Marketing Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing Specialist

🔹 Company: First Lady Cruises

🔹 Location: Chicago, IL

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)

🔹 Category: Hospitality, Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 21, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Crafting and executing marketing strategies for cruise products and private events
• Collaborating with various teams to develop marketing materials
• Managing online presence and maintaining content on the company website
• Creating and analyzing email marketing campaigns
• Providing on-site support at events and activations

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, data-driven marketer with strong writing skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Leverage data and analytics to help craft and refine marketing strategy and promotional efforts

✅ Publish and maintain content on the company website, including updates, blogs, and SEO improvements

✅ Manage online presence (event listing sites, review sites, etc.)

✅ Create email marketing campaigns and promotions

✅ Assist in growing email list and audience segmentation

✅ Assist in crafting compelling campaign messaging and marketing copy for sales collateral, paid media placements, etc.

✅ Work alongside the PR agency to secure and welcome media guests

✅ Collaborate with HR and the graphic designer on developing the monthly employee newsletter

✅ Collaborate with the social media content creator to help refine social media strategy as needed

✅ Create reports and develop metrics

✅ Conduct research for new opportunities and participate in planning and strategy efforts

✅ Stay up-to-date on evolving industry/digital marketing trends, techniques, and tools

✅ Initiate engagement with other company departments and partners to provide marketing support

✅ Provide additional administrative support as needed for the marketing department

✅ Provide on-site support at media events, photoshoots, activations, and more.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong time management skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize work.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Degree in communications, marketing, journalism, new media, public relations, or related field

Experience: 2-4 years of relevant experience (preferably in B2C marketing)

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of various marketing channels and analytics tools, including Google Analytics
• Strong familiarity with email marketing tools and concepts
• Exceptional short and long-form writing skills, with the ability to maintain an appropriate voice for different audiences
• Strong knowledge of SEO and best practices for blog creation
• Understanding of website content management systems
• Competency in G-Suite (or Microsoft equivalents)
• Ability to think strategically and conceptualize creatively
• Proactive team player able to work collaboratively and cooperatively
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize work
• Flexibility to attend occasional networking and industry events, tradeshows, etc.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the Chicago hospitality industry
• Experience with CRM software
• Knowledge of the local media landscape

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in B2C marketing and a strong portfolio of writing samples will be given priority.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $63,000 - $72,500 per year

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee discounts on cruises and events

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for marketing specialists with 2-4 years of experience in the Chicago area.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Hospitality, specializing in private events and architecture tours on the Chicago River

Company Size: 51-200 employees, offering a mid-sized company culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 1990, with a rich history in Chicago's hospitality and tourism industry

Company Description:

• First Lady Cruises offers private party dining cruises, architecture tours, and full-service private event spaces aboard its fleet of seven custom-designed vessels
• The company is the official partner of the Chicago Architecture Foundation and offers CAC-certified docents leading each architecture tour
• First Lady Cruises is committed to providing upscale or casual catering options, full-service bars, state-of-the-art audio systems, and entertainment options for a memorable experience

Company Specialties:

• Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
• Private Party Dining Cruises
• Full Service Private Event Space
• Tours of Chicago
• Weddings
• Receptions
• Rehearsal Dinners
• Specialty Cruises
• Certified CAF Docents/Guides
• Groups from 2 - 250

Company Website: http://www.cruisechicago.com

ASSUMPTION: First Lady Cruises is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the Chicago hospitality industry, offering a unique work environment with a focus on customer experience and event planning.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level marketing role with opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department

Reporting Structure: The marketing specialist will report directly to the creative director and collaborate with various teams, including sales, events, and operations

Work Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement, with employees required to be on-site 3 days per week

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to senior marketing roles or management positions within the marketing department
• Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of marketing, including digital marketing, event planning, and public relations
• Chance to work with a diverse range of clients and partners, expanding professional networks

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in both marketing and event planning within the hospitality industry, with potential for growth and advancement.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with employees required to be on-site 3 days per week

Office Location(s): Downtown Chicago, Illinois

Geographic Context:

• Chicago is a major city with a vibrant cultural scene, offering numerous opportunities for networking and professional development
• The downtown area is home to many businesses, restaurants, and attractions, providing a convenient work environment
• Chicago has a diverse population and is known for its architecture, museums, and parks

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site per week)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a flexible work-life balance, allowing employees to work remotely for part of the week while still benefiting from the collaborative environment of an on-site office.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
• In-person or virtual interview with the creative director and/or other marketing team members
• Final interview with the CEO or another senior leader
• Background check and reference checks for the final candidate

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing samples and portfolio review
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values
• Problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Include a portfolio of writing samples that demonstrate your range and versatility as a writer
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in the role and the company

ATS Keywords: Marketing, B2C, Email Marketing, SEO, Content Management, G-Suite, Collaboration, Time Management, Creativity, Research, Social Media Strategy, Reporting, Event Support, Audience Segmentation, Public Relations

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their resumes and cover letters to include relevant keywords and demonstrate their qualifications for the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Analytics
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
• Microsoft Office Suite or G-Suite
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is preferred but not required, as training will be provided.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-focused
• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Professional
• Fun

Work Style:

• Proactive and self-motivated
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Adaptable and flexible
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I have a passion for creating engaging and effective marketing content?
• Am I comfortable working in a collaborative, team-based environment?
• Do I thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
• Am I able to balance multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with the company's values and work style before applying to ensure a successful and satisfying work experience.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining productivity
• Balancing marketing efforts with event planning and operations
• Keeping up with industry trends and best practices

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to address these challenges and demonstrate their ability to succeed in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position requires a strong focus on event planning and on-site support
• This role offers unique opportunities to work with a diverse range of clients and partners within the hospitality industry
• Career progression in this role may lead to management or senior marketing positions within the company

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other marketing positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a targeted email marketing campaign to promote a new private event package
• Creating and optimizing blog content to improve SEO and drive organic traffic to the company website
• Collaborating with the events team to plan and execute a successful media event, including securing media guests and managing on-site logistics

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and collaborative nature of the marketing specialist role at First Lady Cruises.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for the company?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the marketing department, and how can this role help address them?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
• What opportunities are there for collaboration with other departments and teams within the company?
• How does the company measure the success of its marketing efforts, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to track progress?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company, as well as their understanding of the marketing landscape and the company's goals.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Include a portfolio of writing samples that demonstrate your range and versatility as a writer
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in the role and the company
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application 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.