Marketing & Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marketing & Design Manager

Company: Sonesta NYC, NY

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute integrated marketing and design strategies to drive awareness and revenue for a portfolio of hotels, Food & Beverage outlets, and spa services within the New York City market.

• Oversee all creative and brand assets, ensuring consistency with brand standards and digital best practices across diverse marketing channels.

• Manage the creation of engaging visual content for digital, social media, photography, and on-property activations to enhance the guest experience.

• Lead website content management, SEO optimization, and email marketing campaigns, leveraging CRM platforms for targeted guest engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges marketing strategy with creative execution, focusing on a multi-property portfolio within a specific geographic region. The emphasis on "operations" comes from managing the consistent delivery of brand experience and marketing initiatives across physical locations and digital touchpoints, requiring strong process management and cross-functional collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and maintain brand standards across all visual touchpoints for Sonesta Hotels of New York, The Benjamin, and associated F&B/Spa outlets.

• Create fully integrated seasonal and promotional campaigns across email, social media, web, and display advertising channels.

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing materials including digital ads, email campaigns, landing pages, social media graphics, on-property signage, sales decks, and GDS advertisements.

• Manage website content updates, web forms, and SEO optimization for the vanity and restaurant websites, including leading the relationship with the Digital Spice web agency.

• Oversee the creative development, QA testing, and execution of all email marketing campaigns for Sonesta Hotels of New York and The Benjamin, managing the Cendyn email platform.

• Lead photography for social media and PR, including concept development, style execution, and direction for hotel rooms, F&B, spa experiences, and seasonal activations.

• Create engaging visual content for social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn), including reels, stories, and short-form video.

• Assist with on-property experiential activations such as seasonal installations, wellness events, and dining events, ensuring alignment with brand standards.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, sales, and corporate field and brand teams to ensure alignment and follow-through on marketing initiatives.

• Monitor industry trends and identify new opportunities for website, CRM, social media, and display advertising.

• Prepare monthly reports with insights and recommendations on marketing campaign performance and digital presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic campaign planning and hands-on creative execution, typical for a manager role in a regional marketing hub. The emphasis on supporting "operations teams with on-property signage and printed collateral" and ensuring consistent brand standards across diverse outlets (hotels, F&B, spa) underscores the operational aspect of this marketing role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Graphic Design, Communications, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in marketing and graphic design, with a strong focus on creative campaign development and execution.

• Proven experience in managing brand standards and visual identity across multiple platforms.

• Demonstrated success in digital marketing, including SEO, email marketing, and social media content creation.

Required Skills:

• Marketing Strategy & Campaign Development: Ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute integrated marketing campaigns that drive measurable results.

• Graphic Design & Visual Asset Creation: Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for creating compelling visual assets.

• Brand Management: Deep understanding of maintaining brand consistency and enforcing brand guidelines across all marketing materials and touchpoints.

• Digital Marketing Expertise: Solid knowledge of SEO, SEM, email marketing platforms (specifically Cendyn), social media marketing, and digital advertising best practices.

• Content Creation: Skill in developing engaging written and visual content for various channels, including social media, web, and email.

• Photography & Videography Direction: Experience in directing photo and video shoots, developing mood boards, and managing asset libraries (DAM).

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal teams (operations, sales) and external agencies.

• Analytical & Reporting Skills: Ability to analyze campaign performance, interpret data, and provide actionable insights and recommendations.

• Website Management: Experience with website content management systems and SEO optimization.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Cendyn or similar email marketing/CRM platforms.

• Familiarity with hotel property management systems (PMS) and their integration with marketing efforts.

• Experience managing relationships with external agencies (web, social, PR).

• Knowledge of GDS advertising platforms.

• Basic video editing skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is Marketing & Design Manager, the responsibilities heavily lean into operational execution of marketing initiatives across a portfolio. The "Required Skills" are tailored to reflect this, emphasizing not just creative ability but also the process management, stakeholder coordination, and digital platform proficiency needed for consistent delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Campaign Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 comprehensive marketing campaigns, detailing objectives, strategy, creative execution (visuals, copy), channels used, and measurable results (e.g., revenue generated, awareness increased, engagement metrics).

• Visual Design Samples: A curated selection of graphic design work, including digital ads, social media graphics, email templates, and on-property signage, demonstrating brand adherence and creative versatility.

• Content Creation Examples: Examples of social media content (including short-form video/reels), website copy, and email marketing content that illustrate engaging storytelling and effective communication.

• Brand Standard Application: Visual evidence of how brand guidelines were applied and maintained across different projects or properties.

• Process Optimization Examples: If possible, include an example of a process improved or system implemented to streamline marketing or design workflows, highlighting efficiency gains.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their process for campaign planning, creative development, asset management, and performance reporting during interviews.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would document and maintain brand standards for a multi-property portfolio.

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow management for creative projects and agency collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative and marketing-focused role with operational execution, a portfolio demonstrating process and results is crucial. The requirements are framed to assess not just creative output but also strategic thinking, project management capabilities, and the ability to deliver consistent brand experiences.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Annual Compensation: $85,000 - $95,000 USD

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Health Savings Account with Company Match; Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match.

• Time Off: Paid Vacation and Sick Days; Paid Parental Leave.

• Professional Development: Educational Assistance.

• Perks & Discounts: Sonesta Hotel Discounts, Various Employee Perks and Discounts.

• Insurance: Company Paid Life Insurance, Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

• Flexibility may be required to manage campaigns, events, or urgent creative needs, especially in a multi-property hospitality environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly taken from the provided text. The benefits are categorized for clarity, highlighting key areas relevant to operations professionals seeking stability and growth. The working hours are standard but acknowledge the potential for flexibility in a dynamic industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (Hotels, Food & Beverage, Spa)

• Sonesta is a significant player in the U.S. hospitality market, known for its diverse portfolio of full-service and focused-service hotels. The company emphasizes the "human side of hospitality," focusing on passionate service and purpose-driven experiences. This suggests a culture that values employee dedication, guest satisfaction, and a collaborative team environment.

Company Size: 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (1000+ properties in eight countries).

• This indicates a large, established organization with structured departments and defined processes, but also opportunities for impact within specific regions or brands. For a Marketing & Design Manager, this means working within established corporate brand guidelines while having regional autonomy.

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the company is described as "growing fast," suggesting a dynamic and evolving organization.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The role reports to the Director of Digital Marketing in New York City. This indicates a hierarchical structure with direct oversight from a senior marketing leader.

• Collaboration: Expected to collaborate cross-functionally with operations, sales, and corporate field and brand teams. This highlights a matrixed environment where communication and alignment are critical for success.

• Specialization: The role itself is a hybrid of marketing strategy and creative design, suggesting that other team members may specialize in areas like digital marketing execution, sales support, or property-level operations.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The role requires preparing monthly reports with insights and recommendations, indicating a data-informed approach to marketing strategy and campaign optimization.

• Brand Consistency: A strong emphasis is placed on owning and maintaining brand standards, suggesting a commitment to a unified brand experience across all touchpoints.

• Integrated Campaigns: The responsibility for creating fully integrated campaigns signals a strategic approach to marketing, ensuring all channels work cohesively.

Company Website: https://careers.sonesta.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the provided description, focusing on aspects relevant to a marketing operations role. The emphasis on "human side of hospitality" and "Together We Thrive" suggests a collaborative and employee-centric culture, important for understanding team dynamics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Management

• This role is positioned as a manager responsible for a significant portfolio within a major metropolitan area. It requires a blend of strategic thinking, creative execution, and cross-functional leadership. The scope extends beyond individual contribution to managing creative output and driving revenue for multiple properties.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Digital Marketing, providing a clear line of authority and mentorship. This structure allows for direct guidance in strategic marketing initiatives and career development.

Operations Impact:

• The Marketing & Design Manager has a direct impact on driving revenue for Sonesta's NYC hotels, F&B outlets, and spas through effective marketing campaigns and a compelling brand presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like hospitality digital marketing, luxury brand management, or integrated campaign strategy.

• Leadership: Advancement to a Senior Marketing Manager or Director role within the region or at a corporate level, potentially overseeing larger teams or broader marketing functions.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to enhance skills in areas such as advanced CRM utilization, A/B testing methodologies, photography/videography production, and leading agency relationships.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader business acumen by working closely with operations, sales, and finance teams across the Sonesta portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on how this role fits into the broader operations and marketing landscape within a large hospitality company, highlighting potential career trajectories and skill development relevant to operations-minded professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Likely a hybrid model, with a primary focus on an on-site role in New York City.

• While not explicitly stated as hybrid, the nature of managing on-property activations, directing photoshoots, and collaborating with sales and operations teams strongly suggests a significant on-site presence is required.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with the Director of Digital Marketing, sales teams, operations staff at various properties, and external agencies. Expect regular meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional project work.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite), email marketing platforms (Cendyn), website management tools, and potentially a Digital Asset Management (DAM) system. Standard office equipment and connectivity will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with marketing colleagues, property management, and potentially front-line staff to understand operational needs and align marketing efforts with guest experiences.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday to Friday.

• The hospitality industry, especially in a major city, often demands flexibility. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to oversee events, manage urgent creative requests, or collaborate with teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the practical aspects of an on-site role in a dynamic city and industry, focusing on collaboration, tools, and the need for flexibility, which are key considerations for operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with an HR representative or the hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio, showcasing relevant marketing campaigns, design work, and discussing your process and results. Be prepared to articulate your approach to brand management and integrated campaign execution.

• Skills-Based Assessment: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or a case study related to a marketing challenge for a Sonesta property, evaluating your problem-solving skills and creative approach.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with the Director of Digital Marketing and potentially other key stakeholders (e.g., sales leaders, property managers) to assess collaboration style, strategic thinking, and understanding of the hospitality business.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on work that directly aligns with the job description – hospitality, multi-property campaigns, strong visual design, and measurable results.

• Tell a Story: For each piece, explain the objective, your role, the strategy, the execution, and the outcome. Quantify results wherever possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to explain how you approached a project, your decision-making process, and how you managed challenges.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Show examples where you successfully applied or adapted brand guidelines.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Research Sonesta's current marketing, brand identity, and target audience for NYC properties.

• Hospitality Context: Be prepared for questions about the unique challenges and opportunities in hospitality marketing (e.g., seasonality, competitive landscape, guest experience focus).

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would approach common marketing challenges like driving direct bookings, increasing F&B revenue, or launching a new spa service.

• Operations Alignment: Be ready to discuss how marketing efforts support operational goals and enhance the guest experience on-property.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their qualifications effectively for a role that blends creative and operational marketing responsibilities, with a strong emphasis on portfolio demonstration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design and visual asset creation (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Email Marketing Platform: Cendyn is specifically mentioned; proficiency or ability to quickly learn is key.

• Website Content Management System (CMS): Experience with platforms like WordPress or similar for managing vanity sites and restaurant websites.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience with DAM systems for organizing and managing photo and video assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics for website performance tracking and SEO analysis.

• Social Media Analytics: Native platform analytics (Facebook Insights, Instagram Insights, LinkedIn Analytics) and potentially third-party tools.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating reports using Excel, PowerPoint, or potentially business intelligence (BI) tools for summarizing campaign performance and insights.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Platform: While Cendyn is mentioned for email, broader CRM experience (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or hospitality-specific CRMs) for guest segmentation and targeted marketing is beneficial.

• Marketing Automation: Familiarity with marketing automation principles for campaign execution and workflow management.

• Integration Concepts: Understanding how different marketing technology platforms integrate to create a cohesive marketing ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the expected technology stack, focusing on tools crucial for marketing operations, creative execution, and digital campaign management within the hospitality sector.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Guest-Centricity: A core value in hospitality, driving all decisions to enhance the guest experience and satisfaction.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across departments (marketing, sales, operations, F&B, spa) to achieve shared goals.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and consistently representing the Sonesta brand across all communications and visual touchpoints.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Striving for streamlined processes, effective resource utilization, and measurable campaign performance.

• Innovation: Embracing new marketing strategies, design trends, and technologies to stay competitive.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with property-level teams to understand their needs and ensure marketing initiatives are supported operationally.

• Agency Partnership: Building strong, productive relationships with external agencies to leverage their expertise and ensure campaign success.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve creative work, campaign strategies, and overall team performance.

• Shared Success: A focus on collective achievements, where marketing efforts directly contribute to the revenue and success of individual properties and the brand as a whole.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are inferred from Sonesta's stated mission and the nature of the role, emphasizing how these apply to a marketing professional working within the operational realities of a hospitality group.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Local Needs: Ensuring that corporate brand guidelines are met while allowing for effective, locally relevant marketing campaigns for diverse NYC properties.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Coordinating marketing efforts across various hotels, F&B outlets, and spa services, each with potentially unique needs and operational constraints.

• Rapidly Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying abreast of new social media trends, digital advertising opportunities, and platform changes to maintain effective campaigns.

• Measuring ROI in Hospitality: Attributing revenue directly to marketing efforts can be complex due to various booking channels and guest touchpoints. Developing robust reporting mechanisms is key.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hospitality Marketing Specialization: Deepen expertise in the nuances of marketing within the hotel and F&B sectors.

• Digital Marketing Certifications: Pursue certifications in areas like SEO, SEM, or specific marketing automation platforms.

• Creative Leadership: Develop skills in managing creative teams, directing photographers and videographers, and overseeing large-scale visual projects.

• Cross-Functional Business Acumen: Gain a broader understanding of hotel operations, sales strategies, and financial management within the hospitality industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges inherent in the role and industry, framing them as opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a successful integrated marketing campaign you developed and executed. What were the objectives, your strategy, the channels used, and the measurable results?"

• "How do you approach balancing corporate brand standards with the need for localized marketing efforts for different properties?"

• "Walk us through your process for developing a marketing campaign from concept to execution, including how you manage timelines and stakeholders."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Sonesta's brand and its position in the NYC market?"

• "How do you see the 'human side of hospitality' influencing your marketing and design approach?"

• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams, such as operations or sales. How do you ensure alignment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the problem, your solution (strategy and creative execution), and the impact (quantifiable results).

• Focus on Process: Be prepared to discuss your workflow, decision-making rationale, and how you collaborated with others.

• Showcase Versatility: Highlight examples that demonstrate your ability to create content for different channels (digital ads, social, email, print) and for various offerings (hotel rooms, F&B, spa).

• Quantify Success: Use metrics and data to support the effectiveness of your work whenever possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are crafted to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, operational understanding of marketing in a multi-property environment, and ability to execute creatively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Marketing & Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Sonesta careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience in hospitality marketing, integrated campaign management, graphic design, and digital marketing execution, with a specific focus on multi-property portfolios if applicable.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with key tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Cendyn, and website management, and quantifies achievements with relevant metrics.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your campaign strategies, design process, and ability to collaborate with diverse teams. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss case studies demonstrating measurable results.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Sonesta's brand, its NYC properties, and its current marketing efforts to demonstrate your understanding and genuine interest in the role and company culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.