Job Posting Title: Marketing and Communications Specialist
Job Description:
Overview:
As part of the Office of Marketing and Communications, the Marketing and Communications Specialist provides accurate, strategic, and responsive communications support that delivers clear and consistent messaging across print, social, and digital platforms. In this role, the Marketing and Communications Specialist creates content that informs and engages various internal and external stakeholders and will help create and deliver professional communications, including public relations and marketing content, that will increase brand awareness and drive engagement.
This role interacts directly with internal and external stakeholders, including staff, faculty, and vendors. It requires a high level of professionalism and integrity coupled with a keen sense of how to write and produce content for professional audiences. Regular tasks include writing on-brand content for a variety of media and audiences. The position also involves building positive relationships with key constituents to help inform messaging and create engaging content. In this position, the Marketing and Communications Specialist combines interviews, research, and data-driven insights to create compelling stories that promote the brand, the work of our students, faculty, staff, donors and alumni, and other content that informs the public. The Marketing and Communications Specialist reports directly to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.
Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S. News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, communications, or related discipline is required. Qualified candidates will have at least 3-4 years of marketing and communications experience, which includes writing, multimedia work, and experience editing and updating content in an enterprise-level Content Management System (CMS). Candidates should also have at least three years of experience in social media and web applications experience, including experience managing social media content and driving audience engagement. Experience in an educational institution's high-volume, fast-paced, customer service-oriented unit is highly preferred, as is previous experience as a journalist.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Create materials with consistent messaging across channels and media under the guidance of the Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
Maintain KGI's social media presence on various platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and create and share content to drive engagement, grow following, and increase brand awareness.
Write, edit, and update content on and offline, including press releases, staff and faculty profiles, research stories, announcements, newsletters, and others. This includes assisting in the launch of future publications.
Responsible for creating and ideating content, including promoting ideas, writing stories, gathering stakeholder content, and developing visuals.
Manage, update, and oversee the annual social content calendar, with direction from the Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
Work with the Vice President of Marketing and Communications to facilitate media pitching opportunities to local, regional, national, and international outlets.
With direction from the Vice President, facilitate the editing and updating of content through multiple stakeholders to create and update marketing materials, program information, and more.
Serve as the Office of Marketing and Communications' lead photographer and videographer to gather content from various school events and presentations to drive engagement and increase brand reputation.
Conduct print and video interviews with constituents, as necessary, for use in promotional materials, social media, the KGI websites, and press releases.
Produce and edit videos to support the marketing and communications strategy, as needed.
Use research to support and inform the department's business goals and strategies and look for opportunities to increase visibility throughout campus and the community.
Support the Office's presence at internal and external events, as needed.
Write, proofread, and update marketing materials.
Update and maintain departmental information databases, including key contacts, vendors, an events calendar, and more.
Ensure brand tone, voice, and strategy are consistent and accurate across all marketing collateral and websites.
Serve as liaison to external communications consultants and writers, as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Standard knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.
Must have or be able to acquire an in-depth knowledge of Monday or similar project management software, communication tools (Teams, Slack, etc.), and relevant digital platforms.
Exhibit strong critical thinking skills and prioritize tasks based on scope and timelines while managing multiple responsibilities and adapting to shifting priorities to ensure project success.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate work.
Willingness to acquire additional skillsets to meet the needs of new and expanding strategic initiatives.
Proficient computer, online system, and web skills.
Ability to take photographs or video using a smartphone and/or DSLR camera.
Ability to post social media posts to multiple platforms natively and using software (Sprout, Hootsuite, etc.).
Strong work ethic and team-based approach to working in a high-volume environment.
Superior writing skills.
Positive, welcoming personality with demonstrated customer service experience.
Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
Ability to work comfortably, respectfully, and competently with people of diverse backgrounds.
Ability to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Available for occasional work on evenings and weekends, as event schedules may require.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record (as maintained by the DMV) acceptable to the Institute's insurance carrier.
Hours, Classification, and Status:
This is a regular, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.
The regular hours of this position are Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours may vary due to the needs of the College or department.
Salary range: $73,500 - $80,000 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
Special Requirements
Keck Graduate Institute has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza Vaccination Program covering all employees and students. Employees must submit proof of vaccination or an Institute-approved exception or deferral to comply with the policy.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information; formulating work plans; and articulating goals and action plans. Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, files, books, and packages.
Ability to drive locally. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events on and off-campus.
To Apply:
A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To be ensured full consideration, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:
Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment. KGI strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and Claremont University Consortium, which provides shared institutional support services, is reminiscent of the Oxford-Cambridge model. The undergraduate colleges include Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College. The two graduate institutions include Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute.