MARKETING DIRECTOR

Date: Feb 20, 2026

Req ID: 55717

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72201

Category: DAH - CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

Anticipated Starting Salary: $85,943

The Arkansas Tourism Deputy Director serves as the second-in-command within the Arkansas Tourism Division and plays a critical leadership role in advancing the state’s tourism strategy and brand. This position works in close partnership with the Director to drive statewide tourism growth, strengthen Arkansas’ competitive position as a premier destination, and support the continued development of The Natural State’s tourism economy.

The Deputy Director provides direct oversight of Manager-level staff and leads multiple functional teams within the division, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, performance goals, and budgetary objectives. This role is responsible for translating high-level vision into operational execution, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration, and ensuring excellence in marketing, communications, industry engagement, and destination development efforts.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, solutions-oriented leader with deep knowledge of the tourism industry and a strong understanding of Arkansas’s tourism product, assets, and regional partnerships. This position requires executive-level leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to represent Arkansas Tourism with professionalism and credibility among internal teams, industry stakeholders, elected officials, and community partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in the tourism, travel, hospitality, destination marketing, or outdoor recreation industry.
• Strong familiarity with Arkansas’ tourism product, including its destinations, outdoor recreation assets, attractions, events, cultural resources, and regional tourism partners.
• Proven experience managing and developing high-performing teams, including direct supervision of Manager-level staff.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and aligning staff efforts with strategic organizational goals.
• Strong understanding of destination marketing strategy, brand management, visitor acquisition, and tourism-driven economic development.
• Experience working collaboratively with public and private sector stakeholders, industry partners, and community leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, contracts, and performance metrics within a tourism or marketing environment.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to represent the division at industry events, conferences, and public forums.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate statewide tourism priorities into operational execution across multiple teams.

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

Position Information

Job Series: Marketing – Competitive

Classification: Marketing Director

Class Code: CMA02C

Pay Grade: SPC05

Salary Range: $85,943 - $127,195

Job Summary

The Marketing Director is a senior leadership position within the State of Arkansas responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of strategic marketing plans and campaigns that support state government objectives. This role involves setting the vision for the state’s marketing efforts, managing the department’s budget, and ensuring alignment with the state's priorities. The Marketing Director works closely with state leadership, stakeholders, and media to ensure consistent and effective communication, branding, and outreach across all state agencies.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of statewide marketing and communication strategies to support the goals of the Arkansas state government. Supervise and provide strategic direction to the marketing team, including Marketing Supervisors, Coordinators, and Specialists. Manage the state’s marketing budget, allocating resources effectively to achieve desired outcomes. Collaborate with senior state officials, agencies, and external partners to ensure a unified brand and messaging across state initiatives. Oversee the development and implementation of advertising campaigns, digital media strategies, and public relations efforts. Provide guidance and leadership in crisis communication and emergency messaging as needed. Use data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly. Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations regarding marketing practices.

Knowledge and Skills

Comprehensive knowledge of marketing principles, strategies, digital marketing, public relations, and communication in the public sector. In-depth knowledge of state regulations, advertising laws, and branding strategies. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. Expertise in analytics, digital marketing platforms, and content creation tools. Ability to manage and inspire a diverse team. Ability to develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies that align with state priorities. Ability to manage budgets and resources efficiently.

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of six years of progressive experience in marketing or communications, with at least three years in a leadership or management role.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.