Marketing & Communications Manager

Welcome to Merit Network - the nation's premier Research and Education Network. For 60 years, Merit has provided trusted technology services to Michigan's public universities, colleges, K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare organizations, and other nonprofit institutions.

The Marketing and Communications Manager leads Merit's marketing, communications, brand, and outreach efforts in support of the organization’s strategic goals. This role is responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies that strengthen Merit's brand awareness, support Member engagement, promote Merit's products and services, and advance the organization’s visibility across the research, education, technology, broadband, cybersecurity, and nonprofit communities.

This position sets priorities and operating expectations for the Marketing and Communications teams; oversees the marketing calendar, communications channels, vendor ecosystem, and campaign execution; and ensures that Merit's messaging, content, events, and public presence are consistent, compelling, and measurable.

This position reports to the Vice President for Community Engagement and works collaboratively with Merit’s Executive Team, Member Engagement, Technology Services, Workforce Development, and other departments across Merit.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, highly organized, and collaborative marketing leader who can balance long-term planning with hands‑on execution. This person is proactive, data‑informed, comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines, and able to translate complex technical services into clear, audience-focused messaging.

The position requires travel (5‑6 times per year) within the state of Michigan and out of state to attend conferences, promote Merit's brand, and interface with Merit’s Membership and peer organizations.

• Develop and implement Merit's overall marketing and communications strategy, including brand awareness, business goals, digital marketing, publications, website, social media, public relations, and other channels. (E)
• Lead the Marketing and Communications team through planning, prioritization, capacity management, performance management, professional development, and regular operating cadences. (E)
• Coordinate with Merit teams, peer organizations, and national outreach programs to align and execute marketing strategies. (E)
• Build and maintain a strong departmental understanding of Merit's products, services, audiences, value proposition, competitive differentiators, and Member needs.
• Collect, analyze, and share market intelligence, stakeholder insights, and marketing performance data to inform executive decision‑making, product development, and future strategy.
• Identify opportunities to increase Merit's visibility in networking, cybersecurity, broadband, workforce development, research and education, industry, and other community spaces.

• Oversee integrated marketing campaigns, including request intake, prioritization, campaign briefs, messaging frameworks, channel plans, and the integrated marketing calendar. (E)
• Guide the development and execution of communications assets across digital marketing, social media, print, educational materials, newsletters, web content, partner communications, and co‑marketing initiatives. (E)
• Maintain, improve, and strategically evolve Merit's website and other internally hosted websites. (E)
• Track marketing and communications performance, provide quarterly analytics reports, identify trends, and recommend strategic adjustments. (E)
• Strengthen lead generation, analytics, and research‑informed decision‑making for Merit's products and services.
• Manage public relations efforts in coordination with Merit's contracted public relations firm, including press releases, media opportunities, executive visibility, and similar events.
• Build and maintain relationships with external communications partners.
• Manage trade and service mark registrations with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.