Marketing Specialist

Job DescriptionCollaborates with project teams to develop and implement targeted marketing strategies for grant-funded initiatives; creates and executes comprehensive marketing plans to promote program awareness, engagement, and achievement of grant project objectives.Manages marketing and communications activities related to specific grant-funded projects; serves as project manager for these projects and collaborates with designers, Web content manager, digital content specialist, print shop, mail center, grants administration managers, and project directors for successful project completion.Works closely with project stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, and external partners, to understand project goals and tailor marketing strategies accordingly.Establishes and maintains relationships with key stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.Develops and maintains project-specific content, ensuring alignment with grant requirements and College branding guidelines; creates and/or coordinates the creation of visually appealing and engaging marketing collateral for both digital and traditional channels.Collaborates with the College's communication team to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all platforms.Monitors and analyzes the effectiveness of marketing campaigns using relevant metrics.Provides regular reports to the Senior Director of Innovation and Development, highlighting key performance indicators and recommending adjustments to optimize marketing strategies.Works with appropriate staff to secure secondary research or conduct primary research such as focus groups and surveys.Plans a unifying theme for each grant-funded project that aligns with the Harper image; ensures marketing materials are consistent with each other while maintaining the brand graphic identity and positioning statement.Collaborates with the Senior Director of Innovation and Development and project directors to develop and implement annual marketing communication plans and design strategies and tactics to achieve specific grant project goals.Utilizes the Marketing Services project management system to manage and communicate campaign/project status with project directors and internal stakeholders.Researches, develops, and writes original content for traditional print, mass media, social media, and online communications; rewrites and edits copy submitted by project directors; manages proofing oversight.Utilizes leading social media channels as necessary and appropriate for targeted audiences.Integrates, tests, tracks, and evaluates the effectiveness of emerging channels/communication tools where appropriate, including QR codes, SMS, search, and SEO; tracks and reports all applicable media via analytics system.Develops high-touch, priority landing pages and makes updates using Harper's web content management system in partnership with the program coordinator.Uses various design platforms (e.g., template systems, Canva) to coordinate projects with designers andprovide basic finished graphics.Delivers and executes projects under tight timeframes and with the grant budget.Works effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team to communicate, coordinate, and integrate projects with Marketing Services and apply Harper and industry best practices to all efforts.Assists with special projects and events upon request.Performs related duties as assigned.QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, communications, or related field.Experience: Minimum five years' experience working across all media categories in marketing/sales support, public relations, educational/business advertising, or related field. Proven experience in developing and implementing successful, cost-effective marketing campaigns. Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple, diverse initiatives concurrently. Experience using CRM and email platforms such as Salesforce and SF Marketing Cloud. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in digital marketing tools, social media platforms, and content management systems. Experience with data analysis and reporting.About UsWe are Harper College...the college in your community.The College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened September 1967. It is named for Dr. William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago.Harper College is now one of the nation's premier community colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000 students annually in Chicago's northwest suburbs. The College's academic programs prepare students for rewarding careers and for transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers associate degree and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce training, professional development, continuing education classes, accelerated degree options for adults and developmental education programs.About the TeamThe Strategic Alliance and Innovation department provides support for the College's Board of Trustees. It is also focused on creating and sustaining alliances with local, regional and national entities. Strategic Alliance and Innovation collaborates with faculty, staff, administrators, and students across the College to pursue external fading to support the College's mission and Strategic Goals and to minimize risk and maximize innovation in the accelerated development and incubation of new emerging technology programming.