Essence, the definitive voice of today’s dynamic African American woman with over 7.1 million readers monthly, is seeking an experienced marketing pro to head up merchandising efforts for key growth categories.

The Integrated Marketing Director will develop, write, present and execute custom merchandising programs across key categories including:

• Fashion
• Beauty
• Retail
• Music/Entertainment
• Luxury Goods
• Personal care

Specific tasks include:

• Act as project leader for category-specific program development and signature events
• Knowledge of business developments and trends in above categories and key accounts within those categories
• Form strategic alliances and develop/maintain relationships with synergistic organizations to maximize growth in each category (trade associations, charitable organizations, sororities, retailers, etc.
• Strategize with sales staff and work with clients to execute custom programs and events.

Qualifications

Successful candidates must:

• Be able to translate the marketing needs of demanding advertising clients into creative program extensions while maintaining synergy with the Essence brand.
• Possess expertise in creative development and a keen understanding of the African-American women’s marketplace.
• Possess solid proposal writing skills, event and program management and the ability to manage to budget.
• Demonstrated experience executing integrated marketing programs including broadcast, online, event sponsorships, guerrilla marketing/sampling, custom in-book, direct mail campaigns, client sweepstakes and contests.
• Be detail oriented, possess strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to communicate with sales staff, editors, vendors, and clients.
• Have at least 8+ years of magazine merchandising experience or related ad agency or client experience is required.

Please send resumes to:

geri_dembicer@timeinc.com