Marketing, Brand and Events Lead

About the Role

This position represents a highly visible and creatively charged opportunity at Branch Out Neurological Foundation. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for telling the organization's story and uniting its community. The role involves managing marketing initiatives, building a brand that extends well beyond the foundation's size, and co-leading the two major annual events. It offers substantial ownership within a compact team that has strong momentum and provides a chance to shape the organization's future. Ideal for individuals driven to create meaningful impact and foster genuine connections within a collaborative environment.

Our Mission

Branch Out Neurological Foundation is dedicated to catalyzing innovative neurological research. Located in Calgary, Alberta, the foundation supports and accelerates studies focused on healing, resilience, and prevention of brain diseases. Over the past fifteen years, it has allocated over $2.9 million to more than 230 research projects across Canadian universities. The foundation's values include compassion, open-mindedness, courage, and commitment, underpinning a culture that bridges funding gaps and unites experts across industries to achieve tangible clinical outcomes.

Our Impact

The organization funds research striving to bridge the gap between promising science and clinical application. Its integrative research approach encompasses areas such as nutrition and the microbiome, mind-body wellness, rehabilitation, precision health, preventative care, and neurotechnology. This research empowers healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers to make well-informed decisions across diverse treatment options.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the brand strategy and identity to ensure consistent, compelling representation of Branch Out across all channels.
• Manage all communications and content including newsletters, social media, the website, and outreach efforts tailored to donors, community members, researchers, and partners, translating complex scientific topics into relatable messaging.
• Design and execute campaigns that transform appeals, partnerships, and milestones into compelling narratives that inspire action.
• Co-lead two flagship events annually: the Bike Tour in June and the Your Brain on Art gala in November.
• Oversee event marketing activities including promotion, advertising, ticket sales, and campaign management to maximize attendance.
• Secure sponsorship by identifying, pitching to, and nurturing relationships with partners and sponsors to meet fundraising goals.
• Coordinate logistical elements involving vendors, participants, ticketing, and on-site experience, collaborating with external contractors as needed.
• Foster meaningful relationships with donors, artists, riders, volunteers, and partners who form the core of the Branch Out community.
• Maintain clear, ongoing communication with supporters and staff to align efforts with the mission and respond to stakeholder needs.

Candidate Profile

• Personable and trustworthy, adept at building authentic grassroots community connections through genuine conversations.
• Innovative thinker eager to take ownership and expand scope rather than maintaining the status quo.
• Proficient project manager who effectively oversees complex projects like events and marketing campaigns from start to finish.
• Adaptable and flexible with a readiness to embrace changes and share responsibilities within a small team dynamic involving contractors.
• Self-motivated with a strong autonomous work ethic and a proven history of impactful achievements.
• Open to feedback and self-aware, valuing outcomes over personal correctness and willing to pivot strategies as needed.
• Comfortable utilizing technology and AI tools to enhance efficiency and workflow in a small-team setting.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of tailoring written and verbal messaging to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Solid foundation in marketing or communications gained through practical experience, education, or both; a formal degree is an advantage but not mandatory.
• Demonstrable experience managing events from inception to completion, including logistics, ticketing, sponsorship, fundraising, and marketing.
• Experienced in social media management and development of marketing and promotional content.
• Strong written/verbal communication and highly organized.
• Familiarity with modern digital tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Canva or Adobe, and AI tools such as Claude.
• Desirable but not required: Academic background in neuroscience or health sciences.
• Additional plus: Experience in the nonprofit sector or related fundraising environments.
• Preferred: Skills in design and brand development.

Compensation and Work Arrangement

• Competitive remuneration aligned with nonprofit sector standards, reflecting the foundation's mission and respect for its team.
• Contract position with options for full-time or part-time, leading to potential permanent full-time employment.
• Hybrid work schedule with several days per week at the downtown coworking space.
• Opportunity to exercise significant ownership within a well-established foundation with strong growth prospects.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Branch Out Neurological Foundation values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates with varied backgrounds. The hiring process is committed to fairness and inclusivity.