Job Description

Automotive Marketing Director — Automotive Dealership Location: Manhattan KansasPosition Type: Full-TimeExperience Level: Senior About the Opportunity Be part of something new. A well-established automotive dealership group is launching an in-house advertising agency to handle marketing for 10+ dealership locations across the region. We're looking for an experienced marketing leader to build and run this agency from the ground up. This is a rare ground-floor opportunity to shape the vision, build the team, and establish processes while having the stability and resources of an established automotive group behind you. You'll have built-in clients, eliminating the pressure of constant new business development, allowing you to focus on creating exceptional work and building a high-performing team. What You’ll Do

• Lead the strategic direction and daily operations of a new in-house advertising agency
• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies across 10+ dealership rooftops
• Build, mentor, and manage a creative team (Account Executive, Graphic Designer, Production Coordinator)
• Maintain brand consistency while ensuring OEM compliance across all locations
• Oversee campaign development from concept through execution across digital, print, broadcast, and social media
• Manage agency P&L, budgets, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations
• Serve as primary liaison between agency and dealership ownership/management
• Ensure all marketing efforts drive measurable results in sales, service, and customer retention
• Stay ahead of automotive marketing trends and implement innovative strategies
• Position the agency for potential external client acquisition as operations mature

What You Bring Required:

• 5+ years of marketing leadership experience, preferably in advertising agency or in-house marketing
• Proven track record developing and executing successful multi-channel marketing campaigns
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate business objectives into marketing strategies
• Experience managing teams, budgets, and multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Deep understanding of digital marketing, traditional media, and integrated campaigns
• Proficiency with marketing analytics and performance measurement
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Preferred:

• Automotive marketing or dealership experience
• Experience building or scaling an agency or marketing department
• Knowledge of OEM brand guidelines and compliance requirements
• Familiarity with CRM platforms, marketing automation, and customer data management
• Existing relationships with media buyers, production vendors, and creative freelancers

What We Offer

• Compensation Range: $120,000 - $160,000 annually
• Performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Autonomy to build and shape your own agency
• Stable, established company with entrepreneurial opportunity
• Manhattan, Kansas location: affordable cost of living, college town amenities, family-friendly community

About Us We're an established automotive dealership group with 10+ locations and a reputation for excellence in customer service and community involvement. We're investing in the future of our marketing capabilities by bringing advertising in-house, and we need the right leader to make it happen. To Apply Submit your resume along with a cover letter explaining why you're the right person to build this agency. Include examples of successful campaigns you've led and your vision for what an in-house automotive advertising agency should accomplish. We're an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Job Tags

Full time, Contract work, Freelance,

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