Marketing & Communications Director

Marketing & Communications DirectorInnosphereLocation: Colorado/Wyoming Front Range; Headquarters in Fort Collins (In-Person 2-3 days per week)Reports to: CEO Primary/COO Secondary / Member of Executive LeadershipEmployment Type: Full-time or Fractional/Part-time (or contractual), depending on candidate experience and organizational fitCompensation: $140,000 – 150,000/year (full time equivalent). Total compensation is flexible and may be adjusted based on experience, scope of responsibilities, and benefits elections (e.g., candidates who opt out of benefits). Fractional compensation will be negotiated based on time allocation.Benefits: Innosphere offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-matched retirement; generous paid time off; including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement with employer contribution, generous paid time off, and holidays.About Innosphere Innosphere is a nonprofit innovation platform dedicated to accelerating technology startups and strengthening the regional innovation economy. For more than 25 years, Innosphere has supported entrepreneurs through startup acceleration, venture capital, real estate–based innovation campuses, and nationally significant initiatives, including the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded ASCEND Engine. Innosphere operates at the intersection of entrepreneurship, research commercialization, capital formation, and economic impact—working with founders, corporations, universities, philanthropies, and government partners to build a more dynamic and resilient innovation ecosystem.Position OverviewInnosphere seeks a senior, strategic Marketing & Communications Director (Full Time or Fractional) to elevate our brand, sharpen our strategic narrative, and directly support revenue growth through philanthropy, corporate sponsorships, and high-impact events. The ideal candidate is an experienced marketing executive who thrives in entrepreneurial, mission-driven environments and can translate complex innovation initiatives into compelling narratives that attract funders, partners, and ecosystem stakeholders.This individual will focus on:Strategic marketing directionBrand architecture and positioningFundraising communicationsExecutive visibilityHigh-impact event strategyOversight of marketing contractors and internal team membersExecutional work (design, email production, social posting, etc.) will be supported by staff and/or contractors.Job ResponsibilitiesEstablish a Clear, Unified Strategic Brand PositionDevelop and implement a cohesive brand architecture across:Innosphere (nonprofit)Innosphere Ventures (venture capital funds)NSF ASCEND Engine (CO & WY)Corporate and philanthropic initiativesRefresh core messaging, positioning, and value propositions.Create a clear narrative framework for:"Bold Moves to Lift Colorado's Advanced Industries"Corporate partnership strategyPhilanthropic campaignsDeliver a CEO/COO-approved brand strategy and narrative framework.Directly Support Revenue Growth Through Strategic CommunicationsDevelop fundraising messaging frameworks for:Major gifts (HNW and DAFs)Corporate sponsorshipsBank/CRA partnershipsBuild marketing support for annual fundraising goals (in coordination with the CEO and Partnerships Director).Support the development of materials that contribute to:Multi-year philanthropic commitmentsCorporate partnership revenue growthImplement executive-level storytelling that enhances credibility with:Family officesCorporate executivesRegional and national fundersElevate Executive & Organizational VisibilityDevelop and execute a CEO visibility strategy:Thought leadership positioningSpeaking strategyStrategic LinkedIn and media presenceIncrease high-value audience engagement (investors, founders, corporate leaders).Identify and secure at least 3–5 high-impact speaking or visibility opportunities annually.Design and Lead High-Impact Events StrategyDevelop a strategic events portfolio aligned with fundraising and brand goals.Elevate flagship events into revenue-generating, relationship-building platforms.Increase:Sponsor revenueExecutive attendanceFunders and strategic partner engagementEstablish event ROI metrics (revenue, qualified leads, sponsorship conversion).Build Scalable Marketing InfrastructureOversee marketing budget, contractors, agencies, and internal staff.Implement KPI dashboards aligned with strategic goals (brand awareness, engagement, fundraising support).Ensure consistent cross-platform brand execution.Develop annual marketing plan aligned with organizational OKRs.What Success Looks LikeIn the first year, success in this role means: Innosphere has a clear, implemented, and consistently expressed brand.Marketing materially strengthens philanthropic and corporate funding efforts.Visibility and credibility increase across target innovation ecosystems.Events are recognized as high-impact, must-attend convenings.The marketing and communications team is aligned, effective, and well-managed.Budgets and vendors are managed with accountability and purpose.Marketing is viewed internally as a strategic growth enabler.Why Join InnosphereThis is a rare opportunity to lead marketing and communications for a nationally significant innovation platform at a pivotal moment of growth. You will have the autonomy to shape strategy, the influence to partner closely with executive leadership, and the platform to elevate work that truly matters.At Innosphere, marketing is not a support function; it is a strategic driver of visibility, momentum, and impact. This role offers the chance to help shape the future of entrepreneurship and innovation across the region and beyond.Innosphere is open to structuring this role to match the strengths of the right leader, including consideration of a fractional senior appointment with meaningful ownership and influence.Ideal Candidate ProfileWe are seeking a candidate who is:10+ years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, or brand leadership, with demonstrated experience leading teams, managing budgets, and partnering with senior leadership and external partners.Motivated by building organizations of consequence and measurable regional impact.Highly self-directed, proactive, and accountable.Experience leading marketing strategy while managing execution through teams and/or external agencies, with clear accountability for outcomes.A strong people leader with experience managing and developing teams.A strategic thinker who can also execute effectively.An excellent communicator and storyteller across formats and audiences.Collaborative, team-oriented, and comfortable working across functions.Experienced in marketing, communications, or brand leadership in innovation, economic development, nonprofit, or entrepreneurial environments.Experience supporting fundraising or ecosystem-building initiatives is a strong plus.J-18808-Ljbffr