Marketing and Communications, Opportunity Machine

The Marketing and Communications role at Opportunity Machine in Lafayette, LA focuses on promoting innovation in Acadiana by enhancing visibility and engagement with entrepreneurs and technology businesses. Responsibilities include developing marketing strategies, managing major events, creating content, and overseeing outreach efforts. The position requires strong communication skills, marketing experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects. A bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, OPPORTUNITY MACHINE (OM)

The OM Marketing and Communications role is responsible for enhancing the visibility and impact of innovation in Acadiana by promoting, connecting, and celebrating the region's entrepreneurs and technology-oriented businesses. This person will focus on increasing the organization's visibility, attracting program participants, engaging stakeholders, and promoting Opportunity Machine's (OM) impact on the regional innovation ecosystem. This role is crucial for executing targeted outreach, managing our brand presence, promoting key initiatives, and effectively communicating the impact of our region's innovation ecosystem.

Responsibilities:

Marketing Strategy & Campaign Management:
• Develop and implement integrated marketing plans for OM's programs (e.g., Innovate South, Builder 1.0), including strategies for increased national reach.
• Develop targeted campaigns to recruit startups, mentors, investors, interns, and program participants.
• Analyze campaign performance and make data-driven adjustments for continuous improvement.

Lead Marketing Efforts for Major Events and Programs:
• Manage promotion for Innovate South, with a focus on achieving increased national reach and attracting national attendees, investors, and speakers.
• Support marketing for Builder 1.0 and other OM initiatives to ensure robust participation and community engagement.
• Explore and develop potential partnerships with concurrent regional events to maximize visibility and impact.

Content Creation & Brand Management:
• Create compelling content (written, visual, video) for various platforms (website copy, social media posts, newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing collateral) to showcase regional innovation and OM's activities.
• Manage OM's website and social media channels, ensuring dynamic and relevant content.
• Oversee the production of marketing materials, working with external vendors as needed.

Outreach & Public Relations:
• Develop materials and communication strategies to support outreach to potential investors and mentors across the country.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, influencers, and community partners to secure positive coverage and enhance regional and state visibility.
• Coordinate press releases, manage media inquiries, and facilitate public appearances.
• Represent OM at relevant events.

Collaboration & Reporting:
• Work with OM leadership to align promotional strategies with organizational goals and program development.
• Track and report on key marketing and communications metrics to demonstrate impact.
• Manage the marketing and communications budget effectively.

Required skill sets:
• A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Strong communication skills (written, visual, video).
• Proven experience in developing and implementing marketing strategies and campaigns.
• Proficiency in content creation for various platforms.
• Experience with brand management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with website and social media channel management.
• Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.

Desired Qualities:
• Experience in public relations and media outreach.
• Experience with regional and national marketing campaigns.
• Familiarity with the startup/innovation ecosystem.
• Event marketing experience.
• Budget management experience.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Above-average writing skills.

Suggested Training/Professional Development:
• Digital Marketing trends and best practices.
• Content Marketing strategies.
• AI tools such as Gemini, ChatGPT, & Claude.
• Public Relations and Media Training.
• Advanced Social Media Management.
• Marketing Analytics and Reporting Tools.
• Lean Startup methodologies.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary and job title will be commensurate with experience.

A highly competitive benefits package with health coverage and retirement benefits is included.

To apply:

Email a cover letter and resume to Destin@OpportunityMachine.org. All applications, resumes, and/or cover letters are subject to the Louisiana Public Records Law, R.S. 44:1 et seq.