Field Marketing Lead at Detect Auto in Austin, TX

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Detect Auto is building the operating system for modern auto repair shops. We're an AI-powered software company focused on revolutionizing the efficiency and performance of auto repair shops. Our platform is the engine that automates routine tasks, giving mechanics, service advisors, and shop owners more time in the repair bay and less time in front of a screen.

MISSION OF THE ROLE: THE EVENT & GROWTH CATALYST

The Field Marketing Specialist is responsible for designing and executing a high-impact event strategy that drives brand awareness, customer engagement, and pipeline growth for Detect Auto. This is a high-ownership, strategic execution role that will begin with a heavy focus on field marketing and trade shows, eventually expanding into building the foundational marketing capacity needed for long-term scale—including content, brand, and digital optimization. You will be instrumental in making our events a top pipeline generator and progressively expanding your ownership to generate consistent, high-quality Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) across all channels.

LOCATION AND WORK ARRANGEMENT

• Location: In-person preferred (Fargo, ND or Austin, TX). Remote considered.
• Work type: Full-time, benefited position.
• Flexibility: Some flexibility for occasional remote work may be considered, depending on role needs.
• Travel Expected: Average of 1 event per month (roughly 15-20% travel). Event-related work and travel will be the major initial focus of this role.
• Collaboration: Regular collaboration with Product, Engineering, Sales, Customer Success, and Operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (PHASED ROLLOUT)

Timing for expanded ownership will depend on business needs, ramp speed, and priorities after joining.

Phase 1: Field Marketing & Event Execution (Initial Focus)

• End-to-End Event Strategy: Own and execute the company’s strategy for key industry field events, partner events, and trade shows, leveraging these as a top channel for brand awareness and pipeline generation.
• Logistics & Experience: Manage event logistics, booth layout/design, event-specific messaging, and ensure optimal staffing alignment with the Sales and Product teams.
• Lead Capture & SLA Management: Implement rigorous lead-capture and tracking processes to ensure all leads are tagged, classified, and routed to Sales rapidly to maximize ROI.
• Post-Event Follow-Up: Manage post-event follow-up campaigns and conduct thorough post-event ROI reviews.

Phase 2: Content, Brand & Sales Enablement (Expanded Ownership)

• Sales Enablement & Proof Points: Ensure sales enablement materials are ready before every major event. Produce customer proof, event recap content, and sales collateral consistently.
• Content & Copywriting: Develop a strategic content calendar. Write, edit, and refine external-facing copy (website, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, ad copy) ensuring a consistent voice.
• Brand & Social Media: Manage visual assets, ensure strict adherence to Detect Auto brand guidelines, and execute a consistent calendar across LinkedIn and Facebook to foster community engagement.
• Contractor Coordination: Manage and direct external marketing contractors as needed to supplement content and design production.

Phase 3: Digital Strategy & Optimization (Broader Performance)

• Website & UX: Own and relentlessly improve the company website's performance, focusing on conversion rates and overall user experience.
• SEO & Paid Ads: Manage foundational search engine optimization (SEO) and execute paid digital advertising campaigns (e.g., Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads) maximizing MQL generation.
• Analytics & Reporting: Implement and utilize web analytics to track source reporting, campaign performance, and overall marketing ROI.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

You will be held accountable for performance across the following specific metrics:

1. Preparation: Priority events have a clear pre-event plan 3-4 weeks ahead.
2. Lead Capture: 95%+ of event leads are captured, tagged, and classified within 48 hours.
3. Sales Routing: 90%+ of "Hot" event leads are routed to Sales within 24 hours.
4. Nurture: "Warm/Nurture" event leads have follow-up launched within 48 hours.
5. Pipeline Impact: Track demos booked, attended demos, opportunities created, and closed-won revenue directly sourced from events.
6. Continuous Improvement: Repeat events must show improvement in booth scans, qualified leads, or demos booked.
7. Event ROI: Each major event has a documented post-event ROI review.
8. Enablement Readiness: Sales enablement materials are fully prepped before each major event.
9. Content Velocity: Customer proof, event recap content, and sales proof points are produced consistently.
10. Holistic Reporting: Monthly marketing report covering events, source performance, lead quality, pipeline impact, and upcoming priorities.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field, OR equivalent practical experience.

• Experience: 3+ years of progressive experience in B2B or SaaS marketing, with demonstrated success managing field marketing, trade shows, and events.

• Project Management & SLAs: Exceptionally organized with a proven ability to manage complex event logistics, meet strict lead-routing SLAs, and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Writing Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a portfolio demonstrating clear, compelling marketing copy and collateral.

• Digital Familiarity: Solid understanding of social media best practices (LinkedIn, Facebook) and fundamental knowledge of digital marketing (SEO, basic web analytics).

• Bonus:

  • Strong familiarity with the automotive repair industry.
  • Hands-on experience using marketing automation/CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce) for lead routing and reporting.
  • Experience with professional design software (Adobe Creative Suite) for visual asset creation.

WHO YOU ARE

The ideal Field Marketing Specialist will embody our cultural principles and thrive in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment. We are looking for someone who:

• Is focused on driving measurable marketing outcomes and thrives on the road, engaging directly with our market at events.
• Takes initiative to spot opportunities and issues, rather than waiting for direction.
• Can apply structure and process when it aids efficiency and has a builder mentality.
• Thinks long term and is interested in building durable systems, not quick fixes.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, follows through consistently, and builds trust with internal teams and external partners.
• Is comfortable negotiating priorities, and saying no or "not now" when necessary to protect focus and strategy.
• Pays close attention to the details of execution—especially regarding lead management and event logistics—and understands their impact on sales and revenue.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Base salary: $95,000 - $120,000 annual USD, commensurate with experience and market benchmarks for a lead role at an early-stage SaaS company.
• Early-stage equity potential.
• Full-time role with benefits beginning on day one of employment.
• Health benefits: Detect Auto offers health care coverage with an employer contribution toward premiums for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Additional benefits are provided in line with company policy.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

• Reports into Sales/Marketing or a designated cross-functional leader.
• Works closely with Product, Engineering, Sales, Customer Success, and the founding team.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Detect Auto is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.