Surf Marketing Manager in Palm Desert, California at DSRT SURF

DSRT SURF isn't a traditional workplace, and we're not looking for traditional people.

We're building a fast growing hospitality and lifestyle brand where surf culture, guest experience, and high performance come together in a unique way. We're looking for people who thrive in energetic environments, take pride in their work, and want to help build something special from the ground up.

This is a hybrid role with 1 to 2 days per week on-site in Palm Desert. We’re especially looking for candidates based in coastal Southern California.

The Marketing Manager runs DSRT SURF's marketing department day to day and is responsible for helping shape surf lagoon culture. Reporting to the VP & General Manager, you'll lead a small, hands-on team made up of our Content & Media Creator and Marketing Coordinator, and own the campaigns that get coastal surfers from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and beyond to make the drive to the desert. This is an execution-focused role, not a big-picture strategy role. You'll plan the work, keep the team moving, handle PR and partnerships, and make sure every campaign actually gets done and drives bookings.
Responsibilities include:

• Plan and execute marketing campaigns, including seasonal pushes, promotions, session drops, and events
• Build and own the marketing calendar across social, email, website, print, and press
• Manage the Content & Media Creator and Marketing Coordinator, including assigning work, setting priorities, and giving feedback
• Set social media strategy and monthly content themes, and create shot lists for planned shoots
• Write and plan all marketing emails and newsletters, with the Marketing Coordinator building and scheduling them
• Grow and segment our email list, with a focus on coastal surfers, surf clubs, and surf travel audiences
• Write campaign messaging that sounds authentic to surf culture and never sounds like a corporate ad
• Own public relations, including writing press releases, pitching surf, travel, and local media, and hosting media visits and interviews
• Build relationships with surf media, journalists, coastal surf shops, surf clubs, surf schools, and shapers
• Manage influencer, ambassador, and athlete partnerships
• Run paid social and digital ad campaigns, including audience targeting and budget tracking
• Review and approve all content and design before it goes out, and keep brand standards consistent across every channel
• Manage the marketing budget
• Track and report on results, including social growth, email performance, press coverage, and bookings driven by marketing
• Coordinate with Sales and Guest Experience so promotions, availability, and sales materials stay aligned

What You Bring

• 3 to 5 years of hands-on marketing experience, ideally in surf, action sports, outdoor, travel, or hospitality
• Experience planning and running campaigns across social, email, and print
• Experience with PR, including writing press releases and pitching media
• Experience supervising or directing the work of others, such as coordinators, creators, or freelancers
• Hands-on experience with email platforms such as Mailchimp, Klaviyo, or similar
• Working knowledge of social media analytics, Meta Business Suite, and paid social
• Strong copywriting skills with the ability to write short, punchy, and authentic content
• A good eye for design and the ability to make quick edits in Canva
• A real understanding of surf culture and how surfers talk, shop, and travel
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines in a fast paced environment
• Comfort reading data and using results to adjust what you're doing
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience

Who You Are

• A self starter who builds, produces, and ships without waiting for direction
• Creative with a strong eye for what stops the scroll
• Organized and consistent, because the calendar never stops
• Authentic, and able to spot content that feels forced
• Collaborative and easy to work with across departments
• Curious about what's working and always testing new ideas
• Stoke

Current Work Environment

DSRT SURF is a newly opened surf lagoon and hospitality destination with a small, hands-on marketing team. You'll report to the VP & General Manager and lead our Content & Media Creator, who captures the photo and video, and our Marketing Coordinator, who runs social media day to day and handles design. You'll also work closely with the Sales and Guest Experience teams. Expect a fast moving environment where you'll have real ownership over the results.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods
• Ability to move throughout the property, including the lagoon, beach, and outdoor areas, to capture content
• Ability to work outdoors in desert heat and varying weather conditions
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, including camera and content gear
• Ability to work in a fast paced hospitality environment

Compensation

This is an exempt, salaried position. The anticipated pay range for this role is $90,000-$100,000 per year. Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, skills, and business needs. Ability to have potential free surfs when you come out.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Surf sessions

Schedule Expectations

This is a full time, hybrid role. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or events may be required based on business needs.

Why DSRT SURF

This is an opportunity to help build something from the ground up where hospitality meets surf culture in a way that hasn't been done before. Our team is focused on creating an exceptional experience for both guests and employees while building a strong, energetic, and collaborative culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DSRT SURF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We consider applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

DSRT SURF provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should notify the company.