Marketing & Communications Director

Organization: GAMA – The Tabletop Game Association
Location: Columbus, OH (Hybrid) or Remote (U.S.-based)
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Salary Range: $70,000–$80,000
Classification: FLSA Exempt
Travel: Occasional travel required, including on-site support for major events

About GAMA 

GAMA – The Tabletop Game Association is the nonprofit trade organization dedicated to advancing the tabletop gaming industry. We support professionals and businesses through professional development, networking opportunities, and world-class events, including GAMA Expo and Origins Game Fair. Our mission is to foster a vibrant, inclusive gaming community and help our members thrive in a rapidly evolving market. 

GAMA Expo is our annual B2B gathering of industry professionals, attracting more than 4,000 attendees for exhibitions, education, and networking. 

Origins Game Fair, hosted annually in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the premier tabletop gaming conventions in the country, welcoming more than 20,000 attendees for gaming, events, and community experiences. 

Position Summary

GAMA is seeking a strategic and hands-on Marketing & Communications Director to lead the organization’s brand, marketing, and communications efforts. This role is responsible for developing and executing integrated strategies that drive event attendance, increase member engagement, and elevate GAMA’s visibility across the industry.

You will oversee all outward-facing communications—from major event campaigns to member messaging and media relations—ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact across every channel. You’ll also lead and mentor a small communications team, balancing high-level strategy with day-to-day execution.

As a member of GAMA’s operational leadership team, you will collaborate closely with senior staff to align communications with organizational priorities and contribute to decision-making that shapes the future of the association.

Key Responsibilities

Event Marketing & Audience Growth

Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of marketing efforts for GAMA’s core programs, including:

• GAMA Expo (industry trade show, ~4,000 attendees)
• Origins Game Fair (consumer convention, ~20,000 attendees)
• Member-focused initiatives such as Game Store Day

Key responsibilities include:

• Driving attendee and exhibitor growth through integrated marketing campaigns
• Developing multi-channel strategies across digital, email, social media, and partnerships
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to align marketing with event goals and revenue targets
• Establishing performance metrics and analyzing campaign effectiveness
• Continuously optimizing marketing strategies based on data and insights

Organizational Communications & Brand Strategy

Serve as the steward of GAMA’s brand and voice across all platforms.

• Ensure a consistent, professional, and engaging brand presence across all communications
• Lead media relations, including press outreach, inquiries, and announcements
• Develop and implement crisis communications plans as needed
• Partner with the Executive Director and leadership team on strategic messaging
• Serve as a communications advisor to internal stakeholders and the Board of Directors
• Occasionally act as a spokesperson for the organization

Member Communications & Engagement

Oversee all member-facing communications to ensure clarity, value, and alignment with organizational goals.

This includes:

• Around the Table (quarterly magazine)
• Email newsletters and announcements
• Organizational updates and key initiatives

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining a consistent voice and editorial standard across all communications
• Aligning messaging with member needs and organizational priorities
• Collaborating across teams to deliver timely and effective communications
• Continuously improving communication strategies based on member feedback and engagement data

Team Leadership

Lead, manage, and develop a small communications team (2–3 staff), including roles focused on:

• Graphic design
• Website management
• Social media
• Content and newsletter production

Responsibilities include:

• Setting priorities, workflows, and performance expectations
• Coaching and mentoring team members to support professional growth
• Ensuring high-quality output across all communications channels
• Fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Measurable growth in attendance and exhibitor participation at GAMA events
• Increased member engagement across communications platforms
• A clear, consistent, and elevated brand presence across all channels
• Strong media relationships and increased industry visibility
• A motivated, effective, and well-aligned communications team

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing strategies
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences
• Experience managing projects and priorities across multiple channels and stakeholders
• Experience leading or managing a team, including remote or distributed staff
• Familiarity with digital marketing tools and social media platforms
• Experience working within a nonprofit, trade association, or member-based organization
• Experience managing budgets and tracking performance metrics

Preferred

• Experience with event marketing, particularly large-scale events or conventions
• Familiarity with AP style
• Basic proficiency with photo and video editing tools
• Experience working with executive leadership and/or boards
• Interest in or enthusiasm for tabletop gaming
• Familiarity with platforms such as Facebook, Discord, and other community tools

Key Traits for Success

• Strategic thinker who can translate vision into execution
• Strong collaborator who thrives in a small, dynamic team
• Clear and confident communicator with strong editorial judgment
• Highly organized and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Mission-driven and motivated by community impact

Benefits

We are committed to supporting our team with benefits that promote well-being, flexibility, and long-term growth:

• Two weeks of paid vacation annually (increasing with tenure)
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match

How to Apply

To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter to Melinda Prickett, COO at Melinda.Prickett@GAMA.org with the subject line:
Application for Marketing & Communications Director

Our Commitment

GAMA is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within our organization and across the tabletop industry. We believe a wide range of perspectives strengthen our work and our community.

GAMA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbus, OH 43235