Marketing & Comm Specialist - University Store

About the position

The Marketing and Communication Specialist for the University Store plays a pivotal role in enhancing the store's brand image and driving engagement within the university community. Responsible for developing and executing promotional strategies, this specialist creates campaigns tailored to student, faculty, staff, and alumni audiences through various channels such as social media, email newsletters, and campus events. By conducting market research, creating compelling content, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, they ensure that marketing efforts align with institutional goals and resonate with the target audience. Through ongoing analysis of key metrics, they continuously optimize strategies to maximize the store's impact and drive measurable results regarding foot traffic, sales, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute marketing/promotional/event activities that meet overall objectives.
• Collaborate in developing a 12-month marketing calendar and act to ensure activities are implemented promptly and effectively.
• Establish and maintain consistent branding efforts and advise area director(s).
• Direct the production and/or design of graphics for promotional materials to maintain consistency in theme and focus.
• Examine, revise, and execute website and e-commerce strategies to improve sales and communication with the customer.
• Coordinate marketing/promotional and sales efforts through the website.
• Work with third-party vendor(s) in the development and maintenance of websites.
• Direct, execute, and maintain all online social media activities consistent with established or new communication strategies.
• Hire, train, and provide supervision to the web coordinator and marketing support/student staff.
• Manage and monitor designated budgets.
• Study the organization's objectives, promotional policies, or needs to develop strategies that will influence brand awareness and/or direct sales.
• Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with student groups, representatives of stakeholders, community, employees, public interest groups, and news and other media.
• Identify trends or key group interests or concerns and provide advice on staying current with techniques and approaches.
• Provide a website strategy and plan content updates regularly for the external college website and internal communication.
• Provide direction and assistance on the most appropriate way to present information and ways to engage the audience.
• Write news releases and coordinate photo opportunities.
• Coordinate special events to promote relations with students, alumni, retirees, and various stakeholders.
• Represent the University Store in committees, resources fairs, and events.
• Review all donation requests and approve as appropriate or under management direction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business, Marketing or related focus OR equivalency of education and applicable work experience.
• At least 4 years work-related experience.
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy.

Nice-to-haves

• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, prioritize, and evaluate next steps.
• Ability to work well under pressure with multiple and changing deadlines.
• Knowledge of social media channels and trends.
• Enthusiastic and positive demeanor.
• 2+ years of marketing experience.
• Experience with designing, producing, and managing an annual marketing and communications plan.
• Experience developing and executing integrated digital and social media campaigns.
• Critical thinking skills and highly adaptive and organized.
• Strategic planning skills.
• Experience leading marketing and communications in higher education, private industry, or non-profits.
• Experience working with senior leaders and across diverse functional areas.
• Ability to make proactive recommendations to leadership based on available data.

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.