Vice President of Brands

Strategic Responsibility:

The Vice President of Brands is a dynamic and strategic leader. This position, will oversee the development, management, and execution of strategies for select brands across all channels. Working closely with senior management, this position’s focus will be on driving brand growth, ensuring consistency, and maximizing brand value. This role demands a creative thinker with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends. Additionally, this role will develop and execute strategic brand initiatives, including product development, to enhance the visibility and market presence of David C Cook’s products. This role requires a mix of creativity, analytical skills, and strategic insight to drive brand growth and engagement effectively. Key Responsibilities Include:

• Developing and implementing comprehensive brand strategies and plans to increase awareness, equity, and market share.
• Staying updated on market research to understand consumer insights, trends, and the competitive landscape.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints.
• Defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of brand initiatives.
• Managing brand innovation efforts and identifying new growth opportunities.

Job Description:

Brand Strategy Development: Develop and refine comprehensive brand strategies that align with the company's overall objectives and resonate with target audiences.

Brand Guide Development: Develop and maintain brand guidelines to ensure consistency in messaging, visual identity, and brand voice across all touchpoints. Provide guidance and support to internal teams and external partners to ensure adherence to brand standards.

Product Roadmap Development: Collaborate with product development teams to define the product roadmap for each brand, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and market demand. Identify opportunities for product innovation and differentiation to drive brand growth.

Mixed Media Product Development: Lead the development and execution of integrated product strategies that leverage a mix of traditional and digital media channels. Identify the most effective media channels and tactics to reach target audiences and achieve brand objectives.

Market Research and Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to identify consumer insights, market trends, and competitive threats. Use data-driven insights to inform brand strategy and decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing, product development, sales, and finance, to drive brand initiatives and achieve business objectives.

Brand Performance Monitoring: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of brand strategies and initiatives. Make data-driven recommendations for optimization and improvement.

Brand Innovation: Drive brand innovation and differentiation through the development of new products, services, and experiences that meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor a team of brand managers and specialists, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

Budget Management: Develop and manage the annual brand budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support brand initiatives and maximize ROI.

Act as the brand ambassador, representing the brand at industry events, trade shows, and other promotional activities.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

Formal Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field; MBA preferred.

Experience: 15+ years of experience in brand management or a related field, preferably within the publishing, educational, or entertainment industry. Proven track record of developing and executing successful strategic plans and teams. Experience in managing and growing brands across multiple channels. Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Specialized Knowledge/Certification: Deep understanding of branding principles, product development, mixed-media, marketing strategies, and consumer behavior. Knowledge of Christian publishing and the educational market is highly desirable.

Equipment Knowledge: PC/Mac computers, general office equipment. Proficiency with marketing and brand management software and tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, Adobe Creative Suite). Familiarity with data analysis tools and software (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics). Basic understanding of social media platforms and digital marketing analytics.

Core Competencies:

• Good Decision Maker
• Communicates with ease
• Organized
• Planner
• Likes responsibility
• Self-screens work
• Forward-thinking attitude
• Achiever – strong initiative
• Confident and at ease
• Self-assured
• Sound judgment
• Action-oriented
• Contribute to a working environment of mutual Christian encouragement by upholding Christian standards in all working practices and relationship

Working Conditions:

1. Comfortable working conditions, handling light weight, intermittent sitting, standing and walking.
2. Working environment – cubicle office and co-working spaces with some noise
3. Detail-oriented work requiring mental acuity and accuracy
4. Normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) are typical but must have a willingness and flexibility to work during evenings and weekends if/when necessary.
5. Some may be travel required.

Benefits and Perks:

• Medical Plan: HDHP w/ HSA (All Staff) or Direct Primary Care Option (Colorado Employees Only)
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) w/ Company Match ($0.50 on the $1 up to 10% of eligible compensation)
• Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance Options
• Long-Term Disability
• Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Accident
• Life Assistance Plan

Other Benefits:

• Adoption Benefit
• Benevolence Fund
• Service Recognition Leave
• Volunteer Days
• Holidays
• Sick Time
• Pet Insurance Discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Maternity Leave
• Paternity Leave
• New Childbirth Assistance

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. David C Cook is a dynamic work environment where positions evolve and change. As a result, the Company reserves the right to modify, delete or add job responsibilities, metrics and benchmarks as necessary to meet business needs. In addition, expectations of performance will be defined in regular performance discussions.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.