Director of Marketing

Director of Marketing

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director of Marketing to lead and execute our comprehensive marketing strategy. This senior-level role will serve as the primary steward of the Zone 5 Technologies brand, driving awareness, engagement, and growth across digital and traditional channels. The ideal candidate brings a hands-on approach to marketing execution combined with the strategic acumen to manage agency and vendor partnerships that extend our reach and amplify our message.

This position reports directly to executive leadership and will collaborate cross-functionally with business development, engineering, and operations teams to ensure marketing initiatives support company objectives and position Zone 5 Technologies as a leading innovator in our industry.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Presence & Website Management

• Serve as the primary internal owner of the Zone 5 Technologies company homepage, overseeing content strategy, design updates, and user experience improvements in coordination with web development resources.
• Ensure the website accurately reflects current capabilities, contract vehicles, programs, and brand messaging at all times.
• Manage content calendars and publishing cadences to keep web properties fresh, relevant, and aligned with business priorities.
• Develop and maintain an intern program pipeline for homepage support, digital content production, and marketing operations assistance, including recruiting, onboarding, and day-to-day supervision of marketing interns.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

• Develop and own the SEO strategy to improve organic search visibility, keyword rankings, and inbound traffic for Zone 5 Technologies' web properties.
• Plan, execute, and optimize paid search campaigns (SEM/PPC) across platforms such as Google Ads, ensuring efficient spend and measurable return on investment.
• Monitor analytics platforms to track performance, identify trends, and implement data-driven improvements to both organic and paid search efforts.
• Conduct regular competitive analysis and keyword research to stay ahead of industry trends and refine targeting strategies.

Social Media Marketing

• Lead Zone 5 Technologies' social media presence across LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and other relevant platforms, establishing a consistent brand voice and content strategy.
• Create, curate, and schedule organic content that highlights company achievements, thought leadership, contract wins, industry news, and culture.
• Manage paid social media advertising campaigns and optimize for engagement, follower growth, and lead generation.
• Monitor community engagement and respond to comments, questions, and mentions in a timely and professional manner.

Third-Party & Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with external vendors and agencies: consulting, placement, branding, earned/sponsored engagement representation, graphics/video, convention and trade show logistics, booth design, and on-site execution.
• Oversee the planning and execution of Zone 5 Technologies' presence at industry conferences, trade shows, and events including staffing plans, exhibit materials, sponsorships, and pre/post-event marketing.
• Manage relationships with paid media agencies and contractors supporting digital advertising, programmatic buying, and media placement.
• Direct earned media efforts in partnership with public relations firms or consultants, including press release development, media pitching, and coverage tracking.
• Maintain accountability for third-party performance through regular review, KPI tracking, and contract management.

Strategic Marketing Support

• Develop and maintain an integrated annual marketing plan aligned with Zone 5 Technologies' growth objectives, budget parameters, and competitive landscape.
• Support business development and proposal teams with capability statements, one-pagers, presentation materials, and other collateral.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging marketing technologies to keep Zone 5 Technologies' strategy current and competitive.
• Champion brand consistency across all internal and external communications, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

Business Development (BD) Alignment & Capture Support

• Partner closely with the Business Development team to align marketing activities with the BD pipeline, ensuring messaging, collateral, and outreach efforts are calibrated to active pursuits and capture strategies.
• Participate in BD pipeline reviews and opportunity gate reviews to understand target customers, competitive positioning, and win themes translating those insights into tailored marketing engagement strategies that reinforce capture efforts.
• When applicable, develop account-based marketing (ABM) approaches in coordination with BD leads, targeting key government customers, program offices, and prime/sub partners with relevant, timely content and touchpoints.
• Coordinate marketing-driven outreach including event attendance, speaking opportunities, digital content, and social engagement to align with BD's relationship-building priorities and long-lead capture timelines.
• Work with BD to define and implement CRM-linked engagement workflows that track stakeholder touchpoints from initial awareness through capture, providing visibility into marketing's contribution to pipeline development.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive marketing experience in a similar or equivalent role, ideally within the defense, aerospace, government contracting, or technology sectors.
• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency in SEO, SEM/PPC, and paid and organic social media marketing.
• Proven experience managing company websites and digital content, including working with CMS platforms and web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush, HubSpot).
• Track record of successfully managing external agencies, vendors, and contractors to deliver results on time and within budget.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling marketing copy and executive-level presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Ability to travel to Zone 5 Technologies offices, test events, and industry events as required (estimated 1020% travel).

Preferred

• Experience in upstart B2G (business-to-government) marketing and defense technology sector.
• Experience supervising junior staff or marketing interns.
• Proficiency with marketing automation platforms, CRM systems, and advertising analytics dashboards.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field.

Work Environment & Benefits

This position is based at one of the following Zone 5 Technologies locations:

• San Luis Obispo, California or Arlington, VA (preferred)
• Fort Worth, Texas

This role qualifies for up to 50% telework, allowing for a flexible hybrid schedule. Candidates must be able to reliably report to their designated office location when on-site work is required.

Pay range for this role

$175,000 - $200,000 USD

What's in it for you:

• Competitive total compensation package
• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 3 weeks of paid time off each year
• 40 hours of sick time
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.