Director of Marketing

Marketing Director

The Bismarck Larks are seeking a Marketing Director in Bismarck, North Dakota, to lead, support, and grow our marketing efforts across various departments, with a focus on driving Flock Memberships, ticket sales, merchandise, etc., through database marketing, product design, digital communication, and targeted marketing strategies.

We seek a highly motivated, coachable, creative, and results-oriented individual who can create and execute innovative marketing campaigns that leverage customer data, enhance product appeal, and optimize communication across digital platforms. The Marketing Director will be pivotal in implementing strategies that increase ticket sales, sponsorship value, merchandise revenue, and overall brand engagement. As the Marketing Director, you will lead the development and execution of data-driven marketing strategies that drive ticket sales, sponsorship value, merchandise revenue, fan engagement, and organizational growth. You will oversee the organization's customer relationship management (CRM) platform, marketing automation systems, advertising strategy, public relations efforts, media partnerships, and digital communication channels. This role serves as the primary owner of HubSpot and related marketing technologies, ensuring effective customer acquisition, retention, lead nurturing, reporting, and cross-department collaboration. The Marketing Director will also lead traditional and digital advertising initiatives, manage media relationships and trade partnerships, and proactively generate earned media opportunities that elevate the visibility of the Bismarck Larks throughout the region.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute targeted marketing strategies designed to maximize ticket sales, sponsorship value, and merchandise revenue.
• Oversee data collection, fan loyalty, and membership renewal campaigns.
• Build and optimize customer database marketing efforts to deliver personalized communications that increase engagement and conversion.
• Collaborate with internal departments (tickets, sponsorships, merchandise, events) to create tailored campaigns that align with business objectives.
• Provide detailed reporting on sales performance, audience engagement, and campaign ROI, and recommend adjustments to improve results.

CRM & Marketing Technology Leadership

• Serve as the primary administrator and strategic leader for HubSpot and all integrated marketing technology platforms.
• Develop and maintain CRM processes, automation workflows, lead nurturing campaigns, customer segmentation strategies, and lifecycle marketing initiatives.
• Partner with ticket sales, sponsorship sales, merchandise, events, and leadership teams to ensure CRM data supports organizational goals and revenue growth.
• Maintain data integrity through database governance, contact management standards, list segmentation, tagging structures, and reporting processes.
• Create and manage dashboards, reports, and attribution models that measure campaign performance, revenue generation, customer engagement, and return on investment.
• Evaluate, implement, and optimize technology integrations between HubSpot, ticketing systems, websites, digital advertising platforms, and other organizational tools.
• Train and support staff on CRM best practices, reporting capabilities, and platform utilization.

Product Design and Ticket Offerings

• Develop and refine ticket packages and promotional offerings that appeal to various audience segments, driving ticket sales and customer retention.
• Collaborate with the ticketing team to analyze sales trends and customer feedback to optimize package designs and pricing strategies.
• Create innovative group ticket offerings, season memberships, and value-added promotions that align with fan needs and maximize revenue.
• Ensure all ticket offerings are marketed effectively through targeted campaigns and digital communication channels.

Website and Social Media

• Manage updates to the team website, ensuring content reflects current promotions, events, and key messaging that drive sales and user engagement.
• Ensure a smooth user buying and information-gathering experience online (desktop and mobile), including updating the ticket system, etc.
• Oversee the management of daily content on social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and emerging channels to increase brand visibility with support from the marketing team.
• Direct prompt responses to direct messages and inquiries, fostering stronger customer relationships and addressing purchasing questions.
• Use Google Analytics, URL trackers, and other analytics tools to measure the effectiveness of campaigns.

Public Relations and Earned Media

• Lead the organization's public relations strategy and execution to increase awareness, strengthen community relationships, and enhance brand reputation.
• Coordinate interviews, media appearances, press conferences, podcast opportunities, and speaking engagements involving team leadership, staff, players, sponsors, and community partners.
• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, talking points, and supporting materials for organizational announcements, events, promotions, and initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media representatives throughout North Dakota and surrounding markets.
• Track and report earned media coverage and public relations performance metrics.

Brand Consistency

• Develop and write messaging consistent with the brand voice. Ensure messaging and strategy are targeted to various audiences and executed across multiple channels.
• Work closely with the VP of Creative Services to ensure all marketing elements are cohesive and that all outward-facing marketing elements meet brand guidelines.

General Team Responsibilities

• Game and Team Event Availability: Expected to be available for Bismarck Larks home games and team events; this includes weekends and holidays.
• Non-Game Day/Event Hours: Expected to attend office hours of 8 AM-5 PM each weekday during season and out-of-season (seasonal hours shift some). The Team President and GM determine the schedule.
• Other General Team Responsibilities May Include:
  • Cleaning and organizing the press box and other ballpark areas.
  • Assist with ballpark set-up and tear-down before the season, after the season, and during each homestand.
  • Assist with event set-up and tear-down at team events
  • Help maintain ballpark cleanliness
  • All other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of CRM, marketing automation, reporting, and customer lifecycle management.
• Strong proficiency in database marketing tools and platforms.
• Proven track record of creating successful targeted marketing strategies that drive measurable sales.
• Strong understanding of public relations strategy, media relations, story development, and earned media generation.
• Ability to analyze marketing attribution, customer journey data, campaign performance, and CRM reporting to inform strategic decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong project management abilities, capable of meeting tight deadlines.
• Self-starter with a positive attitude and a passion for driving sales through innovative marketing techniques.
• Experience with Google Analytics preferred but not required
• Experience with WordPress or other web-based applications
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Polished presentation skills and strong attention to detail, with an ability to think and react to situations quickly and confidently
• Assertive, persistent, and results-oriented
• Ability to manage people, interns, and gameday staff.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize, and think strategically
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment
• The ability to work extended hours upwards of 14 hours and lift 30-50 lbs
• Enthusiastic team player with strong leadership skills
• Must be a self-starter with a desire to work hard and have a positive "can‐do" attitude
• Uphold our service vision: Happy People Making People Happy. We want people who love what they do, who find joy in making others laugh or smile, and who want to use fun and happiness to make a difference in the lives of coworkers, clients, and fans.

Core Values

Our core values spell out EPIC, guiding every decision and event we deliver. These values represent the principles we live by to ensure our events are memorable and meaningful. Our EPIC team delivers EPIC experiences to our clients:

• Experience-Obsessed: Prioritizing outstanding fan and guest experiences in all operations.
• Positive Energy: Bringing enthusiasm and positivity to the workplace to uplift others.
• Innovating Constantly: Finding new ways to improve processes, enhance guest experience, and streamline operations.
• Community Builder: Engaging with and supporting the community to build a