✨ Marketing Strategist (Full-Time, Long-Term: 25–60 hrs/week) PR, Website, Linkedin, Email, Events - Contract to Hire

Focus Areas: PR • Trade Publications • Website • LinkedIn • Email • Events Overview Hickory CRE Lending is growing — and we’re ready to bring our marketing in-house. We’re seeking a hands-on, strategic Marketing Coordinator to take ownership of all aspects of our marketing program: strategy, planning, budgeting, execution, and performance tracking. You’ll help us elevate our visibility, strengthen our credibility, and build consistent brand presence across channels. You’ll work closely with senior leadership, external creatives, and our lending team to tell the story of who we are — a high-performing commercial real estate lender combining institutional precision with entrepreneurial style. Key Responsibilities •Marketing Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan. Oversee budgets, KPIs, and new initiatives. • Content Calendar: Plan the annual calendar of marketing moments — deal closings, HR announcements, events, milestones — and keep the team aligned. • LinkedIn: Coordinate 2–3 posts per week. Collaborate with team authors and direct external designers for visuals and layout. • Website: Lead a full website refresh with freelance design and development support (via Upwork or elsewhere). • Outbound Email: Create and manage campaigns using Salesforce Pardot. • Public Relations: Build relationships with trade media. Publicize transactions, team expansion, and company news. • Collateral & Branding: Refresh all team and investor materials — track record decks, tear sheets, pitch decks, signage, Excel templates, and more — ensuring brand consistency. • Events: Plan and promote our presence at major national and regional events (e.g., CREFC, MBA, NMHC, RealDeal) and identify speaking opportunities. • Innovation: Be our internal AI champion. Test and implement new tools and workflows to make marketing smarter, faster, and more creative. About Hickory CRE Lending Hickory CRE Lending is a commercial real estate lender providing stretch senior loans ($40–$200MM) and mezzanine/preferred equity ($10–$60MM) for construction, repositioning, bridge, and land transactions. We aim to play a small but meaningful role in addressing America’s housing shortage by financing apartments, condos, and other living spaces. Our team of 12 combines the institutional discipline of New York City with the balance and authenticity of Miami. We work hard, move fast, and operate with mutual trust and respect — creating an environment where work feels more like purpose than grind. What You Bring • Exceptional attention to detail. You pride yourself on precision, double-checking, and producing flawless work. • AI-curious and tech-forward. You proactively explore AI tools to improve marketing and workflow efficiency. • Professional, prompt, and polished. You maintain high standards of clarity, organization, and style. • Strong technical setup: Laptop, 1-2 monitors, reliable internet, proficiency in Outlook, Excel, and Salesforce. • Collaborative mindset. You thrive in a culture of trust, accountability, and creative autonomy. Why Join Us • High-impact role — direct access to company leadership and decision-making • Opportunity to shape our brand and build systems from the ground up • Exposure to the commercial real estate finance world at an institutional level • Flexible, remote-friendly environment focused on results, not micromanagement Apply tot his job