Events and Promotions Manager

Rural King•Mattoon, IL

3d•$55,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Events and Promotions Manager leads the planning and execution of Rural King’s promotional campaigns, store events, sponsorships, and community engagement initiatives. The role supervises the Event Coordinator and Marketing Planning Coordinator, manages promotional calendars and assigned budgets, and works with Purchasing, Marketing, Store Operations, and other teams to support accurate, timely, brand-aligned execution. Responsibilities also include vendor and sponsorship management, new store marketing support, performance evaluation, and process improvement. The manager oversees promotional planning and readiness, including timelines, assets, approvals, store communications, and validation of offers, pricing, and messaging. The role directs store, corporate, and community events; supports cooperative marketing with vendors; manages event and promotional documentation and expenses; and reviews outcomes and feedback to improve future plans. Travel and occasional evening or weekend work may be needed based on event and promotional requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
3–5 years of experience in marketing operations, promotions, event management, or related work; retail-store experience, especially at Rural King, may be considered equivalent experience for the education and experience requirements.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex calendars, concurrent projects, deadlines, and cross-functional dependencies with strong attention to detail.
Ability to develop associates, set clear expectations, provide accountability, and collaborate with store teams, merchants, vendors, and business partners.
Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, problem-solving, negotiation, and customer-service skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfort working with promotional systems, tracking tools, and event or marketing platforms.
Ability to analyze outcomes, exercise sound business judgment, manage budgets, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Ability to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends based on event and promotional needs.
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.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience leading or supervising associates is preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise, coach, and develop the Event Coordinator and Marketing Planning Coordinator; establish priorities, assign work, monitor progress, and provide performance feedback.
Own the operational planning calendar for assigned promotions, major sales events, and campaigns; coordinate timelines, required assets, approvals, store communications, and launch readiness.
Partner with Purchasing, Marketing, Store Operations, and other internal teams to translate business objectives into executable promotional plans and resolve issues before launch.
Oversee event batch creation, promotional sign creation and proofing, testing, and validation to help ensure accurate offers, pricing, messaging, and execution across relevant channels.
Direct planning and execution of store, corporate, and community events, including venues, vendors, equipment, production needs, schedules, and on-site coordination as needed.
Oversee local fairs, sponsorships, donations, and external partnerships; evaluate opportunities, coordinate agreements and deliverables, and ensure appropriate Rural King visibility.
Partner with Purchasing and vendors on cooperative marketing activities, available funding, documentation, and compliance with program requirements.
Manage assigned event and promotional budgets; review expenses, contracts, invoices, and sponsorship documentation; partner with Finance and Accounts Payable on accurate processing.
Ensure timely, clear communications to stores and internal partners; collaborate with creative, social, digital, and public relations teams on consistent promotional materials and outreach.
Review promotional and event results, execution quality, partner deliverables, and feedback; identify process improvements and recommend adjustments to future plans.
Coordinate assigned grand opening and new store marketing activities, including materials, local partnerships, events, and operational readiness.
Perform other duties as assigned.