Director of Brand Strategy

Rhode Island Commerce seeks a Director of Brand Strategy to advance the organization’s marketing strategy and further strengthen Rhode Island’s position as a destination for business growth, innovation, investment, and visitation.

This new role will support the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in executing and optimizing marketing priorities that elevate the state’s visibility and maximize the impact of ongoing campaigns and initiatives.

The ideal candidate brings a strong strategic mindset, marketing fluency, and operational discipline to help translate organizational goals.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the execution of integrated marketing campaigns that promote Rhode Island’s economic and cultural strengths.
  • Partner closely with the CMO to develop and implement long-term brand and marketing strategies aligned with Rhode Island Commerce’s mission and priorities.
  • Evaluate marketing investments and recommend adjustments to improve reach, engagement, and return on investment.
  • Support the CMO in the management of annual marketing planning cycles, KPIs, and performance measurement dashboards.
  • Collaborate with business development and tourism teams to translate data-driven insights into storytelling opportunities.
  • Oversee development of high-quality content (videos, social, digital, print) that showcases Rhode Island’s people, innovation, and industries.
  • Implement performance measurement systems to track marketing ROI and engagement metrics.
  • Drive cross-functional planning and coordination to ensure alignment between marketing, communications, business development, and external affairs.
  • Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure integrated messaging and brand cohesion across earned, owned, and paid media.
  • Represent Rhode Island Commerce at media, community, and partner events as a brand ambassador and storyteller.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

  • Strategic Thinking: Anticipates emerging trends and translates complex insights into clear, forward-looking marketing strategies that advance Rhode Island Commerce’s mission.
  • Brand Leadership: Shapes and stewards a consistent, inspiring brand identity that strengthens Rhode Island’s visibility and credibility across audiences.
  • Creative Direction: Guides concept development and creative execution to deliver bold, high-impact campaigns that align with strategic objectives.
  • Relationship Management: Builds trust and alignment with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals and amplify results.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works seamlessly across departments and disciplines to ensure cohesive storytelling and integrated marketing outcomes.

Qualification

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or another relevant field preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in brand strategy, creative leadership, or marketing management.
  • Demonstrated success in developing marketing campaigns or civic storytelling initiatives.
  • Strong creative judgment with deep understanding of modern marketing platforms (digital, social, experiential).
  • Strong writing, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
  • Collaborative, self-motivated, and driven to make an impact through public-sector marketing.

Classification

Regular – Full Time

Reports to:

Chief Marketing Officer

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (the “Corporation”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Corporation does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. The Corporation will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.