Overview

WS Development is looking for a Marketing Manager in Chicago’s North Shore for two recently WS-acquired historical properties currently undergoing revitalizations: Plaza Del Lago and Edens Plaza. The Marketing Manager will work closely with the General Manager (GM) and will be expected to be a leader in developing innovative and impactful marketing strategies for both of our distinct brands – an elegant retail oasis and a power center, both featuring a mix of best-in-class retail, gathering spaces, art and more. The Marketing Manager will be responsible for creating and managing brand strategy, implementing marketing omni-channel campaigns, advertising, events, and managing social media. This position will have the opportunity to utilize passion and creativity while working hand-in hand with existing best-in-class retailers and restaurants (with many newcomers to be announced), plus Wayfair’s first-ever brick-and-mortar retail experience which opened this summer.

The Position

• Creates, develops, and implements annual marketing plans. The plans should maximize the marketing budgets to drive traffic to the properties and their businesses while staying true to the brand identities of Plaza Del Lago and Edens Plaza, maintaining the properties as centers for the community as well as world-class destinations.
• Frequently reviews and understands sales and traffic trends and implements market strategies to support tenants to drive traffic and sales at both properties.
• Creates, plans and orchestrates multiple events per month from conception, to contract negotiation through execution, often collaborating with key community partners and non-profit organizations.
• Oversees public relations for the properties; is responsible for working with the contracted PR Firm to compose engaging press strategies and materials in addition to working with influencers and maintaining great relationships with local and national writers.
• Maintains and manages website presence, email program, and social channels with focus on Instagram; while constantly assessing the shifting social media landscape and experimenting with emerging channels as deemed relevant.
• Informs retail partners of marketing activities and supports requests for on/off-site programming/activations.
• Executes paid media program inclusive of digital, OOH, and print channels as well as sponsorship efforts.
• Responsible for managing the local production and use of on/off-site collateral material and distribution.
• Partners with the GM to identify/create revenue generating opportunities to achieve the financial goals of the properties; including but not limited to pop-ups, sponsorships and brand partnerships.
• Prepares, reviews, and understands marketing budgets and reforecasts the budgets on a monthly basis.
• Develops and enhances an excellent rapport with merchants through frequent in-person contact; includes responding to corporate requests and marketing activities/events support for both properties.
• Builds strong working relationships with tenants, media, agencies, customers, community leaders, business contacts, retailers, and partners (i.e. charities, hotels, artists, Chamber of Commerce, tourism board) to build partnerships and engagement with key organizations on behalf of the properties.
• Displays passion and enthusiasm for community outreach, retail, communication, and event production. Actively seeks prospective opportunities for collaboration among the Wilmette community, surrounding areas (including, but not limited to the North Shore, the City of Chicago, and Chicagoland more broadly). Establishes strong working relationships across the internal WS organization including Corporate Marketing, Ancillary Income, Retail Incubation and Leasing. Key Attributes
• Passionate about retail & events: Displays a passion and enthusiasm for community outreach, communication, retail and event production
• Self-starter: Actively seeks prospective opportunities for collaboration with the Wilmette community and surrounding neighborhoods
• Collaborator: Establishes strong working relationships with cross-functional partners like Corporate Marketing, Ancillary Income, Leasing teams, Development, operations as well as other field team members
• Relationship builder: Maintains strong relationships with media, agencies, customers, influencers, community leaders, business contacts, tenants, retailers and partners (i.e. local artists, charities, etc.) to build partnerships and engagement with key organizations on behalf of Plaza Del Lago and Edens Plaza
• People person: Develops and enhances an excellent rapport with each property’s team and tenants through frequent in-person contact; includes responding to corporate requests and property marketing activities/events support
• Multi-tasker: has the ability to work on multiple projects that are in different phases of development
• Curious: has the tenacity to ask questions, keep a finger on the pulse, and the strong desire to continue to learn and grow

Requirements

• BS in Marketing/Business Administration or similar field and at least 5 years of experience marketing, event planning, social media planning, public relations, marketing, and media relations. Retail experience is preferred, not required.
• Excellent oral, written, organizational, interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media channels (Instagram, Facebook)
• Proficiency in marketing-based tools (i.e. Iconosquare, Canva, Klayvio, Sweet IQ, Wordpress)
• Basic knowledge of Adobe Suite products, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign is a plus but not required.