Marketing Associate

Chicago, IL, United States

Ariel Investments is a premier, boutique, asset management firm. Our primary goal is to drive exceptional investment returns by bringing diverse perspectives together. The only way to beat a benchmark is to not look like one. As value investors, our thinking is deliberate and unconventional. We offer an independent, patient investing approach and aim to deliver excellence in any environment. We uphold our fiduciary responsibility to every shareholder, no matter how big or small.

At Ariel, we strongly believe that teamwork yields results-which is why we have Co-CEOs. John Rogers and Mellody Hobson share a desire to cultivate leaders who are curious, focused and disciplined. We are nimble and efficient. Our drive is fanatical and intentional. Everyone plays their position, and each contribution is critical to our firm's success. We seek subject matter experts who are unapologetically themselves. We encourage our employees to reach their full potential and we give them the runway to do so.

After four decades of active investing, we remain committed to our clients, our teammates and our community. We strive to be best-in-class investors and pioneer a path for those who entrust us with their financial future.

Position Summary

The Marketing Associate serves as critical support to the Marketing department across digital and print communications and assets, swag, stakeholder communications, branding, and conference/sponsorship coordination. This associate would have exceptional technical skills, attention to detail, a flexible mindset, a relentless work ethic, best-in-class organizational abilities and a willingness to go above and beyond.

The Marketing Associate Responsibilities and Duties

Assist the marketing team in their daily assignments and any new initiatives.

Support the marketing team on: Website maintenance and analytics reports

Email blasts

Compliance approvals

Preparation of presentation and other materials aligned with brand standards

Proofreading website and various stakeholder materials (e.g., client communications, employee communications, marketing pieces and thought leadership)

Competitor and market research

Conference/sponsorship preparation and coordination

Swag and inventory management

Related materials and workstreams with other departments

Coordinate the marketing design to generate digital and print materials/advertising.

Manage fulfillment and delivery of marketing pieces.

Project manage various marketing workflows.

Partner cross-functionally to prepare deliverables.

Provide administrative support as required.

Offer solutions, creative thinking and best practices.

Model the Ariel values.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years (2-4 ideally) of relevant financial services experience

Strong technical capabilities across multiple channels

Search engine, web analytics and business research tools acumen, including SEO and SEM campaigns

Working knowledge of CRM programs

Solid computer competencies, including the Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to quickly learn other systems

Excellent communication skills and interpersonal qualities

Proven analytical and problem-solving competencies

High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities

Creative and innovative with a proven track record of flawless execution

Comfortable handling administrative tasks or other assignments to move the firm forward

Flexible and positive with a can-do attitude and willingness to work after hours and on weekends for tight deadlines

Culture of compliance and regulatory requirements

Willingness to take on new assignments and challenges

Curious, goal-oriented, self-motivated and solution-driven

Education (preferred or required)

Bachelor's degree

Computer Skills Needed

Microsoft PowerPoint (high proficiency)

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Adobe

Adobe InDesign (preferred but not required)

Adobe Photoshop (preferred but not required)

Competencies

Communicate Effectively

Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing in various settings and styles; gets messages across with the desired effect.

Client-Centric

Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external audiences; receives firsthand information and uses it for improvements with clients and shareholders in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships to gain trust and respect.

Time Management

Effectively and efficiently uses time; is highly productive and possesses a broad range of skills.

Priority Setting

Focuses on activities of high importance and critical to the firm's success; possesses good instincts and judgment on what can help or hinder a goal; creates opportunities and focuses on areas for improvement with the highest return on investment.

Dealing with Ambiguity

Effectively copes with change; shifts gears comfortably; decides and acts decisively even when the total picture is not available; is calm under pressure and even when things are up in the air; successfully manages multiple projects at the same time; effectively handles risk and uncertainty.

Action Oriented

Enjoys working hard; is action-oriented and full of energy even when in the face of challenges and with minimum planning; seizes opportunities and uses every assignment to grow and develop.

Compliance:

Ariel employees, including the incumbent(s) in this position, are required to: (1) read and strictly adhere to all compliance policies and procedures of the various Ariel entities, as applicable; and (2) work together with their colleagues, including the CCO, to resolve compliance issues.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Diversity:

Ariel celebrates diversity and practices inclusion as a way to get work done - it's in our DNA. As an equal opportunity employer, employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, parental status (including pregnancy), disability, perceived disability, veteran status, status of military discharge, or any other basis under federal, state, or local law. Ariel prohibits discrimination against an applicant or employee because of their actual or perceived protected characteristic(s), and is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing a diverse group of talented applicants, and to providing employees with a workplace free from discrimination and/or harassment.

Equal employment opportunity takes place in all employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, and termination. The firm seeks to uphold an inclusive culture where diversity is recognized and valued. As such, Ariel provides employees a robust benefits package that includes:

Coverage for same-sex partner (domestic or spouse)

Coverage for children (natural born, step, adopted or foster)

Fully paid medical insurance that covers fertility treatments, gender affirmation

Employer contributions to a Health Savings Account

Maternity leave at 100% pay (12 weeks)

Paid Parental Leave (up to 12 weeks depending on tenure)

Lastly, all employees have access to Ariel-sponsored educational, training, and recreational activities.

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