Director of Marketing (Strategy and Execution)

Director of Marketing

Location: Remote\ Reports to: Head of Partnerships

About FirstIgnite

FirstIgnite is a fast-growing SaaS company specializing in research and innovation software, helping universities and companies accelerate commercialization, collaboration, and knowledge transfer. Our platform empowers institutions to connect research with industry partners, streamline technology licensing, and drive economic impact.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Head of Marketing to lead all marketing efforts for FirstIgnite. This role is responsible for driving brand awareness, demand generation, and customer engagement through a comprehensive, multi-channel marketing strategy. As the Head of Marketing, you will develop and execute marketing initiatives that position FirstIgnite as the leading solution in the research and innovation space.

This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring strategic vision, creativity, and execution across various marketing functions, including digital, content, events, and paid media. We currently have one Marketing Associate that will report to this position.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy aligned with FirstIgnite’s growth goals.
• Own and manage all marketing channels, including website, social media, email, paid advertising, and events.
• Drive lead generation, conversion optimization, and customer retention efforts.
• Track key marketing KPIs and continuously optimize campaigns for performance.
  
  

Content & Branding

• Oversee the development of engaging, high-quality content (blog posts, case studies, whitepapers, webinars, videos, etc.).
• Ensure consistent branding, messaging, and tone across all communication channels.
• Manage graphic design and visual identity to enhance FirstIgnite’s brand presence.
  
  

Events & Community Engagement

• Plan and execute FirstIgnite’s presence at conferences, trade shows, and industry events.
• Organize webinars and virtual events to showcase thought leadership and drive engagement.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders in the research and innovation ecosystem.
  
  

Digital & Paid Marketing

• Manage website content, SEO, and user experience to drive organic traffic and conversions.
• Run paid advertising campaigns across Google, LinkedIn, and other relevant platforms.
• Optimize email marketing and automation to nurture leads and retain customers.
  
  

Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with sales, product, and customer success teams to align marketing efforts with company objectives.
• Manage external vendors, agencies, and freelancers as needed.
• Provide reporting and insights to leadership on marketing performance and ROI.
  
  

Qualifications

• 5+ years of marketing experience, preferably in SaaS, research, or higher education markets.
• Proven track record in demand generation, content marketing, and brand positioning.
• Strong expertise in digital marketing, including SEO, paid ads, and social media.
• Experience managing events, webinars, and conferences.
• Excellent writing, communication, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Familiarity with marketing tools such as HubSpot, Google Analytics, LinkedIn Ads, and CMS platforms.
  
  

Why Join FirstIgnite?

• Opportunity to lead marketing for a mission-driven SaaS company at the intersection of research and industry.
• Work in a dynamic, fast-growing environment with a collaborative team.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and remote flexibility.