Director, Branding & Marketing

Position Overview

Connecting and Protecting People, Microwave Products Group (MPG) is a leading global provider of mission-critical engineered electronic components and subsystems comprised of five business units in six manufacturing locations. Our brand names are recognized globally including: BSC Filters, York, UK;
Criteria Labs, Austin, TX;
Dow-Key Microwave, Ventura, CA;
Pole/Zero, West Chester, OH;
Espy, Austin, TX; and K&L Microwave, Salisbury, Maryland and Dominican Republic. Our expertise is the design and manufacture of communications-based specialty products – engineered components and subsystems – for demanding military, space, commercial aerospace/industrial, and telecom infrastructure applications where function and reliability are crucial.

The MPG Director of Branding & Marketing will be a hands-on leader of all branding and marketing initiatives at both strategic and tactical levels. The candidate will be responsible for developing brand strategies and marketing plans aligned to the strategic business plan and goals, in collaboration with key MPG stakeholders. The candidate will drive customer awareness, product demand, differentiated competitive advantage and positioning for the MPG brand in defense, aerospace and commercial markets.

The candidate will have the responsibility to shape and direct the overall branding strategy and marketing agenda for MPG, driving strategy, critical activities and projects with support from internal and external resources. The candidate will be responsible for driving analytics to define and maximize return on marketing investment.

• Strategy & Planning: Facilitate development of the overall branding strategy and marketing plans and own the execution of both. Define brand positioning, develop marketing plans, and create campaigns for new and existing products, aligned with company objectives.
• Creative Direction
  :
  Serve as creative director: establishing the overall creative vision and graphical standards for the MPG brand, marketing campaigns, advertising, trade shows, product releases and other external and internal activities. Oversee external graphics designers, copywriters and artists to produce compelling visuals and messaging that align with business goals, overseeing everything from initial concepts and brainstorming to final execution.
• Budget Management
  :
  Establish budgets in coordination with executive team and finance. Oversee budgets for branding activities, MARCOM, advertising, trade shows, and other marketing-related expenses.
• Campaign Execution
  :
  Direct and coordinate advertising, PR, digital marketing (SEO, social media) content, and promotional activities. Coordinate with internal and external resources as needed/available to ensure optimal media planning, buying and measurement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  :
  Work with MPG executives, business development, sales, product line managers, engineering and other departments to support campaigns for lead generation, sales enablement, and overall business growth.
• Performance Measurement
  :
  Facilitate the definition of KPIs; track campaign performance; and oversee data analysis to derive actionable insights.
• Management
  :
  Build and manage a team of outside consultants and firms to support and execute MARCOM creation, trade show exhibits, advertising activities, and other functions to execute MPG's branding and marketing strategies.

• Bachelor's degree, or Associate's degree plus experience, or significant relevant coursework and experience in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Design or another related field.
• Minimum 15 years' experience developing, implementing and managing all aspects of branding and marketing campaigns (e.g. MARCOM, advertising, trade show exhibits, digital & print, etc.) within the Aerospace & Defense industry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a proven ability to develop effective company and product messaging.
• Experience creating new brand and marketing strategies / campaigns that engage customers and improve competitive position.
• Collaborative skills to facilitate brainstorming and incorporate…