Director - Marketing

 What is the role about?

Accelerate is building the world’s first AI agent-led ad platform designed specifically for SMBs. The Director of Marketing will own the growth engine that takes Accelerate to thousands of SMBs across the US by driving awareness, adoption, and ecosystem presence.

This role is responsible for how Accelerate reaches SMBs — through events, creators, community, digital channels, partner ecosystems, PR, and brand presence.

Marketing defines the narrative and content; the Director of Marketing amplifies, distributes, and activates that narrative across all touchpoints.

This is a foundational marketing leadership role with direct impact on Accelerate’s GTM velocity, brand footprint, and adoption curve.

What will you be doing?

1. Own SMB Acquisition & Growth (End-to-End)

• Build and own the multi-channel growth machine: paid media, SEO, lifecycle marketing, affiliate programs, retargeting, and experimentation loops.
• Develop vertical-specific acquisition strategies (e.g., Shopify fashion brands, local services, digital product sellers).
• Drive funnel optimization from awareness → sign-up → first campaign launch → return usage.
• Set and achieve ambitious monthly active advertiser and CAC targets.

2. Lead Events, Community, and Ecosystem Presence

• Strategically position Accelerate at high-impact SMB and eCommerce events (ShopTalk, AdWeek SMB, Shopify Editions, Meta Boost).
• Build “Accelerate Live Workshops” and SMB bootcamps with hands-on demos.
• Create community channels (Discord, Facebook groups, Shopify forums) to build repeat engagement and advocacy.
• Launch Accelerate roadshows across key US eCommerce hubs

3. Influencer, Creator, and Educator Activation

• Identify and build long-term relationships with Shopify educators, YouTube eCommerce influencers, TikTok creators, and newsletter operators.
• Launch a Creator Partner Program with tiered incentives (revenue share, early access, co-created content).
• Make Accelerate the “default recommendation” among ecosystem educators.
• Enable creators with ready-to-use demo flows, talking points, and educational modules (developed with Product Marketing).

4. Integrated Marketing & Partner Activation

• Run co-marketing campaigns with ecosystem partners (Shopify apps, Wix marketplace, WooCommerce extensions, Quora Ads, Reddit Ads).
• Build launch playbooks, partner landing pages, and collaborative content streams.
• Drive distribution-led acquisition from marketplaces where SMBs already live.
• Support VP Partnerships by translating partner opportunities into marketing campaigns that boost adoption.

5. PR, Communications & Thought Leadership

• Own external communications, press, earned media, and category creation efforts.
• Position Accelerate as the pioneer of “AI Agentic Advertising for SMBs.”
• Partner with founders to amplify the vision across podcasts, SaaS panels, and thought leadership.

What is expected out of you?

• 10–15 years in SMB SaaS, eCommerce, ad tech, or high-growth startup marketing.
• Experience with Shopify ecosystem marketing, influencers, events, or SMB channels is a major plus.
• Deep understanding of SMB psychology, funnel behaviors, and decision cycles.
• Proven ability to build growth engines from scratch (0 → 1 → scale).
• Skilled in managing agencies, events, content, and creator relationships.
• Entrepreneurial mindset — thrives in fast-moving, ambiguous, build-first environments.

Success Indicators (First 12 Months)

• 5–10k SMBs exposed to Accelerate through events, creators, and partner channels.
• 25+ influencers active in referral or paid partnerships.
• Strong presence at 10–12 high-impact US SMB events.
• CAC improvements through optimized digital acquisition.
• Community channels active with >5,000 engaged members.
• Accelerate becomes recognized in Shopify & Wix ecosystems.

Why This Role Matters

Accelerates success depends on how quickly SMBs discover and trust AI-led ad automation.

This role builds that trust, awareness, and momentum — not through product features, but through presence, education, influence, and community.