Associate Director

Group 1001is a consumer-centric, technology-driven family of insurance companies on a mission to deliver outstanding value and operational performance by combining financial strength and stability with deep insurance expertise and a can-do culture. Group1001’s culture emphasizes the importance of collaboration, communication, core business focus, risk management, and striving for outcomes. This goal extends to how we hire and onboard our most valuable assets – our employees.

Why this role matters...

Delaware Life is looking to hire an Associate Director, Marketing Production who will be responsible for a comprehensive oversight of all aspects of print and physical marketing production.  This role is responsible for leading the entire print production lifecycle, from strategic planning and execution, to vendor management and budget oversight. This includes managing various projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring brand consistency and quality control across all materials. A key part of the job will be leveraging innovation and cost-effective solutions to enhance Delaware Life's physical marketing presence and streamline operational workflows.

How you'll contribute...

Strategic Ownership & Execution

• Lead the end-to-end production lifecycle for all print collateral, sales enablement materials, and branded promotional items across Delaware Life’s marketing and events ecosystem.
• Translate creative and marketing strategies into scalable, executable production plans that meet brand standards, timelines, and budget goals.
• Serve as a production thought partner to creative and brand leadership—bringing expertise on materials, formats, and innovation to elevate our physical marketing presence.
• Develop contingency plans to minimize disruptions in production and distribution.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the production lead for all major marketing initiatives, including product launches, campaigns, and national conferences.
• Partner closely with the Events, Creative, Product Marketing, Compliance, and Procurement teams to align production timelines with go-to-market needs.
• Build relationships and communication channels with all stakeholders to ensure smooth workflow and handoffs.
• Collaborate with Graphic Designers, Marketing teams, Vendors/Printers, and Operations to ensure seamless execution.

Print Vendor Implementation & Management

• Estimate print run quantities (unit cost, usage, expiration date, frequency of revisions).
• Factor in stock and savings through consignment programs with paper providers.
• Recommend appropriate print methods and finishes.
• Determine Print-On-Demand vs. print-to-shelf strategies for higher frequency pieces.
• Consolidate jobs with similar specs to capture economies of scale.
• Negotiate volume discounts and manage lead times for specialty pieces.
• Manage express shipping requests, establishing lead times to reduce unnecessary rush orders.
• Monitor product update schedules and hold orders when needed to ensure delivery of current versions.
• Leverage “delete/discontinue” features in platforms to track piece status and kit inclusion.
• Review unusually large orders and set cost parameters based on producer tiers (large/medium/small).

Innovation & Competitive Advantage

• New Formats and Techniques: Introduce innovative print methods (e.g., variable data printing, sustainable materials, specialty finishes) to enhance engagement.
• Integration with Digital: Bridge print with digital channels (QR codes, NFC, AR-enabled print) to modernize outreach and create interactive experiences.

Marketing Asset Reporting & Consulting

• Track and analyze print and electronic asset utilization, surfacing duplication across teams/vendors.
• Provide consulting to ensure consistent branding and efficient asset use.
• Identify print specifications that maximize cost efficiency, USPS mailability, and quality execution.
• Bridge the gap between creative design and physical production realities.

Stationery, SWAG, and Store Management

• Standardize stationery and business cards across business units.
• Manage sourcing and acquisition of promotional items (SWAG), establishing cost-effective processes.
• Lead campaign and event item sourcing, ensuring alignment with marketing and sales priorities.
• Oversee Delaware Life Marketing (DLM) Store management, including ordering processes, fulfillment, and inventory controls.

Vendor & Budget Management

• Own and manage relationships with print, promotional, and fulfillment vendors—ensuring competitive pricing, quality execution, and timely delivery.
• Manage production budgets, including vendor costs, materials, shipping, and distribution.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities across the production process without sacrificing quality or impact.
• Monitor, track, and report on production budgets, proactively surfacing risks and opportunities.

Operational Excellence & Quality Control

• Build and maintain production calendars, inventory tracking systems, and reorder processes to support timely, consistent delivery of marketing materials.
• Implement best practices for proofing, approvals, and quality control to minimize errors and ensure flawless execution.
• Continuously assess and improve production workflows, incorporating sustainable materials and innovative techniques.

What we are looking for...

• Exceptional project management, negotiation, communication and vendor management skills.
• 7+ years of experience in marketing production, print services, promotional marketing, or related roles.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, track progress, and meet deadlines. 
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional production efforts for a complex, multi-product business.
• Understanding of printing processes, paper types, finishing techniques and mailing services.
• Familiarity with design software like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Deep understanding of brand standards and quality assurance best practices.
• Experience working in highly regulated industries (e.g., financial services) is a plus.
• Natural collaborator who thrives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Adept at anticipating business needs and proactively developing solutions.
• Strong visual sensibility and a passion for delivering exceptional brand experiences.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and prioritizing in a deadline-driven environment.

Compensation:
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $125,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $135,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on factors such as market location, job-related skills, and experience.

Benefits Highlights: 

Employees who meet benefit eligibility guidelines and work 30 hours or more weekly, have the ability to enroll in Group 1001’s benefits package. Employees (and their families) are eligible to participate in the Company’s comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plan options.  Employees are also eligible for Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability. All employees (regardless of hours worked) have immediate access to the Company’s Employee Assistance Program and wellness programs—no enrollment is required.  Employees may also participate in the Company’s 401K plan, with matching contributions by the Company.

Group 1001, and its affiliated companies, is strongly committed to providing a supportive work environment where employee differences are valued. Diversity is an essential ingredient in making Group 1001 a welcoming place to work and is fundamental in building a high-performance team. Diversity embodies all the differences that make us unique individuals.  All employees share the responsibility for maintaining a workplace culture of dignity, respect, understanding and appreciation of individual and group differences.