Kennywood - Marketing Director

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.

While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.

Promotional Calendar: Design promotional calendar for ticket promotions. Execute ticket promotions on website/ecommerce, social media, email, and partner with media team for paid media executionIn-Park Events & Execution: Support in-park events and experience through in-park signage, event activations, and partnering with other Kennywood department leaders on overall event experience.

Digital Strategy: Oversee the content of official Kennywood digital channels, including the website, email marketing, and social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook) to drive sales and brand affinityAd Campaigns: Partner with brand and advertising teams to execute Kennywood’s advertising and paid media campaigns.

Season Pass program management: Design and execute marketing campaigns to sell season passes, encourage visitation throughout the season, and renewal campaignsPublic Relations: Draft and distribute press releases, coordinate media coverage requests, and serve as a media contact.

We Are Currently Looking For aKennywood - Marketing Director

Roles & Responsibilities

Roles & Responsibilities

• Establish a holistic and integrated approach to marketing, sales, public relations, and promotions to grow Kennywood and Sandcastle’s attendance and revenue Coordinate and oversee park marketing and media budgets, plans, and promotional activities to meet attendance and revenue goals Lead activations to achieve ticket and Season Pass sales, attendance, ticketing revenue, and social media engagement goals Collaborate with stakeholders to develop annual plans and budgets Direct, mentor and develop the sales and marketing team Oversee owned channels for both parks, collaborate with the Park Support Center on Paid media plans Develop an understanding of the local market with a focus on opportunities to grow business Coordinate with agencies, Park Support Center, and other stakeholders to ensure fluidity of marketing plans and execution Research, analyze and monitor financial, technological and demographic factors so that market opportunities may be capitalized on and the effects of competitive activity may be minimized Execute weekly performance reviews of the business, identifying challenges, solutions and opportunities Represent Kennywood and Sandcastle with partners, sales clients, PR/earned media efforts and in the community
• Lead and ensure proper marketing brand and standards are being utilized at the parks, including signage, printed materials, etc.
• Support Kennywood and Sandcastle events and entertainment teams with planning and activating marketable consumer events/activations Collaborate with other park departments to continually improve and deliver quality guest experiences to customers throughout all areas of operation Participate in the Manager on Duty program, as needed

Skills

• Communication: Highly developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including customer service skills; ability to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively with a wide range of diverse populations.
• Represent the Company well internally and externally and convey a professional and positive image of the organization and business affiliates
• Leadership: Sales Strategist with the ability to lead a regional team in attracting new sales groups and maintaining current groups
• Problem Solving/Analysis:
• Define problems, research and collect data, draw valid conclusions and execute remedial strategies in a timely manner
• Executive Presence: Represent the Company well internally and externally; convey a professional and positive image of the organization and business affiliates
• Flexibility: Handle multiple priorities simultaneously; maintain a flexible work schedule to meet changing demands for multiple concurrent projects
• Computer Proficiency: MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Access, Powerpoint), Experience with Salesforce CRM

Education And Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales and/or Marketing, Advertising, Communications or related discipline; Equivalent work experience will be also be considered 7-10 years of progressive leadership and work experience in marketing required Previous hospitality, amusement park, theme park, or waterpark experience preferredLanguage: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with [State] Child Labor Laws Ability to frequently work hours that extend beyond 9 AM to 5 PM during the operating season Ability to frequently travel to local and domestic US park locations (up to 30% expected travel) Must possess excellent customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner Must possess extensive knowledge in a wide array of marketing concepts, including, but not limited to, Consumer Insights, Marketing Strategies, Communication, and Promotions Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to communicate complex concepts to audiences of varying skill and knowledge levels Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with all internal and external stakeholders Strong negotiating skills are required Outstanding knowledge of social media tools and platforms.
• Ability to facilitate and coordinate projects across multiple cross functional teams to successfully execute plans Ability to effectively manage allocated departmental budgets Ability to analyze and appropriately react to operational trends Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
• Ability to think creatively while maintaining accordance with business

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated and use computer for several hours of the workday Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30 pounds or more.
• Occasional bending, squatting and reaching above shoulders

Working Conditions

This role will primarily be based in a corporate office setting Frequent travel to local and domestic U.S. parks may be required Frequent sedentary motion, while sitting and using computer Subject to frequent interruptions and may need to reprioritize activities Team Member

Benefits

Why Kennywood?

We truly believe that where you work matters and, as a theme park company, we like to think we know a thing or two about what makes people happy.

Perks And Benefits

Competitive compensation Comprehensive health and wellness package 401k Savings and Investment plan Free admission to Kennywood and other parks A generous paid time off programDo not miss the chance to spark your career now!