Marketing Specialist: (Full-Time)

Deadline to apply to this position is November 24, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

The Marketing Specialist, is responsible for formulating and implementing marketing strategies designed to enhance user engagement and increase awareness for the Visit South Padre Island brand. Under the supervision of the Chief Marketing Officer, implements industry-leading diverse marketing endeavors encompassing digital content development, social media execution, and campaign implementation. This role demands a solid comprehension of digital marketing patterns, exceptional communication proficiencies, and adept collaboration with internal and external partners.

The Marketing Specialist will be expected to possess a considerable degree of initiative, discipline, tenacity, and attention to detail while being highly regarded for their work. The role involves proactively presenting innovative ideas and solutions to enhance effectiveness of our marketing efforts and engagement strategies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assisting with optimized content across major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and more through Trello.

• Assist in photography and videography projects as needed.
• Collaborate with our marketing agency of record to assist with producing and publishing diverse content types including website content, e-newsletters, social media posts, video scripts, and graphics.
• Create engaging photo and video storytelling content to be published across channels in partnership with the social media specialist and staff.
• Conduct research, brainstorming, and development of marketing projects and campaigns in collaboration with the marketing team.

• Support and attend key organizational initiatives, partnerships, holidays, festivals, and collaborations.
• Apply search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and best practices in content development and execution.

• Monitor social media platforms, engage with visitors, and respond to inquiries to foster positive relationships in a timely manner.

• Ensure that all activations are fully equipped and staffed.
• Manage promotional material and equipment needed for events.
• Assist with updating the Visit South Padre Island website to serve as a primary resource for trip planners, stakeholders, and community members.

• Stay informed about developments in the hospitality industry and local events in South Padre Island.
• Stay up to date on the latest trends in destination marketing by attending conferences, webinars, and workshops.
• Oversee the digital asset management (DAM) library to maintain a well-organized repository of photos, videos, and galleries.
• Collect and manage visitor data from island partners as needed.
• Gather information needed for the monthly newsletter created by the marketing agency of record.
• Maintain a marketing calendar with upcoming events, campaign deadlines, and reminders for key activities.
• Take detailed notes during board and marketing meetings to ensure that all action items and questions are followed up on promptly.
• Assist with travel authorization forms. 
• Assist the Chief Marketing Officer with purchase orders and invoices.
• Participate in year-round activations at events, sports partnerships, parades, and more to collect leads and for brand awareness.
• Assist in ordering promotional items.
• Occasionally create graphics for flyers or other informational material as needed.
• Assist in requesting graphic designs for upcoming events 

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 
• Travel to attend industry events and to promote the destination to potential visitors.
• Attend staff and board meetings as needed. 

FISCAL BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Responsible for adhering to all City of South Padre Island purchasing policies while performing purchasing tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Requires a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in marketing, communication, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• Two plus years of experience, in marketing, with a focus on digital and social media content development, equivalency to be determined by the City.

Licenses or Certifications:

• A valid state driver’s license.   

Special Requirements: 

• Bilingual: Spanish and English preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in distilling complex concepts into compelling narratives and executing them through a strategic content framework, including themes, categories, and rich media assets.
• Demonstrated expertise in implementing digital marketing initiatives tailored to meet the needs of a Destination Marketing Organization brand.
• Effective communication abilities with demonstrated proficiency in group presentations; advanced experience in creating PowerPoint presentations.
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets computer applications.
• Proficiency in soft design skills, including photography and video editing.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time annually.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and, at times, stressful environment.
• Ability to proactively plan, develop, manage, and coordinate multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to espouse high ethical standards and expect the same from all others in the organization.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships and work well with others as part of a team.
• Professional image representative of the company image.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, either personal or company, for various Visit South Padre Island businesses.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer system, specialized software, phone, copy machine, digital camera, motor vehicle, telephone, and more

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.