Marketing Strategist

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA     Full Time
JOB GOAL:

To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

A minimum of 3-5 writing samples must be attached with the application.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: 

The Marketing Strategist will develop on-brand, unique, compelling, and results-oriented creative content across print, web, and digital platforms. Brainstorm concepts and create/write marketing strategies, copy, PR, social media, website content, and promotional material to help position the college as a leading educational choice for prospective students.

The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES: 

  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions. 
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment. 
  • Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success. 
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence. 

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop marketing strategies for the college and its divisions, departments, campuses and partners.
  • Effectively research and write strategic-based persuasive copy and content for materials that support the college’s mission, vision and values.
  • Collaborate with the creative and client team to support the execution of projects from kick-off through completion.
  • Support and adhere to college brand standards and style guide.
  • Balance, manage and coordinate multiple projects and timelines. 
  • Provide timely solutions for rush jobs and unexpected assignments.
  • Maintain a productive team working environment with designers and print services.
  • Seek emerging marketing, digital, and communications solutions to engage diverse audiences across platforms.
  • Develop and tailor content for digital channels, including the college website, email marketing, and organic/paid social media.
  • Perform other related work duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

  • Self-motivated, excellent organizational skills and ability to meet tight deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrate good judgment in solving problems as well as identifying problems in advance and proposing solutions.
  • Maintain positive working relationships with internal clients and vendors.
  • Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work in a team atmosphere.
  • Schedule and perform tasks openly to allow other team members pick up a project in progress to meet a deadline. 
  • Excellent written communication skills required. 
  • Excellent grammatical skills required.
  • Stay informed on evolving trends in social media strategy, SEO best practices, and digital user engagement to inform content development.
  • Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.  

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in 1) Marketing (preferred); or 2) Communications (Journalism, Public Relations, Mass Communication); or 3) related field.  
  • Three years minimum experience in an advertising agency, higher ed marketing environment, or other marketing, advertising or communications-related experience. 
  • Outstanding proven copywriting skills for advertising, marketing, PR and/or newswriting (a minimum of 3-5 writing samples must be submitted with application).
  • Excellent creative thinking skills; adaptability to writing styles to suit specific projects.
  • Experience with or understanding of digital marketing, including website content strategy and social media engagement, is a plus.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: 

  • Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle to travel to off-campus facilities, agencies and businesses. 

EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572, equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, Telephone:(312) 730-1560 Facsimile: (312) 730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.