Current Job Openings

Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications serves as the lead strategist and driving force behind all marketing and communications efforts for the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce (GDCC). This role is responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive, data-informed marketing and communications strategy that advances the Chamber’s mission, strengthens member engagement, and elevates the organization’s visibility and influence across the Greater Durham, NC business community.

Working in close partnership with executive leadership, staff and external partners, this position ensures timely, proactive and compelling outreach to Chamber members, stakeholders and key audiences. The Senior Manager plays a critical leadership role in positioning GDCC as the premier advocate, advisor and champion for business in the Greater Durham area.

This position also works closely with the President/CEO to support communications related to the Board of Directors and key leadership initiatives. Given this level of involvement, the role requires the highest degree of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator and collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and is passionate about supporting business growth and community impact in the Greater Durham region.

Reporting and Team Structure

Reports to: President & Chief Executive Officer Department: Marketing

Direct Reports: None

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations

Strategic Leadership, Planning & Budgeting

• Lead development and execution of an integrated Strategic Communications

Plan aligned with GDCC’s mission, business plan and long-term priorities

• Advise executive leadership on messaging, positioning and communications strategy
• Develop and manage the marketing and communications budget, ensuring effective use of resources
• Track and report on key performance metrics and campaign outcomes

Marketing, Brand & Content Management

• Establish and maintain GDCC’s brand standards; establish brand strategy and positioning, ensuring a strong, consistent presence across all channels

• Direct the creation, design, production and distribution of print and digital communications
• Develop and execute integrated marketing campaigns to support membership growth, retention, sponsorships and programs
• Manage content strategy and storytelling to highlight member value, community impact and organizational leadership

Member Engagement & Revenue Support

• Partner with Membership and Investor Relations teams to align marketing efforts with recruitment, retention and revenue goals
• Promote Chamber programs, events and initiatives to achieve attendance and engagement targets
• Ensure a seamless and high-quality member communications experience across all touchpoints

Public Relations, Digital & Social Media

• Lead public relations strategy, including media outreach, press releases and thought leadership positioning
• Build and maintain relationships with media and ensure timely responses to press inquiries
• Oversee GDCC’s digital presence and social media strategy, ensuring

consistent, proactive engagement

• Utilize analytics to measure performance and optimize outreach

Executive & Board Support

• Provide communications support to the President/CEO, including messaging and member engagement
• Assist with Board of Directors communications and materials, as requested
• Maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality

Qualifications

Education:      A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business administration or related field or the equivalent in acquired on-the-job experience

Experience: Minimum five years of direct experience in marketing and communications, preferably in a Chamber of Commerce, association, nonprofit or business-focused organization

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute independently, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences
• Strong public relations and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and positively influence internal and external stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally, communicate issues clearly, and recommend practical, well-informed solutions
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy

• Familiarity with emerging communications tools and technologies (including AI), with the ability to use them as tools to enhance, rather than replace, strategic thinking, creativity, and sound judgment
• Proficiency with standard business and marketing tools, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email platforms, CRM/database systems, and digital communications tools
• Comfort with technology and ability to quickly learn and adapt to new platforms and systems
• Availability to attend occasional evening events and travel periodically within North Carolina and the continental U.S.

About You

You are a self-motivated, strategic communications professional and storyteller who is excited to do meaningful, mission-driven work. You are proactive, manage competing priorities with confidence and deliver high-quality work with strong attention to detail.

You bring energy and curiosity to everything you do. You think creatively, spot opportunities others might miss, and take initiative to strengthen messaging, deepen engagement and achieve organizational goals.

You are collaborative and relationship-oriented, building trust across teams and with external partners. You communicate clearly, listen well, and know how to bring people together to get results.

You have a connection to Durham or a genuine interest in becoming part of its vibrant and growing community. You believe in the power of the business community to drive innovation, support economic vitality and shape the region’s future.

You are also looking for more than just a job. You are seeking a role with opportunity for growth within the organization and are motivated learn, take on increasing responsibility and make a lasting impact over time.

Environment: This is a full-time, in-office position based in Durham. We prioritize in-person collaboration to support a strong, connected team culture, while offering flexibility based on individual needs. The role includes attendance at select evening chamber events and occasional local or domestic travel.

Salary: The salary will be based on education, experience and qualifications and commensurate with similar roles in the nonprofit sector. We are open to considering highly qualified candidates whose experience exceeds the role’s requirements.

Classification: Exempt employee in a full-time, ongoing role.

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a dire threat or significant risk to health and safety of themselves or other employees or Chamber members.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

Interested candidates should submit their resume, a short cover letter and two references to careers@durhamchamber.org. References will not be contacted without prior approval. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of May 29.