Vice President, FuturePlan Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Vice President, FuturePlan Marketing

🔹 Company: Ascensus

🔹 Location: Newton, MA (with remote/hybrid options)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: July 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (remote or on-site in Newton, MA or Dresher, PA)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving growth of FuturePlan business with targeted clients through marketing
• Defining and executing marketing strategies to support FuturePlan growth and retention objectives
• Leading and developing the FuturePlan Marketing team
• Collaborating with cross-functional resources and stakeholders
• Utilizing marketing technology, data, and AI to improve client experience and measure program performance

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic, customer-obsessed marketer with a strong background in B2B and Retirement marketing, comfortable working in a dynamic business environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Define marketing strategy based on understanding of the FuturePlan multi-year strategic growth plan, market segmentation, customer behavior, and competitive landscape

✅ Lead and drive results by influencing cross-functional resources, gaining buy-in from key stakeholders, and encouraging all to bring their best thinking to position marketing initiatives for success

✅ Develop and maintain relationships with FuturePlan Sales, seeking input on client needs and marketing programs/messaging, as well as keeping teams informed of all marketing efforts and the effectiveness of those efforts

✅ Inspire and develop the FuturePlan Marketing team through transparent communications, respect and inclusion, clear goals and expectations, empowerment, and a shared vision for marketing excellence

✅ Develop and oversee execution of marketing programs to support FuturePlan growth and retention objectives, including key offerings such as 3(16), cash balance, institutional MEPs and PEPs, and actuarial services

✅ Improve FuturePlan brand familiarity and articulate differentiation by clarifying our value proposition and developing effective messaging to communicate that value proposition across sales and marketing channels

✅ Oversee budgeting process for FuturePlan marketing with a commitment to transparency, effectiveness, and efficiency

✅ Utilize marketing technology, data, AI, experimentation, and client experience measurement to manage the lifecycle of marketing initiatives and improve client experience across marketing touchpoints

✅ Measure and evaluate the short- and long-term performance and return on investment of programs, continuously improving and optimizing program strategy and execution as required

✅ Collaborate with Ascensus’ Marketing, Analytics & UX teams to consistently execute, measure, optimize, and report on FuturePlan marketing programs, as well as share best practices across marketing teams and promote One Ascensus culture and cross-functional communication

✅ Lead with our Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always®

✅ Protect, secure, and properly handle all confidential data held by FuturePlan and Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access, improper transmission, and/or unapproved disclosure of information that could result in harm to FuturePlan, Ascensus or our clients

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on execution to drive marketing success for FuturePlan.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Four-year college degree in marketing, communications, or a related field; master's degree highly desired

Experience: Minimum of 15 years of related experience, with specific expertise in B2B and retirement marketing

Required Skills:

• Growth-oriented marketing leader with ability to translate ideas into commercial outcomes
• Proven success managing complex projects, influencing others, and working successfully in a highly collaborative team-oriented environment
• Demonstrate resilience and ability to make decisions in challenging or ambiguous circumstances; comfortably shift gears in response to emerging priorities
• Superior communication skills – written and verbal
• Effective decision-making, problem-solving, and follow-through skills
• Foster teamwork, inclusivity, collaboration, positivity, while cultivating accountability and ownership
• Build positive, effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and manage high-performing teams
• Demonstrate commitment to personal development and continuous learning

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the retirement industry
• Familiarity with marketing technology and data-driven decision making
• Proven track record in brand management and messaging

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in B2B marketing, retirement industry experience, and proven leadership skills will be most successful in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 (based on industry standards for a VP of Marketing role with 10+ years of experience in the financial services sector)

Benefits:

• Professional Development
• Generous Reward Programs
• Paid Time Off
• Medical Benefits
• Dental Benefits
• Vision Benefits
• Health Savings Account
• 401(k) Match
• 529 College Savings Match
• Volunteer Programs
• Charitable-Giving Programs
• Business Casual Dress

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a VP of Marketing role with the required experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and market conditions.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services, specifically Retirement Services

Company Size: Ascensus is a mid-sized company with 5,001-10,000 employees, providing a large-scale environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 1980, with a rich history and established reputation in the retirement services industry

Company Description:

• Ascensus is a market-leading enabler of tax-advantaged savings, providing technology, services, and expertise that helps millions save for a better today and tomorrow
• The company offers retirement plan services, education savings, and ABLE accounts, serving as a premier savings program service provider, third-party administrator, and government savings facilitator
• Ascensus’ brands include Ascensus, Newport, an Ascensus company, and FuturePlan by Ascensus

Company Specialties:

• Retirement plan services
• Education savings
• ABLE accounts

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

ASSUMPTION: Ascensus is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the financial services industry, offering a comprehensive range of retirement services and savings programs.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Executive/VP level, providing an opportunity to lead and drive marketing strategy for a significant business unit within Ascensus

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Marketing Officer and sits on the Marketing, Analytics & UX leadership team, as well as the FuturePlan leadership team

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with the option to work remotely or on-site in Newton, MA or Dresher, PA

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow within the Ascensus organization, as the company continues to expand and evolve
• Opportunities to lead and develop a high-performing marketing team
• Chance to make a significant impact on the growth and success of the FuturePlan business

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to lead marketing efforts for a prominent business unit within a well-established financial services company, with potential for growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Ascensus offers both on-site and remote work options, with offices in Newton, MA and Dresher, PA

Office Location(s): 200 Dryden Road, Dresher, PA 19025, US; 95 Wells Avenue, Suite 160, Newton, MA 02459, US

Geographic Context:

• Newton, MA is a suburban city near Boston, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to cultural attractions and outdoor recreation
• Dresher, PA is a small town near Philadelphia, providing a quiet, residential environment with convenient access to major cities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility for remote work and a hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: Ascensus offers a flexible work environment, allowing employees to balance their personal and professional lives while maintaining productivity and job satisfaction.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with Ascensus’ Chief Marketing Officer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Marketing strategy and execution
• Leadership and team management
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Industry knowledge and retirement marketing expertise

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing strategy, leadership, and retirement industry experience
• Prepare examples of your marketing achievements and how they align with the required qualifications and responsibilities
• Research Ascensus and FuturePlan to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its offerings

ATS Keywords: Marketing Strategy, B2B Marketing, Retirement Expertise, Project Management, Collaboration, Communication, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Team Development, Client Relationship Management, Data Utilization, Brand Management, Budget Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Digital Marketing, Client Experience

ASSUMPTION: Ascensus’ application process is designed to assess candidates’ marketing strategy, leadership, and retirement industry expertise, as well as their fit with the company’s culture and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
• Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Ascensus utilizes a range of marketing, data analysis, and project management tools to support its marketing efforts and drive business growth.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• People Matter: Ascensus prioritizes the well-being and development of its employees
• Quality First: Ascensus is committed to delivering high-quality products and services to its clients
• Integrity Always: Ascensus upholds the highest ethical standards in all its business practices

Work Style:

• Collaborative: Ascensus encourages teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• Data-driven: Ascensus uses data and analytics to inform decision-making and drive business growth
• Adaptable: Ascensus is open to new ideas and willing to adapt to changing market conditions

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody Ascensus’ Core Values in your daily work?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment or market conditions
• How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Ascensus seeks candidates who align with its Core Values and work style, demonstrating a strong commitment to quality, integrity, and collaboration.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing the demands of a strategic, leadership role with hands-on execution and day-to-day management
• Navigating a large, matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams
• Adapting to a dynamic business environment with evolving priorities and market conditions
• Managing a team with diverse skills, backgrounds, and work arrangements

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a strategic, adaptable, and collaborative leader to succeed.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other marketing roles, this position focuses specifically on the retirement services industry and requires a deep understanding of retirement marketing strategies and tactics
• Ascensus offers a large-scale, enterprise-level environment with significant resources and growth opportunities, compared to smaller, startup-like organizations
• This role offers a unique blend of strategic leadership, hands-on execution, and team management, providing a well-rounded experience for a marketing professional

ASSUMPTION: This role is distinct from other marketing positions, offering a unique blend of strategic leadership, industry-specific expertise, and hands-on execution within a large, established financial services company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy to support the launch of a new retirement product or service offering
• Conducting market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive threats in the retirement services industry
• Leading a team to create and execute targeted marketing campaigns to drive client acquisition and retention for specific retirement plan offerings

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, data-driven, and collaborative nature of the marketing efforts required to drive success for FuturePlan and Ascensus.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the marketing team structure and how this role fits within it?
• How does Ascensus support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
• Can you provide examples of how Ascensus has adapted its marketing strategies in response to changing market conditions or client needs?
• How does Ascensus measure the success of its marketing initiatives, and how is that information used to inform future marketing efforts?
• What is the expected timeline for onboarding and ramping up in this role?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role, the team, and the company, helping candidates make an informed decision about their fit and potential for 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 marketing strategy, leadership, and retirement industry experience
• Prepare examples of your marketing achievements and how they align with the required qualifications and responsibilities
• Research Ascensus and FuturePlan to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its offerings
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

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