Marketing and Communications Manager

Join a talented and passionate team responsible for managing the Milwaukee Public Market, one of the area's top destinations and a premier attraction in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. Owned and operated by City of Milwaukee Business Improvement District #2, the Market opened in 2005 and has been recognized among the best public markets in the country. In addition to serving as landlord and property manager for independently owned vendors, the Market operates parking facilities, event spaces, public programming and other initiatives designed to support the Market and surrounding community. Guided by our operating principles of Sense of Humor, Common Sense and Organized Chaos , our team continually looks for ways to grow our businesses, support our vendors and create a high standard of hospitality, customer service and placemaking for the roughly two million visitors who experience the Market each year. Position Summary The Marketing & Communications Manager leads marketing, external communications, public relations and digital strategy for the Milwaukee Public Market while also playing an active role in the development and management of public programming, partnerships and community initiatives. At its core, this position tells the story of the Market, its independently owned vendors, food and beverage offerings, private event spaces, public programs and role within the Milwaukee community. Through creative storytelling, engaging content, events and partnerships, the Marketing & Communications Manager builds awareness, drives visitation and strengthens the Market's connection to residents, visitors and the broader community. The role manages day-to-day communications across social media, email, web, media relations and advertising while collaborating closely with Market leadership, vendors, sponsors, media, community partners and external organizations. Key Responsibilities Marketing Strategy & Brand Management: Develop and execute the Market's overall marketing and communications strategy while maintaining a consistent and engaging Milwaukee Public Market brand. Social Media & Content Creation: Manage social media and digital channels and create compelling content through photography, short-form video, storytelling and other creative formats that showcase the Market, its vendors, food, events and experiences. Writing & Communications: Serve as a strong and effective written communicator for the Market, writing and editing email newsletters, press releases, website copy, advertisements, promotional materials and other communications for a variety of audiences and platforms. Public Relations & Media: Develop relationships with local media, proactively identify and pitch stories, coordinate interviews and respond to media inquiries. Creative & Graphic Design: Create day-to-day promotional materials using Canva and/or similar design platforms, including social graphics, flyers, print and digital advertisements, signage and event collateral. Public Programming & Events: Help develop, plan, promote and manage public-facing events and community initiatives, coordinating with staff, vendors, performers, sponsors and community partners. Partnerships & Sponsorships: Build and maintain external partnerships and identify sponsorship opportunities, including sponsor outreach, proposals, activation, benefits and ongoing communication. Vendor & Market Promotion: Develop campaigns that promote Market vendors, seasonal initiatives, cooking classes, private events and other Market offerings, while building a strong understanding of Milwaukee's food, hospitality and tourism landscape. Performance & Administration: Monitor marketing performance and audience engagement, manage the marketing budget and coordinate outside agencies, freelancers, photographers and other creative resources as needed. Market Operations & Team Support: As a member of a small and collaborative Market team, assist with day-to-day Market operations as needed, including customer service, answering phones, merchandise sales and other general organizational needs. Job Requirements Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Creative, resourceful and comfortable taking initiative while working collaboratively as part of a small team. Ability to work independently with limited supervision and exercise sound professional judgment. Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and changing priorities. Strong people skills and the ability to build positive relationships with staff, vendors, sponsors, media, community partners and the public. Comfort interacting with customers and assisting with general Market operations when needed. Availability to occasionally work evenings, weekends or extended hours associated with Market events, programs and other activities. Prior Experience & Skills Preferred The ideal candidate is a creative storyteller and content creator, strong writer and organized project manager who is comfortable wearing multiple hats and moving between creative, strategic and hands-on work. . Significant experience in marketing, communications, public relations, social media/content creation and/or public programming. Demonstrated strength in professional writing, editing, storytelling and content development. Experience developing engaging social media and digital content, including photography and/or short-form video. Experience with Canva or similar graphic design platforms and the ability to independently create professional day-to-day marketing materials. Experience working with media, including story development, pitching, press releases and coordinating media opportunities. Experience developing, promoting and/or managing public-facing events or community programming. Experience developing external partnerships and working with sponsors, including outreach, proposals and relationship management. Familiarity with email marketing platforms, website content management systems, social media management and analytics tools. Familiarity with Milwaukee, its neighborhoods, businesses, food scene and community organizations is preferred. Experience within food, hospitality, tourism, public markets, food halls, placemaking or other destination-oriented organizations is a plus. Competitive salary commensurate with experience Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match Health Insurance Vision Insurance Short-Term Disability Insurance Free Parking Paid Time Off The Milwaukee Public Market is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr