Marketing Manager

Cinema/Chicago seeks an experienced full-time Marketing Manager to oversee the communications strategy and all aspects of marketing and communication for Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival.

The Marketing Manager leads and executes marketing strategies that elevate the brand, increase visibility, drive ticket sales, and foster partnerships to enhance Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival's profile and impact. This position ensures the alignment of the marketing campaigns with the organization’s mission, vision, and core values, amplifying the work of filmmakers and engaging audiences at local, national, and international levels.

The Marketing Manager will work closely with the Cinema/Chicago staff and Board members and will also manage seasonal, contract, and part-time support staff as needed. The ideal candidate will be a data-driven marketer who understands the importance of developing a unified brand strategy to ensure consistent messaging across all channels; has experience collaborating with agencies, as well as cultivating and managing partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Digital Content & Campaigns: Oversee the creation and distribution of content across digital channels including the website, social media, email newsletters, and blogs, ensuring engaging and on-brand messaging.
• Audience Acquisition & Retention: Develop strategies to acquire new audiences, while creating programs and initiatives that foster long-term engagement and retention.
• Publicity & Content Calendars: Maintain detailed publicity and content calendars, ensuring timely delivery of all assets, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Photography & Videography Oversight: Manage freelance photographers and videographers, ensuring timely gathering and organization of essential visual assets to support marketing campaigns.
• External PR Firm Management: Serve as the main point of contact for the Festival’s external PR firm, collaborating to secure TV, print, and online coverage, with a focus on securing press for films and filmmakers participating in the Festival.
• Collaborative Partnership with Sponsorship & Development: Work closely with the Sponsorship and Development Managers to create compelling proposals, secure activations, and identify fundraising opportunities to support the Festival’s mission.
• Collaboration with Programming: Partner with the Programming team to highlight the work of diverse filmmakers, ensuring their stories and achievements are amplified through marketing and publicity efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in marketing, brand management, communications, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in integrated campaigns, digital content creation, and building strategic partnerships.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Analytical skills to set benchmarks, track performance, and identify customer insights and brand opportunities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to craft compelling messages across formats.
• Experience overseeing the creative production of digital assets, photography, and videography to ensure high-quality output.
• Familiarity with user experience in website development, ensuring intuitive design and optimal functionality.
• Collaborative team player with experience working cross-functionally with PR, programming, and development teams.
• Knowledge of Salesforce or similar CRM tools, utilizing data to drive marketing strategies.
• Passion for cinema and the arts, with a strong understanding of independent and international film industries.
• A proactive, solution-oriented self-starter who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Please send your cover letter, resume, and campaign samples to: jobs@chicagofilmfestival.com and include: Marketing Manager 2025 in the subject line. Only qualified candidates will be contacted by March 7 for an interview. No phone calls, please.