Area Director of Marketing - Remote

Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Area Director of Marketing to lead strategic marketing efforts for a portfolio of independent hotels. This remote role preferably located in the southeast is responsible for crafting and executing integrated marketing strategies that drive brand visibility, direct bookings, market share growth, and owner value.

As the primary marketing leader for this multi-property cluster, the Area Director will serve as both a strategic architect and hands-on executor-leveraging marketing platforms, local market insights, and cross-functional collaboration to activate high-impact marketing initiatives. This individual will partner closely with property GMs, revenue and sales leaders, and agency partners to deliver performance-driven, brand-aligned marketing that resonates locally and scales across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Marketing Strategy & Execution: Develop and lead integrated marketing plans for each property, ensuring alignment with brand standards, commercial objectives, and local market dynamics.
• Brand Stewardship & Content Leadership: Oversee consistent brand storytelling across all touchpoints, including hotel websites, digital channels, social media, PR, and guest experience initiatives.
• Digital & Performance Marketing: Guide the execution of paid media, SEO, CRM, and conversion strategies in partnership with digital agencies and internal teams to maximize direct channel contribution.
• Photography & Visual Storytelling: Plan and supervise architectural, lifestyle, and experiential photo/video shoots that meet Schulte guidelines and enhance merchandising and engagement.
• PR, Social & Influencer Engagement: Collaborate with PR and social teams to generate earned media, drive awareness, and foster community and guest engagement through compelling content.
• Promotions & On-Property Activations: Develop and execute seasonal packages, events, and locally resonant activations that generate buzz and support revenue objectives.
• Multi-Revenue Center Marketing: Develop and implement strategic and tactical marketing plans for all key revenue centers at each property-including dining and F&B outlets, spa, golf, weddings, and group meetings-to drive incremental revenue, elevate brand experience, and support overall commercial goals.
• Community Partnerships: Develop relationships with local organizations, cultural partners, and CVBs to enhance community engagement and drive destination demand.
• Reputation & Crisis Management: Oversee online reputation and provide communication guidance during issues or crises to protect brand equity.
• Ownership Reporting: Prepare monthly updates and quarterly marketing performance reviews with ROI analyses for ownership and corporate leadership.
• Trendspotting: Continuously evaluate hospitality, travel, and digital marketing trends to identify innovative opportunities for the portfolio.
• Signature Experiences: Concept and execute marquee and on-brand events or partnerships that position the hotels as cultural anchors in the community.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with property GMs, sales and revenue leaders, and operations teams to ensure marketing initiatives support broader commercial strategies.
• Vendor & Agency Oversight: Manage external agency partners and vendors to ensure creativity, accountability, and ROI across marketing programs.
• Performance Measurement: Monitor marketing KPIs and analytics dashboards to evaluate impact, optimize spend, and inform continuous improvement.
• Marketing Resource Management: Oversee budget allocations and cost-sharing across properties using a blended model based on both fixed and variable room count considerations.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 8-10 years of progressive marketing experience in hospitality, with at least 3-5 years in a regional or multi-property leadership role.
• Experience working with independent hotel marketing and technology platforms, tools, and systems (e.g., PMS, CRM, etc.).
• Proven ability to develop and execute marketing strategies that drive…