commitment to advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practices.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don't perfectly align with everything in the job description,

we still encourage you to apply !Base Annual Salary : $77,400 - $82,500We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably.

As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes : Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.