Communications Coordinator

Department: Educ Ctr for Talent Developmnt
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

The communications coordinator will work to increase the visibility of the Center for Talent Development (CTD), producing timely and strategic content for CTD’s multiple social media channels, website and other multimedia platforms. The coordinator will collaborate with the SESP Marketing and Communications Director, center administration, and program teams to develop and send messaging campaigns to advance the mission of CTD and coordinate other programmatic tasks as needed. This position is charged with enhancing the brand and image of the organization within target markets through events, outreach activities, communications, design production, and social media management. This person cultivates the center’s voice and online presence, which promotes the organization’s mission and identity and results in enrollment growth.

Specific Responsibilities:

Communications: Social Media, Networking & Media Activities, Content Production:

• With the School of Education and Social Policy Marketing and Communications team, contributes to, maintains, and implements the communications/marketing plan.
• Investigates new communications and community outreach opportunities and maintains media contacts.
• Organizes and manages online cultivation activities (information sessions, webinars).
• Implements the social media strategy and maintains CTD social media sites.
• Oversees the negotiations and details for marketing and communications event registrations and contracts, event space scheduling, and event logistics and timelines.
• Writes stories and press releases for CTD emails, social media outlets, newsletter, website, and for distribution to media outlets.
• Proofreads copy (i.e., e-mails, releases, brochures, etc.).
• Responds to media calls and inquiries with the input of the CTD Director and SESP Marketing and Communications Director.

Marketing Activities & Operational Support

• Creates reports, analyzes data (e.g., enrollment, marketing channels), and presents findings to the CTD Director and SESP Marketing and Communications Director
• Proposes ideas to revise or expand current marketing channels.
• Provides event support, including event promotion.
• Manages direct mail and email campaigns.
• Provisions marketing materials (e.g., print pieces, event displays) and promotional items (e.g., branded swag)
• With the SESP Marketing and Communications Director and CTD Director, assesses effectiveness of marketing activities and materials to make recommendations.
• Serves as liaison with CTD vendors.
• Updates budget tracking sheets and maintains records (i.e., receipts, invoices, etc.) under the direction of the Business Administrator.
• Oversees event revenue and expenses, prepares event budgets for CTD Director and SESP Marketing and Communications Director’s approval, and provides periodic reports.

Miscellaneous 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field;

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in communication, marketing, and design production; work with nonprofit organizations preferred

• Excellent writing, editing and interpersonal skills

• Fantastic customer service ethic and high expectations for quality

• Proficient with technology, social media, customer relationship management platforms and website management

• Thoughtful understanding of social media messaging around current events, sensitive issues, or controversial topics a plus

• Experience managing temporary and freelance staff, while providing direction and leadership

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage projects and complete tasks in a fast-paced, creative environment while juggling multiple deadlines

• Strong knowledge of contemporary communication practices and online marketing, as evidenced by a track record of relevant accomplishments

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree

• An understanding of the field of education

• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM

Target hiring range for this position will be between $60,000 -$65,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits: 

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental  leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more. 

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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