About Discover Kalamazoo:

Discover Kalamazoo is the official destination marketing organization for Kalamazoo County, dedicated to promoting the vibrant community, rich culture, and unique attractions that make Kalamazoo a must-visit destination. Our team of passionate professionals works tirelessly to inspire both visitors and residents to explore all that Kalamazoo has to offer, from its thriving arts scene to its world-class museums, breweries, and outdoor adventures.

Position Summary:

The Content Manager works under the general supervision of the Director of Marketing & Communications to support the mission of Discover Kalamazoo through content development on our website and social media channels. The Content Manager is a brand advocate for Kalamazoo County tourism and will help craft the brand and voice of Discover Kalamazoo.

Essential Functions:

• Writing and managing website content, style, and layout and ensuring consistency and alignment with organization branding and strategy, following best practices.
• Creating and managing the editorial calendar, supporting opportunities to develop content-oriented solutions for the organization, its partners and stakeholders, and to more effectively promote tourism for Kalamazoo County.
• Creating and managing distribution of content to online channels and social media platforms to increase web traffic, drive unique visitors, increase engagement, and help build and strengthen organization’s digital presence ensuring consistent brand messaging across all channels and platforms.
• Curating content for the Discover Kalamazoo Travel Guide including developing the overall content layout, writing and/or editing all articles, and sourcing all photos.
• Recruiting and managing local and regional content creators / influencers / ambassadors that align with the organization goals and strategy.
• Suggesting and implementing new strategies and platform features to increase destination awareness, such as new social media functionalities, social promotions, etc.
• Creating and managing ads on Meta for in house promotions and programming.
• Creation, curation, distribution and promotion of engaging photography and short-form video content for the destination’s website and social media platforms.
• Maintaining the digital asset management system for the organization, including the rights approval process for external and user generated content.
• Attending partner events and destination special events to take photos and videos for social media and marketing efforts while cultivating relationships with community members.
• Evaluating metrics and analytics for the Discover Kalamazoo website and social media channels and optimizing to reach identified goals and strategy.
• Managing SEO for the Discover Kalamazoo website and regularly reviewing the site content for accuracy.
• Works with the Director of Marketing & Communications to support campaigns that strengthen the organization’s position in leisure, sports and business markets.
• Collaborating with destination services on strategies to increase downloads and engagements with the Discover Kalamazoo app and kiosks.
• Other related duties, as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related fields, or equivalent education and experience.
• One (1) to three (3) or more years’ experience in blogging or journalism, content creation and managing brand identities on social media.
• Demonstrated experience as a written and visual storyteller and with website and social media platform development.
• Strong knowledge and application of social media engagement strategies including content, analytics and reporting, and channel optimization.
• Photography skills and short form video creation.
• Basic HTML and SEO skills.
• Basic experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong, clear communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Able to respond in a timely manner to client and co-worker requests.
• Ability to organize and meet deadlines for a wide variety of requests; must be able to handle numerous projects simultaneously with strong multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Skilled in MS Office applications and social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
• Experience with running ads on the Meta platform.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• A self-starter with excellent critical thinking ability, creative problem-solving skills, and sound judgment.

Preferred Requirements:

• Knowledge of the destination and surrounding area.
• Cultural, entertainment or tourism experience preferred.
• Ability to speak and understand languages other than English.

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to stoop and lift items weighing up to 25 pounds. It also involves repetitive motions such as bending and reaching. Frequent use of hands and fingers is necessary to handle, feel, or operate equipment, along with regular reaching with hands and arms. Occasionally, the role will require lifting, moving, carrying, pulling, and pushing objects while in various positions, including sitting, standing, climbing, or walking. Additionally, specific vision capabilities are essential, including close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus as needed.

Work Environment:

The work environment for this position is primarily in a general office setting where lighting and temperature are adequate and no hazardous conditions are present. Regularly, the role involves working at large gatherings, both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to various climate conditions and large crowds. Temperature conditions vary based on the time and location, and the noise level is typically moderate or conversational.

Schedule:

This position primarily requires availability from Monday to Friday; however, weekends will be required based on business needs and special events. A flexible remote work hybrid schedule is available, with certain days required in the office to ensure team collaboration and support for in-person operations.

Alignment with Our Values:

At Discover Kalamazoo, we are looking for individuals who align with our core values and can embody them daily:

• Outstanding Ambassadors: We are passionately proud of our community and strive to represent it with operational excellence.
• Diversity and Inclusion: We commit to equity, recognizing that it is the foundation of diversity and inclusion. We aim to reflect the diversity of our community and visitors to ensure all feel valued and welcomed.
• Contagious Positivity: We maintain a positive attitude, acting with positive intent and assuming the same of others. Our cups are always half full.
• Growth Mindset: We are curious and courageous, encouraging ourselves and each other to try new things and not fear failure.
• Integrity and Empathy: We operate with honesty, transparency, and ethics. We care deeply about our team’s well-being and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

It is essential for all team members to understand these values and live them in their daily interactions and work.

Compensation:

The salary for this position is between $45,000-$50,000 annually, based on experience, with the potential for a performance bonus.

Benefits:

Discover Kalamazoo offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our team members’ well-being and professional growth. This includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), generous paid time off (PTO) starting at 19 days per year, parental leave, short- and long-term disability insurance, and a cell phone reimbursement program. We also provide opportunities for professional development with tuition assistance and wellness reimbursements to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Additional benefits include a pet-friendly main office and support for nursing mothers. Our benefits reflect our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where all team members feel valued and empowered.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Discover Kalamazoo is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure full participation in the hiring process and all aspects of employment.

How to Apply:

Email your resume and cover letter to Dana Wagner (dwagner@discoverkalamazoo.com) by Friday, February 21, 2025.

Or mail your resume and cover letter by Friday, February 21, 2025 to:

Discover Kalamazoo

Attn: Dana Wagner

240 W. Michigan Ave.

Kalamazoo, MI 49007