[Hiring] Marketing Director @Emerald

Role Description

Forge is seeking a Marketing Director to lead marketing strategy and execution for CEDIA Expo, the annual gathering for the residential systems integration industry, connecting systems integrators, installers, manufacturers, and design and build professionals. This role will develop integrated marketing programs that grow qualified attendance, support exhibitor and sponsorship sales, strengthen brand awareness, and build year-round engagement with the smart home and connected technology community. The Marketing Director will translate audience insights into compelling messaging and campaigns across email, paid media, social media, content, websites, and industry partnerships.

Working closely with the show leadership, sales, and cross-functional teams, this hands-on leader will own marketing planning, campaign execution, budget management, and performance reporting. The ideal candidate is a creative, analytical marketer and collaborative team leader who can connect strategic priorities with measurable event outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual CEDIA Expo marketing strategy, campaign calendar, and budget, aligning priorities with attendance, exhibitor, sponsorship, and revenue goals.
• Define audience segments, personas, and customer journeys for systems integrators, installers, smart home and AV manufacturers, design and build professionals, and IT and networking specialists; tailor messaging to each audience’s needs.
• Develop integrated attendee acquisition, retention, and reactivation campaigns using email, marketing automation, paid search, paid social, organic social, content, and partner channels.
• Partner with sales to develop exhibitor and sponsorship value propositions, sales collateral, prospecting campaigns, and lead-nurturing programs that support new business and renewals.
• Coach, develop, and inspire the marketing team; establish clear priorities, accountability, and opportunities for professional growth while remaining hands-on in execution.
• Manage marketing spend and channel performance; establish KPIs, monitor registration conversion, acquisition costs, engagement, and sales lead generation, and use testing and reporting to optimize results.
• Lead pre-show, on-site, and post-show marketing, including registration communications, exhibitor marketing toolkits, education and show-feature promotion, and follow-up campaigns.
• Own brand positioning, messaging, and content strategy; oversee website updates, landing pages, creative assets, and compelling copy that communicates the value of attending and exhibiting.
• Develop social media, community engagement, public relations, and industry partnership programs; collaborate with CEDIA, media partners, exhibitors, and internal teams to extend reach and maintain consistent messaging.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive marketing experience, with experience leading integrated B2B campaigns.
• People management and team leadership experience, with a hands-on, collaborative approach to coaching and execution.
• Digital marketing experience across email, paid search/PPC, paid social, SEO, social media, and web analytics.
• Experience with Hubspot, Salesforce, or comparable CRM and marketing automation platforms, including segmentation, lead nurturing, and campaign reporting.
• Experience managing agencies, creative resources, media partners, and other external vendors.
• Strong planning, prioritization, project management, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple campaigns and event deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to use data to improve audience acquisition, registration conversion, campaign performance, and website effectiveness.
• Experience developing marketing plans, managing budgets, and communicating performance against business objectives.
• Excellent copywriting, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for attendee, exhibitor, and sponsor audiences.
• Ability to build strong cross-functional relationships and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while demonstrating the company’s values.
• Ability to travel to events periodically, up to 15% annually, for up to a week at a time.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS/BA in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Trade show, conference, or event marketing experience preferred.
• Interest in or familiarity with residential systems integration, smart home technology, AV, lighting, automation, security, or networking preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Target Compensation: $110,000 - $120,000
• We offer a competitive benefits package designed to strengthen our employees’ physical and mental health, including:
• Unlimited vacation for exempt employees
• Flexible working locations
• 401(k) plan with a company match
• Medical/dental/vision coverage with inclusive provisions including transgender services and fertility benefits
• Parental and caregiver leave
• Dependent, commuter and FSA benefits
• Professional development programs like Toastmasters
• Mental wellness tools