Senior Marketing Manager at Semicolon Village Limited

About the Organization

We are a social enterprise creating employment and economic opportunities by training software engineers and techpreneurs. Technology has the power to transform entire industries and the lives of everyday Nigerians. However, companies and entrepreneurs seeking to develop innovative solutions are faced with the same issue: they struggle to find employees with the skills required to design and develop their technology. Across industries, from finance to agriculture to education, companies are searching for Nigerians skilled in software engineering, design, and project management, and too often are not able to find what they need. We are addressing this gap and building a thriving technology sector in Nigeria by developing talent and fostering innovation.

• Teaching - Our core focus is to develop technical skills in young people through a one-year intensive program that includes classroom learning, hands-on project experience, and internships.

• Incubation - for innovative technology. All students work on technology projects, either based on student ideas or partner companies’ initiatives. We identify the most viable solutions and bring them to reality by providing early support on technology and business development, and connecting entrepreneurs with funding sources, mentors, etc.

• Building Community - We are an “Innovation Hub,” bringing together innovative minds to develop new solutions. We connect our students with mentors and partners from around the globe.

• Project Delivery – We work with corporate partners in implementing projects.

Scope

The Marketing Manager is a critical member of our team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Marketing Manager will contribute to both the design and implementation of our strategy. S/he will offer comprehensive and strategic insight to get the word out about our work and in particular, will coordinate all activities related to brand and communications which would involve collaborating with various departments.

The Marketing Manager will provide strategic thinking in relation to managing our brand and engaging with our communities. S/he will provide direct short-term and long-term planning and management, driving change management and innovation as required, to maintain brand integrity across all company marketing initiatives and communications, and manage a portfolio of products to ensure we are achieving set growth objectives.

Principal Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

The role will include, but will not be limited to the following areas:

Strategic Development

• Develop strategies to spread the word about our work and drive qualified traffic in respect of offerings

• Distill strategy into an operational blueprint; define performance goals; align resources and activities, and ensure accountability for and fulfillment of key marketing objectives

•  Develop key metrics for tracking marketing success and attribution

• Carry out regular risk assessments for the organization and advise the CEO on appropriate actions to mitigate risk

Operational Excellence

• Ensure quality standards for all internal and external communication are maintained

• Develop and implement improved processes, systems, and controls for marketing and communications

•  Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of marketing and cultivate a customer-centric approach

• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures and practices that are in line with global best practice

• Ensure that all output from marketing meets Semicolon’s high standards of delivery

• Contribute to a learning culture by sharing best practices and successes between the marketing team and other parts of the organization

• Take responsibility for own continuous professional development by proactively identifying and participating in formal/informal learning opportunities

Job Competencies and Capabilities

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration or any related discipline from a reputable institution, or equivalent professional qualifications in Marketing or Communications

• Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic partner to the CEO on marketing and communication-related issues

• Successful track record of brand and communication management, with evidence of consistent results

• Direct experience setting up marketing operations and systems, and implementing the

• Demonstrated experience working in a complex or pioneering environment and in facilitating change

• Knowledge of grant-funded processes procedures, and auditing requirements.

Desired Qualifications & Experience 

• Experience in one or more of our strategic areas

• Project management experience with relevant certification

Competencies

The Marketing Manager will possess the following:

• Strategic Capability.

• A strong analytical mind and ability to grasp and shape the Semicolon marketing/brand strategy quickly

• Creative problem-solving skills to shape and operate within an evolving organizational architecture

• A clear focus on organizational goals, amid competing demands, and a capacity to prioritize effectively

•  Highly numerate with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Proven ability to produce concise, well-structured, and very high-quality reports and presentations

• Strong appreciation for and knowledge of social issues – youth unemployment, education, entrepreneurship

Driving for Results

• A results-driven approach with the confidence and resilience to take ownership, ask challenging questions, and pursue excellence in a demanding environment

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects

• A proactive approach, taking ownership and responsibility across a diverse range of projects

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment

• Experience in identifying target audiences, devising marketing campaigns to engage, educate and motivate

• Excellent knowledge of website analytics tools Building Relationships and Using Influence

• Excellent presentation and communication skills to represent Semicolon to internal and external stakeholders

• Effective influencing, negotiating, and relationship-building skills, including at senior levels

• Gravitas, credibility, and ability to initiate and develop strategic partnerships and alliances Personal Attributes

• Commitment to the social innovation agenda and a passion for our strategic objective.

• Highly professional, organized, and efficient; able to multi-task effectively and prioritize work based on minimal direction and multiple competing priorities

• Innovative and enterprising approach that is quick to search out alternative solutions to needs or problems 

Essential Job Functions:

• Coordinate marketing/brand/communications activities

• Ensure brand integrity across marketing initiatives and communications

• Prepare and monitor the marketing budget on a quarterly and annual basis and allocate funds appropriately

• Deploy successful marketing campaigns and own their implementation from ideation to execution

• Produce valuable and engaging content for different channels that attract and convert target groups.

•  Oversee and approve marketing material, including brochures, whitepapers, and case studies.

• Measure and report on the performance of marketing activities/campaigns, gain insight, and assess against goals.

• Collaborate with sales in engaging with customers and delivering appropriate proposals

•  Build strategic relationships and partner with key industry players, agencies, and vendors.

• Ensure frequent market and customer insights analysis.

• Analysis of sales forecasts and relevant financials and reporting on product sales

• Work with the departments and teams to analyze business problems and assess needs and opportunities.

• Take up other tasks as may be assigned.

Salary: Negotiable