Job Description

The Social Media & Marketing Manager plays a crucial and exciting role in our Communications Office. This team of five is charged with increasing course participation across all target audiences and ensuring excellent customer service with regard to stakeholder communication – from prospective students, to families of students currently on course, to alumni and partners.

This position requires relocating to Costa Rica and committing to a 12-18 month contract.

The Social Media & Marketing Manager reports directly to the Communication Director.

Specific duties include:

SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING

• With support from the Brand Manager, develop and lead a strategic online marketing/advertising plan and schedule; this includes Google AdWords, referral sites, Facebook ads, and other online marketing strategies
• Target, maintain, update and improve Outward Bound Costa Rica’s social networking efforts (blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Google+, Pinterest, etc); serve as the organization’s “voice” across these platforms
• Proactively liaise with students and outdoor field staff to obtain photos, videos, etc. to strengthen our image across all social network platforms
• Boost Website visits and ease of use by tracking Google Analytics and leading Search Engine Optimization efforts; make adjustments as needed
• Update website as needed using WordPress and HTML
• Develop targeted marketing and outreach efforts to new and existing audiences to maximize program participation
  Contribute to planning/strategy meetings with the rest of the Communications Team

PUBLIC/EXTERNAL RELATIONS

• Develop and lead a robust public relations program to generate widespread brand awareness and boost enrollment – this includes developing/driving an aggressive media outreach schedule; building and maintaining a media database; conducting media calls; generating media stories; writing/editing/ distributing press materials; tracking and repurposing all media coverage; etc.
• Work with the Communications Team to develop and lead an aggressive target audience outreach strategy to boost awareness, enrollment and referrals; this includes taking ownership of the project management, soliciting items from other team members within the timeframe, and writing/editing all necessary copy (i.e. Direct Mail Marketing campaigns, Alumni Outreach, Newsletters, etc.)
• Ensure all students complete program evaluations and their feedback is shared with both the Communications and Programming offices; Update evaluation processes/materials as needed
• Devise and monitor feedback mechanisms for alumni and parents to encourage increased, long-term communication with Outward Bound Costa Rica as well as increased referrals/repeat business
• Write and edit copy for the website and other organization materials as needed; Serve as primary copy editor for all Communications materials
• Contribute to planning/strategy meetings with the rest of the Communications Team

Essential Qualities

• Cultural sensitivity
• Willingness and ability to live and work in close quarters with a small group of people
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills
• Spanish language skills (conversational ability or above strongly preferred)
• Personal interest in the outdoors and the mission of Outward Bound
• Ability to multi-task and stay focused despite regular interruption
• Sense of humor
• Tenacity about traveling and/or finding personal connections in the greater San Jose area despite challenges (i.e. bad weather, limited transportation options, cultural differences, etc.)
• Openness to collaboration and/or differing opinions
• Ability to manage conflict with openness and tact
• At least one year living, working or studying outside of your home country

Professional Qualifications

• 2+ years professional experience in social media, outreach/engagement, corporate communications, development and/or marketing
• Proven customer service and administration skills
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field
• Strong organization and project management skills
• Proven experience managing multiple social media platforms and ability to generate innovative ideas to expand online presence
• Motivated to initiate and lead projects
• Excellent grasp of spoken and written English
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office & Excel; HTML, WordPress
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) a major plus
• Experience with Vertical Response and/or Salesforce a major plus

Compensation Package

• Monthly stipend plus food allowance
• 30 days paid vacation
• Travel insurance coverage (WorldNomads) and preventative medical stipend
• Plane ticket to and from Costa Rica
• Private bedroom in a furnished, 4 bedroom / 2 bathroom house on our main base (located SE of San Jose in San Ramon de Tres Rios) – all utilities included (water, electricity, phone, cable TV, wireless internet)
• Access to Outward Bound Costa Ricacourses and equipment for personal use

How to Apply

Submit cover letter and resume to Jeff Friend at [email protected]. Specify “Social Media & Marketing Manager” in the subject line. Be sure to include details on your availability, both for interviews and ultimate start date.

No phone calls please.