We’re Hiring: Program Marketing & Growth Manager

Position Overview

Startup Colorado is seeking a creative, organized, and results-oriented Program Marketing & Growth Manager to lead marketing initiatives that increase founder participation, strengthen regional engagement, and support the expansion of Startup Colorado’s entrepreneurial programs across rural Colorado. This position plays an important role in the growth and implementation of RuralOS, Startup Colorado’s integrated entrepreneurial support system designed to help communities develop entrepreneurs, accelerate businesses, and connect founders to resources and capital.

Working across SUCO’s program, ecosystem development, and communications teams, the Program Marketing & Growth Manager will translate program goals into actionable marketing campaigns that reach entrepreneurs, engage local partners, and drive measurable participation. The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently, managing multiple projects, and collaborating in a remote, asynchronous environment. They should be equally comfortable developing marketing strategies and executing the day-to-day activities that make campaigns successful.

Key Responsibilities

Program Marketing & Founder Recruitment

• Develop compelling marketing messages and promotional materials that clearly communicate the value of SUCO programs to entrepreneurs.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of assigned program marketing campaigns—including Idea Factory, Growth Challenge, pitch events, and other RuralOS initiatives—in coordination with the Director of Communications.
• Work directly with program staff to establish recruitment timelines, identify target audiences, communicate application requirements, and support enrollment goals.
• Track marketing-generated inquiries, applications, and recruitment performance in coordination with program staff.

Integrated Marketing & Campaign Execution

• Coordinate with SUCO’s Digital Content Coordinator on graphic design, social media scheduling, digital promotions, and other outreach activities to generate qualified founder interest. 
• Integrate and repurpose founder stories, program outcomes, and editorial content across marketing campaigns and promotional channels.
• Identify opportunities to improve campaign reach, engagement, and conversion based on results and participant feedback.
• Manage paid social media and Google Ads campaigns as assigned, including budget coordination and performance tracking.
• Coordinate light website updates with SUCO’s website contractor to ensure program pages, event listings, and application information remain current and accurate.
• Oversee the founder photography co-op program, including coordinating with founders and photographers, to expand Startup Colorado’s photo library for use across social media, the website, and marketing campaigns.

Regional Marketing & Partner Engagement

• Develop and execute localized marketing campaigns to support RuralOS implementation in rural Colorado communities.
• Collaborate with SUCO’s ecosystem development and program teams to understand regional priorities, partner relationships, and recruitment opportunities.
• Create and distribute regional marketing toolkits, including promotional copy, graphics, email templates, social media materials, and event descriptions.
• Coordinate with local economic development organizations, community partners, and ecosystem builders to amplify program announcements and recruitment efforts.
• Support marketing and promotion for regional presentations, founder events, pitch competitions, and other SUCO activities.
• Develop repeatable marketing templates and processes that can be adapted for future RuralOS deployments.

Marketing Operations & Team Coordination

• Maintain marketing campaign calendars, project timelines, assignments, and deliverables using SUCO’s established project management systems.
• Coordinate with program staff and other marketing team members to ensure deadlines, approvals, and promotional commitments are met.
• Maintain organized campaign materials, templates, project files, and marketing performance data.
• Participate in regular marketing and program coordination meetings as appropriate to the part-time schedule.
• Provide timely communication regarding project status, upcoming deadlines, competing priorities, and resource needs.
• Maintain reasonable availability during mutually agreed working hours to coordinate requests and campaign activities.
• Support the continued development of efficient, repeatable marketing processes as Startup Colorado’s programs expand.

Team Structure & Reporting: 

The Program Marketing & Growth Manager will report to Startup Colorado’s Director of Communications & Brand Strategy, Margaret Hedderman. During Margaret’s maternity leave, the position will work closely with Startup Colorado’s Community Engagement & Program Coordinator, Olivia Reed, and Director of Program Development & Innovation, Tim Martinez, for direction, campaign priorities, and program coordination.

Startup Colorado’s Digital Content Coordinator, Sarah Woodward, will assist with initial onboarding, organization of existing marketing assets, familiarization with SUCO’s digital tools, and establishment of collaborative workflows. The position will work closely with SUCO’s broader communications, program, and ecosystem development teams to ensure marketing activities are coordinated and aligned with organizational priorities.

Required Experience

• 3–5+ years of experience in marketing, digital campaigns, communications, or a related field, preferably in a startup, entrepreneurial support organization, small business, or mission-driven nonprofit.
  • Familiarity with rural communities, entrepreneurship, economic development, or startup ecosystems is preferred.
• Strong writing and editing abilities, with the capacity to communicate complex information in clear, engaging, and accessible language.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and execute high-quality work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Demonstrable writing skills and an eye for engaging content. While AI use is acceptable, you must be able to recognize well-crafted prose and adhere to the organization’s guidelines. 
• Comfortable working in a remote, asynchronous environment where communication is often managed via digital channels such as Slack, Asana, and Google Docs.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with team members in other departments.
• Must live in rural Colorado. (Outside the Front Range)