Marketing Specialist – E-Commerce & Brand Growth

About Reef eScape

ReefeScape.net is the online extension of Reef eScape LLC, a well-established aquarium retail store and services provider based in Fairfax, VA. The store offers premium corals, marine fish, invertebrates, dry goods, aquarium equipment, and personalized aquarium services through a flagship retail location and now online. Reef eScape is recognized for healthy, quarantined livestock and expert aquarium support delivered with integrity and passion.

Position Summary

We’re seeking a Marketing Specialist to define, elevate, and activate brand strategy for Fairfax VA based Reef eScape LLC (established and growing since 2007) with a emphasis on driving e-commerce growth (our newest segment) but also the service and retail portions of the business. This role will be responsible for developing a marketing plan across digital channels, increasing brand awareness among hobbyists and customers in the reef/ aquarium community, and leveraging performance analytics to optimize campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

Brand Strategy & Positioning:

• Help define the Reef eScape brand and value proposition tailored to hands off owners, new hobbyists and experienced aquarists.
• Find and develop local area customers that are looking for quality, convenience and excellent service
• Develop and document consistent messaging guidelines for all channels.
• Collaborate on promotional themes, seasonal campaigns, and unique selling points (e.g., quarantined livestock, expert guidance, local delivery, hands-on help).

Digital Marketing & Content

• Build and execute digital marketing campaigns (email, SEO/SEM, paid ads, social media).
• Develop content calendars aligned with product launches, hobby trends (e.g., corals, fish stock, reefing tips), holidays, and sales cycles.
• Write or oversee creation of high-value content: product spotlights, “how-to” guides, reefing tips, blog posts, newsletters.
• Leverage Reef eScape’s well established reputation for the highest quality and healthiest animals available in the DC area.

E-Commerce Growth

• Optimize Shopify storefront for conversion: product pages, collections, bundles, search, and personalization.
• Implement A/B testing to improve cart conversion, email capture, and checkout flows.
• Monitor analytics and KPIs (traffic, CTR, CVR, AOV, LTV) and deliver regular performance reports.
• Once successful locally, take the online store national and expand the market.

Social Media & Community Engagement

• Work with in-house subject matter experts in the aquarium industry to create engagement and tell the story of Reef eScape LLC digitally in the same way we have done so face to face with our customers for nearly 20 years.
• Manage and grow social presence (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) with engaging visuals and educational content.
• Nurture online reef hobbyist communities, respond to comments, and foster audience loyalty.

Partnerships & Outreach

• Identify and cultivate partnerships (influencers, reef forums, aquarium clubs, trade shows).
• Implement affiliate or referral programs that extend brand reach.

Customer Experience & CRM

• Lead email marketing, automated flows (welcome series, abandoned carts, win-back campaigns).
• Define segmentation strategies for personalized offers and customer journeys.

Required Qualifications

• Proven track record of digital marketing success, especially in e-commerce and Shopify ecosystems.
• Understanding of brand building and customer acquisition strategies.
• Analytical mindset with experience using marketing analytics tools such as Shopify, Constant Contact, Google Analytics, e-commerce dashboards or similar.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills.

· Photo and video creation and editing skills. Completed and ongoing course work in the areas of marketing is expected

Preferred

• No experience in the aquarium or pet industry needed, however an appreciation of beauty in nature, animals in general and aquatic life is ideal
• Experience creating content (video, blog, email copy) that resonates with hobbyist communities.

· Familiarity with SEO best practices, paid social ads, and email automation platforms.

· Additional training and education will be provided in relevant areas

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with ability to execute across multiple channels.
• Data-driven optimization mindset.
• Creative storytelling balanced with performance marketing discipline.
• Initiative and ownership in shaping brand identity and e-commerce success.

How Success Will Be Measured

• Help customers and clients be successful with the aquatic hobby or hands-off ownership of an aquarium.
• Increased organic and paid traffic month-over-month.
• Improved e-commerce conversion rate and average order value.
• Growth in email list, social engagement, and repeat customers.
• Positive brand recognition and sentiment in reef hobbyist communities.

Additional Opportunities:

The successful candidate with interest in Marine Biology, the Aquarium Hobby, Inventory Management, Field Service Technician, Retail Customer Service, Online Store Operation, General Labor and others may be offered additional opportunities in these areas.

Pay: $14.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching

Work Location: In person