Marketing Manager

Marketing Manager Location: Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority (Palmetto Breeze) Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt Schedule: 40 hours per week; occasional evenings and weekends required Salary: Competitive salary, DOE (Dependent on Experience) About Us The Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority (LRTA), operating as Palmetto Breeze, proudly provides safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation throughout Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, Hampton, and Allendale counties. Our services include 11 daily commuter routes, weekday fixed routes in Bluffton and Walterboro, and the seasonal Hilton Head Island Trolley. We are committed to connecting our communities while delivering exceptional customer service and innovative transportation solutions. We are seeking an energetic, creative, and results-driven Marketing Manager to lead the Authority's marketing, communications, public relations, and community outreach initiatives. Position Summary The Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications programs that increase public awareness, enhance community engagement, strengthen the Palmetto Breeze brand, and promote ridership across all transit services. This position oversees digital marketing, social media, public relations, advertising, website management, community partnerships, and customer communications while serving as a key representative of the Authority within the communities we serve. The ideal candidate is an organized, creative professional with strong communication skills, experience in digital and traditional marketing, and a passion for serving the public. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Marketing & Brand Management Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies to promote Palmetto Breeze services and increase ridership. Create and maintain a consistent brand identity across all marketing platforms and communications. Design, write, and produce brochures, flyers, posters, presentations, advertisements, newsletters, signage, and other promotional materials. Coordinate advertising campaigns across print, television, radio, digital, and social media platforms. Evaluate marketing initiatives and recommend improvements based on performance metrics. Digital Marketing & Communications Manage and maintain the LRTA website, ensuring timely, accurate, and engaging content. Develop, schedule, and publish content across all social media platforms. Monitor online engagement and respond appropriately to customer comments and inquiries. Create digital campaigns that increase awareness, customer engagement, and community participation. Community Outreach & Public Relations Build and maintain positive relationships with local businesses, civic organizations, government agencies, schools, tourism organizations, and community groups. Coordinate community outreach events, educational presentations, public meetings, and promotional activities. Conduct customer satisfaction surveys and community outreach initiatives to identify service improvements and enhance customer experience. Represent Palmetto Breeze at community events, business meetings, and public functions. Media Relations Develop press releases, media advisories, and public information materials. Coordinate interviews and serve as a liaison with local media outlets. Develop communication strategies for service changes, special events, and promotional campaigns. Assist the Executive Director with crisis communications and public messaging as needed. Advertising & Business Development Develop relationships with business partners to maximize advertising revenue opportunities on LRTA buses and related assets. Identify sponsorship and partnership opportunities that support agency initiatives. Coordinate advertising contracts and promotional agreements with external organizations. Administrative Responsibilities Maintain marketing calendars, campaign schedules, and project timelines. Assist with departmental budgeting and monitor marketing expenditures. Prepare reports measuring campaign effectiveness and customer engagement. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director. Qualifications Required Valid driver's license. High School Diploma or GED. Experience with graphic design software and digital marketing platforms. Experience managing websites and social media accounts. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends. Preferred Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Graphic Design, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience in public transportation, government, tourism, or public sector marketing. Fluency in both English and Spanish. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Canva, WordPress or similar website platforms, Google Analytics, email marketing platforms, and social media advertising. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities The successful candidate will demonstrate: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Strong graphic design and creative content development abilities. Knowledge of marketing principles, branding, and public relations. Experience developing integrated marketing campaigns. Strong customer service and relationship-building skills. Ability to analyze marketing performance and adjust strategies accordingly. Professionalism when interacting with elected officials, community leaders, media, and the public. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams. Benefits Palmetto Breeze offers an excellent benefits package including: Competitive Salary (DOE) South Carolina State Retirement System State Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays Life Insurance Professional Development Opportunities Join Our Team If you're a creative marketing professional who enjoys engaging with the community, building relationships, and making a positive impact through public service, we encourage you to apply and become part of Palmetto Breeze team. The Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority (Palmetto Breeze) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr