Job Description

About us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How we reward you

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%

Healthcare plans to support your needs

Virtual doctor visits

Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program

15% Associate Discount

Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

Company paid YMCA Family Membership

What You’ll do

As a Division Manager, Marketing Planning & Creative, you will be leading the strategic development, execution, and optimization of integrated marketing initiatives while overseeing creative direction across multiple channels. This role combines brand strategy, campaign planning, creative leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and performance analysis to drive business growth, customer engagement, and brand consistency.

Marketing Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies aligned with organizational goals and revenue targets.
• Lead annual and quarterly marketing planning processes, including campaign calendars, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Analyze market trends, customer insights, competitor activity, and campaign performance to inform strategy.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and business units to identify growth opportunities and marketing priorities.
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics to evaluate marketing effectiveness.

Creative Leadership

• Direct the development of creative concepts, brand messaging, and visual identity standards.
• Oversee the creation of marketing materials including digital campaigns, advertising, social media, presentations, video, print collateral, and promotional assets.
• Ensure brand consistency across all internal and external communications.
• Manage creative review and approval processes to maintain quality and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Lead brainstorming sessions and foster innovation within the creative team.

Team Management

• Supervise marketing planners, graphic designers, copywriters, content creators, and external agencies/vendors.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Establish team goals, monitor productivity, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Promote a collaborative, results-oriented, and creative work environment.

Campaign & Project Management

• Oversee end-to-end campaign execution from concept through launch and post-campaign analysis.
• Coordinate timelines, deliverables, and workflows across departments.
• Manage marketing budgets and vendor relationships effectively.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to brand standards.

Digital & Performance Marketing

• Guide digital marketing initiatives including email marketing, social media, SEO/SEM, content marketing, and paid advertising.
• Monitor analytics dashboards and optimize campaigns based on data-driven insights.
• Support lead generation, customer retention, and brand awareness objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Experience managing integrated marketing campaigns across multiple markets or divisions.
  • Familiarity with CRM, marketing automation, and AI-driven marketing tools.
  • Experience working with agencies and external creative partners.
  • Lead associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program.
  • Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
  • Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
  • Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Essential Qualities for Success

• A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Graphic Design, or related field.
• 7–10+ years of progressive marketing and creative leadership experience.
• 3–5+ years of management experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of brand management, digital marketing, content strategy, and creative production.
• Proficiency with marketing analytics tools, project management platforms, and creative software.
• Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Able to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related tasks.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The pay range for this position is $80,000 - $95,000 annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. To learn more about our benefits, review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094.