π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Brand and Marketing Strategist
πΉ Company: Waterloo Fiber
πΉ Location: Waterloo, Iowa, United States
πΉ Job Type: On-site
πΉ Category: Marketing
πΉ Date Posted: 2025-05-22
πΉ Experience Level: 2-5 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing marketing strategies
- Managing social media presence and brand voice
- Planning and executing events
- Analyzing campaign performance metrics
- Serving as a brand ambassador
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, creativity, and strong communication skills. It's ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and can manage multiple projects simultaneously.
π Key Responsibilities
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Develop and execute marketing strategies that align with Waterloo Fiberβs goals and values
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Create marketing campaigns that enhance brand visibility and consistency across all platforms
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Own our brandβs voice and messaging across digital content, social media, website, email, print, and other media
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Collaborate with the Waterloo Fiber team, consultants, and vendors to ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints
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Keep our website up-to-date and aligned with our brand, including managing SEO
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Manage and grow our social media presence across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
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Plan and execute events from concept to post-event analysis
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Analyze campaign performance metrics and adjust strategies accordingly
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Monitor market trends
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Serve as brand ambassador, ensuring all internal and external communications reflect our identity
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Any other duties needed to help drive our vision, mission, and values
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to work independently. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are crucial for success in this position.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Degree in a marketing-related field or equivalent work experience
Experience: 2-5 years in social media strategy, brand management, or related roles
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful brand campaigns
- Strong understanding of digital marketing, content creation, and event planning
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple campaigns, projects, and deadlines in an evolving startup environment
Preferred Skills:
- Proficiency with website management (WordPress, SEO, etc.)
- Experience with social media and digital marketing management tools
- Proficiency with design tools (Canva, Adobe Suite, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a background in marketing agencies or in-house marketing teams for tech startups may find this role particularly appealing.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 per year (based on experience and education, plus incentive pay)
Benefits:
- IPERS
- Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Paid Vacation, Holidays, Personal, and Sick Time
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in Waterloo, Iowa. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Technology, Information, and Internet
Company Size: 11-50 employees (Small to Medium-sized Enterprise)
Founded: 2020 (as part of the city's broadband initiative)
Company Description:
- Waterloo Fiber is a municipal telecommunications provider offering ultra-fast, reliable, and affordable internet to residents and businesses in Waterloo, Iowa.
- The company is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring everyone has access to high-speed internet.
- Waterloo Fiber is a government agency supported by federal, state, and local funding.
Company Specialties:
- Broadband Infrastructure
- Fiber-Optic Services
- Community Engagement
Company Website: www.waterloofiber.com
ASSUMPTION: Working for a government agency may offer unique benefits such as job security and stable working conditions. However, the pace of decision-making and bureaucracy may be slower compared to private sector companies.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level marketing role with opportunities for growth and advancement
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the General Manager
Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional business travel and representation at community events
Growth Opportunities:
- As Waterloo Fiber continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the Brand and Marketing Strategist to take on additional responsibilities or move into a management role.
- The company's focus on community engagement may provide opportunities for the incumbent to develop skills in public relations and community development.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a growing field within the public sector. Candidates who are passionate about community development and bridging the digital divide may find this role particularly appealing.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Government agency office
Office Location(s): 625 Glenwood St, Waterloo, Iowa 50703, US
Geographic Context:
- Waterloo, Iowa, is a mid-sized city with a population of approximately 68,000 people.
- The city is located in northeastern Iowa and is part of the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City metropolitan area.
- Waterloo is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and commitment to community development.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional evening and weekend events
ASSUMPTION: Working in a government agency may offer a more structured work environment compared to private sector companies. However, the work schedule may be less flexible due to the nature of government operations.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and a panel of team members
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing and branding expertise
- Communication skills
- Project management skills
- Cultural fit with the company's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing and branding experience and how it aligns with the role's requirements.
- Prepare examples of successful brand campaigns you've developed and executed in the past.
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of the local market and how you plan to engage the Waterloo community through marketing initiatives.
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Marketing Strategy, Social Media Management, Event Planning, Digital Marketing, Content Creation, SEO, Community Engagement, Government Agency
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be more formal and structured than private sector companies due to the nature of working for a government agency.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
- Design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite)
- Website management platforms (e.g., WordPress)
- SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs)
- Event planning software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the company's existing tech stack and the incumbent's areas of expertise.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Community-focused
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Transparent
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Team-oriented and collaborative
- Data-driven and results-focused
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you share Waterloo Fiber's commitment to community development and bridging the digital divide?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment with a high degree of autonomy?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Working for a government agency may require a higher degree of adaptability and flexibility compared to private sector companies. Candidates who are comfortable with change and can thrive in a dynamic environment may find this role particularly appealing.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Working in a government agency may have slower decision-making processes and more bureaucracy compared to private sector companies.
- The role may require occasional evening and weekend work for events and community engagement initiatives.
- The incumbent may face challenges in balancing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- The role may require occasional business travel, which may be challenging for candidates with personal or family commitments.
ASSUMPTION: These potential challenges are specific to working in a government agency and may not be present in similar roles in the private sector.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Marketing Manager or Brand Manager in a private sector company, but with a focus on community engagement and public sector-specific challenges.
- In the public sector, this role may have more opportunities for community engagement and direct impact on local residents and businesses.
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into a management or leadership position within the government agency or transitioning to a similar role in the private sector.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for community engagement and direct impact on local residents and businesses. Candidates who are passionate about community development and bridging the digital divide may find this role particularly appealing.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing campaign to promote the launch of a new fiber-optic service in a specific neighborhood
- Creating and implementing a social media strategy to increase engagement and brand awareness among local residents and businesses
- Planning and executing a community event to celebrate the completion of a major fiber-optic infrastructure project
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are specific to the role of Brand and Marketing Strategist at Waterloo Fiber and may vary depending on the company's specific needs and initiatives.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest marketing challenges facing Waterloo Fiber in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Waterloo Fiber measure the success of its marketing campaigns, and how can this role contribute to improving those metrics?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within Waterloo Fiber, and how does the company support its employees' career advancement?
- How does Waterloo Fiber engage with the local community, and what role can this position play in strengthening those relationships?
- What is the work-life balance like for this role, and how does the company support its employees' work-life balance?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role's responsibilities, the company's culture, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing and branding experience and how it aligns with the role's requirements.
- Prepare examples of successful brand campaigns you've developed and executed in the past.
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of the local market and how you plan to engage the Waterloo community through marketing initiatives.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role.
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.