Marketing Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing Manager

🔹 Company: IFF (CDFI)

🔹 Location: Chicago, IL

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time - Exempt

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (In office: T/W | WFH: M/Th/F)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving multichannel marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and generate business opportunities for IFF's core areas.
• Focusing on content development to create targeted marketing materials that support business development and outreach efforts.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align marketing initiatives with organizational priorities and drive growth.
• Leveraging marketing automation, SEO, data analytics, and CRM systems to deliver results and optimize marketing strategies.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with various teams to achieve marketing goals.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Marketing Planning and Execution: Support the Director of Marketing in developing, implementing, measuring, and optimizing marketing strategies that align with IFF's strategic goals and regional market plans to drive success in core business areas.

✅ Email Campaigns: Manage end-to-end email marketing campaigns, from researching topics to creating and editing compelling content in IFF’s brand voice. Collaborate with the Communications Manager and market leads to align content with marketing goals and identify new opportunities.

✅ Website Content: Lead the development of loan roundups and nonprofit resource articles that highlight how IFF’s capital and real estate solutions support nonprofits. Identify relevant themes, interview subject matter experts, draft and edit content, and collaborate with the Senior Communications Manager to ensure clarity, consistency, and strategic alignment.

✅ Business Development & Marketing Collateral: Develop and update targeted marketing materials—including one-pagers, case studies, presentations, and digital assets—that promote IFF’s value proposition and core services. Ensure all collateral aligns with brand guidelines, emphasizes diverse representation, applies asset-framing, and supports region-, sector-, and campaign-specific business development efforts.

✅ Database and Marketing Module Management: Leverage the IFF database and marketing module for marketing automation, analytics, and segmentation to drive targeted email campaigns. Collaborate with the Data Team to improve digital marketing infrastructure and troubleshoot issues. Provide actionable insights into trends and lead generation performance to optimize marketing strategies.

✅ Landing Pages: Create and recommend improvements for landing pages, focusing on user experience and conversion optimization. Work with the Communications Team, Director of Marketing, and external contractors to manage website pages and implement SEO tactics.

✅ Marketing Reports: Assist the Director of Marketing in collecting and analyzing data for quarterly reports, presenting qualitative and quantitative results from marketing activities to assess performance and guide future strategies.

✅ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promote an environment of empathy and respect, ensure the inclusion of all team members, and actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.

✅ Other Projects: Perform other projects as assigned.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple initiatives and tasks.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or a related field.

Experience: Five to seven years of relevant marketing experience, ideally within nonprofit or community development sectors.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, along with strong presentation skills.
• Extensive experience in developing and executing email campaigns using marketing automation software integrated with CRM systems, tracking KPIs, and monitoring website performance via Google Analytics.
• Proven ability to create compelling marketing content across multiple platforms, including email, print, and social media.
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management skills, capable of handling multiple initiatives and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Skilled in gathering data, analyzing trends, and translating insights into actionable plans to optimize marketing processes and projects.
• Adaptable, open-minded, and confident, with the ability to work and learn within a complex organization while building alignment and fostering strong relationships with internal and external teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with banking/financial services, commercial real estate, nonprofits, and/or community and economic development.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in nonprofit or community development sectors and familiarity with banking/financial services, commercial real estate, nonprofits, and/or community and economic development will be strongly considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $61,600 - $69,300 (Chicago)

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life Insurance
• Short and long term disability
• Hybrid workplace
• Summer Fridays
• Professional development stipend
• Mentorship program
• Wellness programs
• Employee assistance
• Referral Bonuses

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for marketing managers with 5-10 years of experience in the Chicago area. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on the employee's location and role.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services (Community Development Financial Institution)

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 1988

Company Description:

• Grounded in equity and deep sector expertise, IFF champions nonprofits to shape more equitable and vibrant communities through community-centered lending, development, and real estate consulting.
• Since 1988, IFF has been working at the intersection of facilities and finance to help nonprofits serving a variety of sectors increase their financial stability and programmatic offerings, and achieve their missions.
• Headquartered in Chicago, with regional offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and St. Louis, IFF serves nonprofits and communities throughout the Midwest.

Company Specialties:

• CDFI
• nonprofits
• loans
• financing
• facility planning
• real estate
• community development
• research
• public policy
• affordable housing
• and grocery stores

Company Website: http://www.iff.org

ASSUMPTION: IFF's mission-driven approach, focus on community development, and commitment to equity make it an attractive place for candidates seeking to make a positive social impact.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (5-10 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Marketing

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (In office: T/W | WFH: M/Th/F)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a senior marketing role within the organization as the team and marketing efforts grow.
• Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of marketing, including content development, email campaigns, and business development.
• Chance to work with and learn from experienced marketing professionals and cross-functional teams.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth potential and the opportunity to gain experience in various aspects of marketing within a mission-driven organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (In office: T/W | WFH: M/Th/F)

Office Location(s): 333 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 2800, Chicago, IL 60604, US

Geographic Context:

• Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a diverse economy and a rich cultural scene.
• The office is located in the South Loop neighborhood, offering easy access to public transportation and various amenities.
• The Midwest region served by IFF offers a mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities, providing a diverse range of opportunities for marketing efforts.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with a hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility and a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, allowing employees to optimize their productivity and work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the IFF careers website.
• Phone or video screen with the HR department.
• In-depth behavioral and skills-based interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members.
• Final round interview with senior leadership.
• Background check and reference check for the final candidate.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Marketing strategy and planning skills.
• Content creation and editing abilities.
• Email campaign management experience.
• Collaboration and communication skills.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing experience, skills, and accomplishments that match the job description.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your marketing strategy, content creation, and campaign management experience.
• Research IFF's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its impact on the community.
• Be ready to discuss your experience with marketing automation, SEO, data analytics, and CRM systems.

ATS Keywords: Marketing Strategy, Content Development, Email Campaigns, Marketing Automation, SEO, Data Analytics, CRM Systems, Lead Generation, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Nonprofits, Community Development, Financial Services

ASSUMPTION: IFF's ATS system may prioritize candidates who include relevant marketing keywords in their resumes and cover letters. Tailoring your application to include these keywords can help increase your visibility to the hiring team.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 (CRM & Marketing platform)
• Google Analytics and Google Ads (Digital)
• SharePoint and Microsoft Teams (Collaborative platforms)
• Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (Design/Production)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required. IFF may provide training and support to help the successful candidate develop the necessary skills.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Equity and Inclusion
• Expertise and Collaboration
• Accountability and Results
• Adaptability and Learning
• Integrity and Respect

Work Style:

• Mission-driven and community-focused
• Collaborative and inclusive
• Adaptable and open to feedback
• Results-oriented and accountable
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with IFF's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion?
• How do you approach collaboration and working with cross-functional teams to achieve marketing goals?
• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in marketing, and how do you apply this knowledge to your work?

ASSUMPTION: IFF values candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to its mission, values, and work style, and who can contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple marketing campaigns and initiatives simultaneously, requiring strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Working with various teams and stakeholders to align marketing efforts with organizational priorities and business development goals.
• Adapting to a hybrid work environment and balancing in-office collaboration with remote work.
• Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in marketing, and applying this knowledge to IFF's unique mission and context.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication, collaboration, and adaptability skills, as well as a commitment to IFF's mission and values.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in its focus on marketing for a mission-driven nonprofit organization, rather than a for-profit company. This requires a strong commitment to IFF's mission and values, as well as an understanding of the nonprofit sector and community development.
• IFF's marketing efforts are closely tied to its mission and impact on the community, making this role unique in its focus on driving social impact through marketing strategies.
• Career paths within IFF may differ from those in for-profit companies, offering opportunities for growth and development within the organization, rather than through traditional career progression.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who understand and are passionate about IFF's mission and the nonprofit sector will find this role particularly appealing and rewarding.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing an email campaign to promote IFF's loan products to nonprofit organizations in the Midwest, resulting in a 20% increase in loan applications.
• Creating targeted marketing materials for IFF's real estate solutions, leading to a 15% increase in project inquiries and a successful partnership with a local community development organization.
• Conducting market research and analyzing trends to inform IFF's marketing strategy, contributing to a 10% increase in website traffic and a 15% increase in lead generation.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the impact of marketing efforts on IFF's core business areas and the potential for the Marketing Manager to drive meaningful results.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does IFF measure the success of its marketing campaigns, and how can I contribute to improving these metrics?
• What are the key priorities for the Marketing team in the first 90 days, and how can I support these initiatives?
• How does IFF foster a culture of collaboration and inclusion within its marketing team and across the organization?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Marketing team and IFF as a whole?
• How does IFF engage with the nonprofit sector and community partners to drive marketing efforts and maximize impact?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in IFF's mission, marketing strategies, and work environment, and helps you better understand the role and organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the IFF Careers website.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing experience, skills, and accomplishments that match the job description.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your marketing strategy, content creation, and campaign management experience.
• Research IFF's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its impact on the community.
• Be ready to discuss your experience with marketing automation, SEO, data analytics, and CRM systems.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the position.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.