Job Location
Watertown

Director of Advertising & Marketing

Reports To: President 
Location: Sioux Falls or Watertown, SD with limited travel
Companies: ESCO Manufacturing & Stein Sign Display

Position Overview

The Director of Advertising & Marketing is a key leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the strategic vision for all marketing, branding, and advertising initiatives across ESCO Manufacturing and Stein Sign Display. This role will lead efforts to strengthen brand presence, attract top talent, expand market share for signage but also drive growth within Stein Sign Display’s advertising portfolio.

This individual will oversee both traditional and digital marketing functions, manage internal and external communications, direct creative campaigns, and lead the Advertising Division of Stein Sign Display — including billboard sales, lease negotiations, and new site development.  This position will be responsible for managing 1-2 billboard sales representatives. 

Key Responsibilities

Advertising Division Oversight (Billboards)

- Lead the Advertising Division of Stein Sign Display, managing day-to-day operations of the billboard business.
- Drive and contribute to revenue growth through new business development, client acquisition, and expansion of the billboard portfolio.
- Oversee lease negotiations, renewals, and compliance with local regulations.
- Identify, evaluate, and secure new billboard sites, including negotiating land leases and easements.
- Collaborate with production and installation teams to ensure efficient project execution and customer satisfaction.
- Managing invoicing process 

Marketing & Branding Leadership

- Develop and implement a cohesive marketing strategy for both ESCO Manufacturing and Stein Sign Display aligned with company goals and brand identity.
- Manage all aspects of corporate branding, messaging, and visual identity.
- Oversee digital marketing, social media, and website performance to enhance customer engagement and brand awareness.
- Direct internal communications, public relations, and community outreach initiatives.
- Support recruitment and employer branding campaigns to attract and retain high-quality talent.

Business Development & Strategic Growth

- Identify market trends, emerging opportunities, and strategic partnerships to enhance both companies’ growth.
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for marketing and advertising initiatives.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to establish budgets through revenue forecasting, and allocate marketing spend effectively.
- Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and community engagements
- Participate and engage staff through the Employee Club 

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business Administration, or related field 
- 5–10 years of progressive experience in marketing, advertising, or business development leadership roles.
- Proven success in outdoor advertising, signage, or related B2B industries preferred.
- Strong understanding of branding, digital marketing, and strategic communications.
- Experience negotiating leases, managing client relationships, and leading sales or development teams.
- Excellent leadership, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with CRM systems, Google Analytics, and marketing automation tools.

Key Competencies

- Strategic Thinker with strong business acumen.
- Creative Leader who can inspire and execute.
- Relationship Builder with internal and external stakeholders.
- Results-Oriented, with a focus on measurable growth and ROI.
- Strong Communicator, both written and verbal.

Compensation & Benefits

- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities.

Our company has used ESCO Manufacturing for many years for our wholesale electric sign needs. They have manufactured many different types of signs for us over the years. We have had the same sales rep for many years. That says a lot in itself about the company. They have never let us down and always delivered a quality product in a timely manner. They are very competitive and always have great ideas to help us with design and installation. I highly recommend them, they won't let you down
Justin Helmke
JH Signs
Our account rep has been with us from the start of All State Signs. Throughout the years we have come to rely on ESCO's extensive product knowledge and fast turn arounds to fill our customer needs. ESCO has always been a reliable source for our company, and as we grow, we will continue to rely on their terrific customer service and quality products.
Beau & Raean Bilbrey
All State Signs Great Falls, MT
ESCO Manufacturing has been our channel letter fabricator for over 12 years. They are an exemplary company that manufactures high quality products and we have been completely satisfied with their customer service. Their staff is knowledgeable and able to handle any request. We are happy to recommend their services.
Jerry & Marlene Sandmann
Sandmann Signs & Electric Inc.
I have used ESCO Manufacturing for the better part of 20 years as an outlet for sign projects when we are overloaded and have seen nothing but the best of Quality, no shortcuts on the manufacturing process and as always very easy to work with sign professionals.
Kirk Ronning
Indigo Signworks
We have worked with ESCO Manufacturing with many of our projects and have had great results. Our account rep has been great to work with providing ideas and giving us a great product. It's been a pleasure to work with ESCO and I highly recommend!
Christian Guenther
AP Design
My companies have worked with ESCO for many years. We have collaborated on many projects, receiving professional knowledge and products in a timely manner. From answering an install question while on the job site to planning and discussing initial project concept sketches, ESCO has always been able to offer me the know-how to offer my customers a professional experience! Thank you ESCO!
Cathy Krommenhoek
Total Motors
From the sales to fabrication, to shipping, and accounting departments, the entire process has been seamless. At any given time we can see exactly where our job is in the process. Over the years, your team has displayed nothing but professionalism. Thank you, ESCO, for being a vendor we can count on consistently. We look forward to our relationship continuing!  
Haley
Affordable Signs