Marketing Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing Specialist

🔹 Company: Rock Island Auction Company

🔹 Location: Rock Island, Illinois

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Retail

🔹 Date Posted: June 20, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Serving as a digital brand ambassador for the world's leading firearms auction house
• Creating engaging content for multiple social media platforms to optimize brand presence
• Collaborating with team members to ensure timely execution of marketing projects
• Attending trade shows as a brand representative
• Analyzing online statistics to optimize performance and reporting insights to key stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the firearms industry and a passion for digital marketing. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving engagement and growth through strategic content creation and optimization.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serve as the digital brand ambassador for Rock Island Auction Company, building, developing, and maintaining a strong social media presence, engagement, and on-brand content for optimization using SEO, Google Analytics, and AI.

✅ Create reels and daily posts for all social channels, narrating with visual presence as spokesperson for digital content when necessary.

✅ Apply advanced knowledge of firearms for concise and engaging content creation, ensuring all content is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Perform research, compile, and discern appropriate information for content writing, ensuring all content is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Write digital content, both narrative and technical, for videos, blogs, and social media posts, ensuring all content is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Write content with strategic effort and appeal for niche or target audiences, as appropriate, ensuring all content is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Assist with content creation and features to develop and/or support brand awareness, ensuring all content is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Analyze online statistics, identify opportunities to optimize performance, and report insights to key internal stakeholders, ensuring all reporting is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Foster interaction with subscribers via social channels with comments, responses to inquiries, and general engagement, ensuring all interactions are professional, accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Develop and manage a calendar of significant historical and innovative events relevant to RIAC audience as well as the firearms culture, ensuring all events are accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Schedule and post social media content, ensuring all content is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Collaborate effectively with team members to ensure timely execution for meeting established internal deadlines, ensuring all collaboration is professional, accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Travel domestically up to 25% to attend trade shows, when needed (i.e., NRA, Shot Show), and represent RIAC as brand ambassador, ensuring all representation is professional, accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Work required auction weekends (approximately 3 per year), ensuring all work is professional, accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

✅ Complete other duties, as assigned, ensuring all duties are professional, accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the firearms culture and enthusiasts.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the firearms industry and a passion for digital marketing. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving engagement and growth through strategic content creation and optimization.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Either:

• A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field;
• Three (3) years’ previous relevant work experience with effective results-driven digital marketing efforts or strategies and content writing;
• A combination of equivalent relevant work experience and education required.

Experience: Advanced knowledge of firearms required.

Required Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of firearms and its history across multiple platforms
• Effective research skills with desire to gain deeper understanding of unusual, rare, and historical firearms and weaponry
• Exemplary writing skills, both narrative and technical, and superior editing skills while meeting internal quality standards and expectations
• Extensive knowledge with managing multiple social media outlets, SEO and data analytics
• Strong work ethic with standards of excellence resulting in high productivity, efficiency, and accuracy
• Strong desire and ability to exhibit polished demeanor, professional image and conduct, including respectful communication, with all internal and external stakeholders via multiple communication avenues, media platforms and outlets, and competency to understand the importance of such
• Excellent organizational and time management skills in order to balance competing priorities and successfully meet deadlines
• Ability to proactively anticipate and plan for editing
• Ability to work well under pressure and proactively anticipate and plan for edits, but also maintaining creativity
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality while working with sensitive information
• Ability to positively encourage and motivate team members
• Ability and willingness to take initiative without prompting while using strong attention to detail
• Ability to understand the importance for handling all equipment and auction items with care, caution, consideration, and respect, and skill to demonstrate such
• Ability to use and operate media equipment and other relevant equipment, and office machinery such as computer, copier, scanner, and fax machine
• Reads, writes, speaks, and understands English fluently
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically up to 25%
• Ability to obtain and maintain active FOID card (Illinois residents only)

ASSUMPTION: These qualifications are essential for a successful Marketing Specialist at Rock Island Auction Company. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the firearms industry and a passion for digital marketing, with a proven track record of driving engagement and growth through strategic content creation and optimization.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $65,000 per year

Benefits:

• Weekly pay every Thursday
• Standard hours of operations: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range for this role is competitive within the firearms auction industry and reflects the company's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent. Benefits include weekly pay and standard hours of operations.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail, specifically firearms and militaria auctions

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 1993

Company Description:

• Rock Island Auction Company is the world’s #1 auction company for firearms, bladed weapons, and militaria
• Founded in 1993 by its current CEO Patrick Hogan, RIAC continues to lead the industry with record sales numbers and their extensive and beautiful marketing efforts
• Their 150,000 square foot campus consisting of two buildings hosts 18+ auctions each year
• They actively seek consignments, be it a single weapon or a collection of hundreds, a thousand dollar item or one million

Company Specialties:

• Auctions
• Collector Firearms
• Militaria
• Bladed Weapons
• Marketing

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

ASSUMPTION: Rock Island Auction Company is a well-established and reputable firearms auction house, known for its high-quality auctions and marketing efforts. The company's size and industry position provide opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Manager or a similar position within the company's marketing department.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional travel for trade shows and events

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a senior marketing role within the company
• Expanding responsibilities and team leadership opportunities as the company continues to grow
• Career development through training and mentorship programs offered by the company

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the company, as well as the chance to work alongside industry experts and gain valuable experience in the firearms auction industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a hybrid work arrangement possible for certain roles

Office Location(s): 7819 42nd St. West, Rock Island, IL 61201, US and 3600 Harwood Rd, Bedford, Texas 76021, US

Geographic Context:

• Rock Island, Illinois: A mid-sized city located on the Mississippi River, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with a population of approximately 39,000
• Bedford, Texas: A city located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with a population of approximately 56,000

Work Schedule: Standard hours of operations: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST, with the possibility of occasional weekend work for auction events

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Rock Island Auction Company offers a mix of on-site and hybrid work arrangements, with a standard work schedule and the possibility of occasional weekend work for auction events. The company's locations in Rock Island, Illinois, and Bedford, Texas, provide opportunities to live and work in diverse geographic contexts.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the provided link
• Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager or a member of the marketing team to discuss the role, responsibilities, and qualifications
• Final interview with the CEO or another senior leader to assess leadership potential and cultural fit

Key Assessment Areas:

• Digital marketing skills and experience
• Knowledge of the firearms industry and relevant regulations
• Writing and editing skills, with a focus on content creation for social media and other digital platforms
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools and technologies

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Include examples of your previous content creation and marketing efforts, with a focus on results and impact
• Demonstrate your understanding of the firearms industry and relevant regulations in your application materials
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the company's marketing strategies

ATS Keywords: Digital Marketing, Content Creation, Social Media Management, SEO, Google Analytics, Firearms Industry, Marketing Specialist, Brand Ambassador, Trade Shows, Auction Events

ASSUMPTION: The application process for the Marketing Specialist role at Rock Island Auction Company involves a multi-step interview process, focusing on digital marketing skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit. Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills and prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube)
• SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs)
• Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
• Content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Media equipment (e.g., cameras, video editing software, audio recording equipment)

ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Specialist role at Rock Island Auction Company requires proficiency in various digital marketing tools, social media platforms, and analytics software. Applicants should have experience with these tools and be willing to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of the business
• Expertise: Continuously expanding knowledge and skills to maintain a competitive edge in the industry
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and exceeding expectations in all interactions
• Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals and drive success
• Innovation: Embracing new ideas and approaches to stay ahead of industry trends

Work Style:

• Results-driven: Focusing on achieving measurable outcomes and continuous improvement
• Adaptable: Embracing change and adjusting to new situations with a positive attitude
• Team-oriented: Collaborating effectively with team members to achieve common goals
• Customer-focused: Prioritizing customer needs and exceeding expectations in all interactions
• Innovative: Thinking creatively and challenging the status quo to drive success

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with the company's values, particularly [specific value]?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
• How do you approach balancing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced work environment?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with a diverse team to achieve a common goal? What was the outcome?
• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies in the digital marketing landscape?

ASSUMPTION: Rock Island Auction Company values a strong cultural fit, with an emphasis on integrity, expertise, customer focus, collaboration, and innovation. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their alignment with these values and provide examples of their work style and adaptability in the interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and competing priorities
• Managing multiple social media platforms and content creation tasks simultaneously
• Adapting to changes in industry trends, regulations, and company priorities
• Balancing the need for creativity and innovation with the requirement for accurate, up-to-date, and relevant content
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality

ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Specialist role at Rock Island Auction Company presents unique challenges, including working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple platforms and content creation tasks, and adapting to industry changes. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their strategies for overcoming these challenges and their ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Marketing Coordinator: Focuses on coordinating marketing campaigns and events, with less emphasis on content creation and digital marketing strategy
• Social Media Manager: Specializes in managing social media platforms and engagement, with less emphasis on content creation and digital marketing strategy
• Content Creator/Writer: Focuses on creating and writing content for various platforms, with less emphasis on digital marketing strategy and platform management

ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Specialist role at Rock Island Auction Company is unique in its focus on digital marketing strategy, content creation, and platform management. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their qualifications and experiences that make them a strong fit for this specific role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a social media campaign to promote an upcoming auction, resulting in a 30% increase in engagement and a 20% increase in attendance
• Creating a blog series on the history and significance of rare firearms, leading to a 40% increase in website traffic and a 25% increase in email subscribers
• Managing a trade show booth, resulting in a 25% increase in leads generated and a 15% increase in sales

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the Marketing Specialist's ability to drive engagement, traffic, and sales through strategic content creation and marketing efforts. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their own projects and achievements that showcase their skills and qualifications for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's marketing strategy for the upcoming year, and how this role fits into that plan?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
• Can you provide an example of a successful marketing campaign the company has executed in the past, and what made it successful?
• How does the company measure the success of its marketing efforts, and how can this role contribute to improving those metrics?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the firearms auction industry today, and how can this role help address them?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions allow applicants to gain insight into the company's marketing strategy, growth opportunities, and challenges, as well as the role's potential impact on the organization's success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Include examples of your previous content creation and marketing efforts, with a focus on results and impact
• Demonstrate your understanding of the firearms industry and relevant regulations in your application materials
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the company's marketing strategies
• Follow up with the hiring manager or a member of the marketing team within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

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