Full Job Description
We are looking for a Marketing Manager, Customer Advocacy to own the strategy and execution of the SolarWinds customer advocacy program, including customer references, case studies, reviews (e.g., G2, Gartner Peer Insights), and structured advocacy initiatives. You will build on a solid existing foundation to scale the program, modernize our approach with industry best practices, and showcase customer outcomes that drive pipeline, wins, and brand credibility. The role manages two direct reports and will collaborate across with teams across Sales, Customer Success, Product Marketing, Field, Demand Generation, and Global Communications.
Key Responsibilities
• Strategy & Execution
- Define and own the global customer advocacy strategy aligned to company GTM and product priorities.
- Translate strategy into clear annual/quarterly plans, goals, and KPIs (e.g., references sourced, case studies delivered, review volume and rating targets).
- Serve as the primary internal advocate for customer advocacy, educating stakeholders on how to engage and leverage the program.
• Customer Advocacy Program Management
- Lead and scale programs for:
• Customer references: identify, recruit, and manage referenceable customers for deals, analyst interactions, media relations, and speaking opportunities.
• Case studies: source, prioritize, and deliver high-quality written and video case studies that showcase measurable customer outcomes.
• Reviews and ratings: grow and maintain a strong presence on G2, Gartner Peer Insights, and other third-party review sites, including campaigns to drive review volume and quality.
• Customer Advocacy Board: Evaluate and, if appropriate, re-launch a Customer Advisory/Advocacy Board, including charter, member selection, cadence, and content.
• Build and maintain a structured customer advocacy pipeline in partnership with Sales and Customer Success, ensuring coverage across key segments, products, and regions.
• Design and execute campaigns and incentives (where appropriate) to encourage customer participation in references, stories, and reviews.
• Collaboration & Enablement
- Partner with Sales, CS, and PMM to understand advocacy needs, prioritize requests, and ensure timely fulfillment.
- Work with Analyst Relations, Brand/Comms, and Digital teams to integrate advocacy content into campaigns, PR, analyst engagements, and the website.
- Define and operationalize processes, tooling, and documentation for how internal teams request and use advocates.
• Measurement & Optimization
- Establish and report on program KPIs: reference coverage, case study pipeline, review volume and ratings, advocacy-influenced pipeline and revenue.
- Regularly review performance, identify gaps, and implement improvements to scale the program efficiently.
• Team Leadership
- Manage, coach, and develop two direct reports focused on advocacy operations, review programs, and case study production.
- Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
Qualifications
• 7+ years of experience in customer advocacy / customer marketing roles for B2B technology companies.
• Demonstrated success building and scaling customer advocacy programs, including references, case studies, and third-party reviews.
• Proven ability to work directly with customers and sales leaders, including navigating approvals, sensitivities, and legal/compliance requirements.
• Experience managing or contributing to customer advisory boards or similar executive customer councils is a plus.
• Strong program management skills: able to prioritize, manage multiple workstreams, and deliver consistently against deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to turn complex customer stories into clear, compelling narratives.
• People management experience, including coaching and developing team members.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with Sales, CS, Product, PMM, Legal, and Comms in a fast-moving environment.