Global Marketing Director

This role, combining the scope of a Global Marketing Director and the focus of a Senior Marketing Strategist, is responsible for the overall marketing vision and execution that drives media coverage and secured sponsorships for the nonprofit. The strategy is defined by the scholarly concept of beginning with a broad, standardized global approach before customizing it for regional and local markets (Zou & Cavusgil, 2002; Moon, 2005).

The role requires a blend of high-level strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, exceptional leadership, and an understanding of the nonprofit's mission and stakeholder needs (IoD, 2023; Tallo, 2024).

Role Definition and Function

The Global Marketing Director/Senior Marketing Strategist is a senior leadership position tasked with developing and executing a comprehensive, globally-aligned, yet locally-adaptive marketing strategy (EAE Madrid, 2024). This position is critical for translating the organization’s mission into compelling narratives that attract high-value media exposure and corporate partnerships.

Scholarly Definition of the Role's Core Function:

The core function aligns with the concept of Global Marketing Strategy (GMS), which encompasses coordination of marketing activities and integration of competitive moves across global markets (Zou & Cavusgil, 2002). For a nonprofit, this strategy must also be rooted in social responsibility to align the interests of stakeholders, including the public, beneficiaries, and corporate partners (Shankar et al., 2022; PMC, 2021).

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The duties are organized by the core strategic phases—Global Strategy Development, Regional/Local Adaptation, and Revenue-Driving Execution.

Global Marketing Strategy and Vision

• Develop the Global Marketing Strategic Plan (GMSP): Create the overarching, standardized global marketing strategy and annual plan (EAE Madrid, 2024). This initial GMSP must set the consistent brand identity, messaging, and storytelling framework for the nonprofit worldwide (Floowi Glossary, 2025; Market Recruitment, 2025).
• Conduct Global Market Research: Lead extensive quantitative and qualitative research to identify global trends, target audience demographics, cultural nuances, and potential barriers in key international markets (ABET, 2017; Emerald Insight, 2022). This informs the standardized global approach and necessary local adaptations.
• Brand and Messaging Standardization: Oversee the development of core corporate communications and branding guidelines to ensure a unified and consistent brand image and voice across all global, regional, and local outreach efforts (IoD, 2023). This is vital for maintaining brand equity in the face of environmental turbulence (Rego et al., 2022).

Regional Adaptation and Campaign Management

• Coordinate Strategy Localization: Direct regional and local teams in adapting the GMSP into issue-specific and local campaigns. This involves balancing standardization (global brand/mission) with customization (local market relevance, cultural context, and institutional pressures) for maximum impact and consumer connection (Emerald Insight, 2022; Dev, Brown & Zhou, 2007).
• Integrated Marketing and Communications: Oversee the implementation of integrated marketing campaigns across all channels—digital, traditional, social media, and PR—to drive awareness and engagement (Tallo, 2024).
• Data Analysis and Performance Measurement: Spearhead a data-driven approach by analyzing performance metrics (KPIs) like media earned value, sponsorship ROI, and campaign success to make real-time adjustments and optimize strategies (EAE Madrid, 2024).

Earned Media and Sponsorship Acquisition (Revenue Generation)

• Earned Media Strategy: Formulate the organization's global public relations and communications strategy specifically focused on earning media (unpaid third-party publicity) to increase brand reputation and recognition (IoD, 2023). This includes managing relationships with external PR agencies (Market Recruitment, 2025).
• Sponsorship and Partnership Marketing: Develop and drive a global strategy for attracting and securing high-value corporate sponsorships and partnerships. This requires articulating compelling value propositions and developing strategic co-creation initiatives with partners (Market Recruitment, 2025; PMC, 2021).
• Stakeholder Alignment and Reporting: Ensure the marketing function’s goals are seamlessly aligned with the organization's financial and programmatic objectives. Regularly present the commercial and brand impact of marketing initiatives to the Executive team and Board of Directors (Market Recruitment, 2025).

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Master's degree (preferred) or Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field (Market Recruitment, 2025).
• Experience: Proven, extensive leadership experience in a global marketing, brand management, or senior strategist role, preferably within the nonprofit sector or for a mission-driven global enterprise.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Mindset and Business Acumen: Ability to develop a long-term strategic vision and connect marketing activities to overarching organizational goals (IoD, 2023).
• Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional skills in leading a diverse, often remote, global team and building relationships across different departments and external partners (Market Recruitment, 2025).
• Analytical Prowess: Expertise in market research, data segmentation, and utilizing analytics tools (like CRM, digital analytics) to drive informed business decisions (ABET, 2017; EAE Madrid, 2024).
• Global Cultural Intelligence: Demonstrated ability to navigate and effectively lead marketing efforts across diverse cultural and institutional contexts (Emerald Insight, 2022).

Volunteer Commitment & Target Profile

This is a Volunteer Service Leadership role, specifically designed for a senior executive who seeks to make a strategic, high-impact contribution to a nonprofit's global mission.

Volunteer Commitment Details:

• Time Commitment: This is a strategic time investment, estimated to require approximately 8 hours per week. The schedule offers flexibility to accommodate the executive's other professional or personal commitments.
• Duration: The organization seeks a minimum commitment of one year, with the potential for renewal, to ensure continuity and successful strategic implementation.
• Reporting Structure: The Director/Strategist will report directly to the Managing Director or the President/Board, underscoring the seniority and strategic importance of the position.
• Compensation: This is a purely volunteer role, meaning no salary or financial compensation will be provided. However, the organization will cover reasonable, pre-approved business expenses related to the role's duties.

Required Profile & Competencies

The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive who views this role as an opportunity for service leadership and advancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

• Executive Experience: Candidates must possess proven leadership experience at the Director, Vice President (VP), or C-suite level in Marketing, Strategy, or Business Development within a global organization.
• Strategic Acumen: The ability to conceptualize, develop, and present complex global strategies that drive measurable results is essential (IoD, 2023).
• Service Motivation: A profound, demonstrated personal commitment to philanthropy, service leadership, and advancing social good through impactful work is required.
• Credibility: The executive must possess the seriousness and interpersonal skills necessary to engage effectively with corporate CEOs, major media outlets, and global program leaders, thereby enhancing the organization’s overall credibility and trust in securing key partnerships.