The Marketing & Business Development Manager at Ravenswood Studio will lead the firm’s marketing function in Chicago while partnering closely with the Director of Business Development on strategy and active pursuits. This position also includes formal Business Development support responsibilities that increase during pursuit periods, with planning designed to balance both functions throughout the year.
Location and Schedule
Location: Chicago, IL (onsite).
Work setup: In-office in Lincolnwood, IL, with travel to industry events and client meetings as needed.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central Time, with additional hours as needed.
Compensation
Salary: USD 70,000 to 95,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute strategic internal and external marketing plans, including digital content, print materials, social media, conferences and networking, public relations, and an events calendar, while recommending new strategic opportunities.
- Own marketing, documentation, and public relations activities for new project openings, including press releases, website updates, and portfolio case studies.
- Oversee social media accounts and websites to engage existing customers, support positive public relations, and track engagement against media targets.
- Build and manage marketing outreach strategy and program development, including thought leadership content, quarterly newsletters, and programming.
- Develop and maintain RSI’s brand messaging, language, and overall image, ensuring cohesive brand compliance across internal and external materials.
- Maintain continual knowledge of industry trends and competitor activity.
- Plan, manage, and report on the budget for marketing efforts, including industry conference participation.
- Oversee and coordinate graphic design resources as needed for new marketing materials, image collection for internal and external use, website development, qualifications and capabilities packages, and visual brand guidelines.
- Maintain and strengthen RSI’s presence at relevant industry events through association memberships, keeping memberships in good standing and partnering on recommendations for new opportunities with the Director of Business Development.
- Maintain association- and vendor-related online listings and keep RSI qualifications and capabilities packages current.
- Maintain branded templates and ensure team access to brand assets.
- Support internal marketing and communications, including company events, RSI internal meetings, company meetings with Luci Creative, internal displays, internal swag, and holiday gifts.
- Partner directly with the Director of Business Development on active pursuits by managing the proposal lifecycle and assigned content development, coordinating with senior leaders to gather required materials.
- Research, organize, and write qualifications submittals; build and manage bid timeline schedules for RFP/RFQ responses to ensure deadlines are met.
- Collect, package, and send qualifications and collateral to partners for external pursuits as needed.
- Support development of interview presentations for project teams.
- Manage CRM information by organizing and overseeing databases, templates, and business development tracking documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness across CRM data, proposal content, and collateral.
- Develop and maintain institutional knowledge of RSI’s portfolio, firm bios, statistics, capabilities, and clients, including support for client mapping to identify relationships.
- Monitor and engage potential clients via web portal, email, phone, and other channels to foster new business and educate them on RSI capabilities and qualifications.
- Attend networking and association events alongside the Director of Business Development to build shared relationships with prospective clients and partners.
- Represent RSI Business Development during client and partner office tours and meetings when the Director of Business Development cannot be present.
- Maintain proposal information integrity and quality management, including brand compliance across pursuit and proposal activity.
Business Development Time Allocation
This role balances marketing responsibilities with dedicated Business Development support, with a meaningful and regular share of time directed to Business Development priorities. More time is allocated to Business Development during active pursuit periods in coordination with the Director of Business Development. Marketing planning and deliverables are scheduled around known pursuit deadlines to avoid shorting either function during heavy pursuit cycles, and workload balance is reviewed regularly between this role and the Director of Business Development.
Reporting and Team
Reports to: Director of Business Development.
Direct reports: None.
Required Skills and Experience
- Minimum experience: 5 years.
- Education: Undergraduate degree or equivalent (marketing, business, communications, or related degree a plus).
- Adobe InDesign proficiency.
- Familiarity with CRM platforms.
- Strength with marketing tools and platforms including LinkedIn and other social media, MailChimp, Sprout Social, and Google Analytics.
- AI tools fluency with Claude a plus.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google applications.
- Strong writing, proofing, and editing skills.
- Industry knowledge and experience in exhibit and experience design and specialty fabrication.
- Ability to operate as a working contributor across marketing and business development, prioritizing and shifting between deliverables without losing quality.
- Collaborative team approach with a consistent commitment to high-quality work.
- Ability to complete moderately complex assignments with little or no supervision, using sound judgment and initiative.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including direct client outreach.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to adapt to shifting priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Tools and Technologies
- Adobe InDesign
- CRM platforms
- LinkedIn and social media
- MailChimp
- Sprout Social
- Google Analytics
- Claude
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Google applications
