THE OPPORTUNITY
With more than 5,000 global education clients, Blackboard is directly involved in improving teaching, learning and student life around the globe. Every day millions of teachers, students, researchers, administrators, parents and staff rely on Blackboard to help them teach better, learn better, communicate better and live better on campus. At the same time, the Education industry has reached an important turning point from its rapid adoption youth to a higher stakes environment where systems are mission critical, timely communication is critical and learning outcomes and measurement are vital new standards.
With its well known brand, large and engaged client community, strong financial position and significant footprint in the Education marketplace, Blackboard is well positioned to lead this transition and move to a new level of leadership and influence as the operating system for education. A big part of this next stage will be about creating demand through innovative, unexpected and measurable marketing programs that get results while speaking well of Blackboard and its commitment to education. In the Senior Director role, we're looking for a seasoned marketing leader with a bright mind, fast motor and knack for execution to help lead this charge.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Senior Director of Vertical Marketing, the candidate will lead the NAHE Marketing team. Leveraging their market analysis, demand creation and field marketing experience, he/she will play a pivotal role in taking Blackboard's e-Learning (Blackboard Learn) and Mass Notification (Blackboard Connect) solutions to market in the NA Higher Education market with marketing programs that drive measurable growth.
Specifically s/he will:
- Become fluent in marketplace dynamics and buyer personas Blackboard serves in NAHE and craft marketing outreach around this market-driven approach to our targets.
- Directly manage and cultivate the NAHE marketing team.
- Help build and execute a comprehensive demand creation/lead generation strategy to support critical NAHE business priorities.
- Create and manage measurable, market-driven campaigns leveraging all relevant elements of the marketing mix including PR, social media, events, online marketing, direct marketing and field programs.
- Oversee the adoption and usage of our sales automation and campaign management systems and use them to evaluate and report on marketing programs effectiveness while consistently optimizing marketing ROI.
- Build and lead a tight partnership with NAHE Sales organization including close collaboration on go-to-market planning, pipeline contribution and team communication.
- Coordinate event selection, strategy, execution and ROI analysis for all NAHE events, conferences and seminars.
Required Experience
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate should have significant segment marketing, demand creation and campaign execution experience with well known brands including a demonstrated track record of success working with direct sales teams in technology.
- A four year degree from an accredited University or college, Masters degree preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in technology marketing including demonstrated competency in delivering direct marketing ROI.
- Successful experience in lead generation and client acquisition utilizing a variety of outreach methods including direct marketing, email, internet, events, field marketing programs and/or other mediums.
- Specific experience leading and managing integrated marketing launches and campaigns with national scale.
- Must possess strong business acumen, keen business analysis skills and strong direct marketing experience.
- He/She will have the personal drive, passion and enthusiasm to both understand, and successfully navigate a fast-growing global company in an evolving education and communication technology marketplace.
- Excellence in verbal and written communication, presentation skills and relationship management.
- Ability to partner with all levels of an organization.
- Education industry experience a plus, but not required.
