Posting Details

Classification TitlePosition CategoryWorking TitleMarketing & Communications Specialist IIJob Summary

Savannah State University seeks qualified applicants for Marketing & Communications Specialist II. As a key member of the marketing and communications team, this position develops and executes marketing and communications activities for all across SSU. The ideal candidate is a creative, well-rounded, detail-oriented team-player with a strong background in implementing effective and innovative strategies; has experience working with diverse global audiences across multiple communications channels; and who brings a dedication to quality and customer service that will ensure communications and marketing efforts are at the highest level.

Responsibilities include:

• Support the vice president in the analysis of marketing and communications needs, and trend and market analysis for new and existing programs.
• Assist in the development of SSU marketing and communications plans and strategies for both internal and external audiences, including branding, strategic messaging, media design, websites, social media, promotional activities, digital and traditional marketing, print collateral, media relations, public relations, photo/video media, etc.
• Create, implement, and manage multiple marketing and communications initiatives to meet organizational and audience needs, including identifying and implementing appropriate delivery methods.
• Research, create, and edit original content on a wide range of SSU activities and participants for all delivery modes including digital, print, press releases, presentations, exhibits, event materials, newsletters, advertising, etc.
• Collaborate with SSU leadership, faculty, and partners to develop stories that focus on the university’s innovation and value-added difference and impacts.
• Create and implement a content editorial calendar to ensure a steady flow of original and curated content to various audiences.
• Work closely with other team members in the coordination and implementation of marketing and communication efforts with other strategic initiatives such as recruiting, partnership engagement, fund development, and alumni outreach.
• Create and maintain databases, email, and other contact lists for marketing and communications initiatives.
• Track data and analyze the effectiveness and return on investment of marketing and communications activities, and provide recommendations for strengthening approaches.
• Assist in compiling, developing, and editing presentation materials in various formats.
• Work collaboratively to ensure photo/video coverage of SSU events and activities.
• Create, implement, and assist with digital marketing and social media initiatives/campaigns aimed at increasing general awareness of SSU, recruiting students, current student engagement, SSU activities, connecting with alumni and donors, and strengthening communications with multiple target audiences.
• Research, create, and edit original SSU news stories and digital content for websites, social media, email marketing, digital newsletters, etc.
• Create and assist with digital editorial calendar for web, social media, and email marketing campaigns and publishing schedules.
• Manage paid digital marketing initiatives and budgets, and make recommendations to increase effectiveness and optimize performance.
• Track digital marketing, website, and social media analytics; analyze the effectiveness of efforts and make recommendations for improvement.
• Manage SSU digital calendars and email groups.
• Participate in university-wide communicators groups as a designated liaison.
• Develop relationships with appropriate media partners and outlets, and manage their engagement in the promotion and awareness of SSU programs, activities, and participants.
• Collaborate in the planning and coordination of SSU participation in conferences, educational/career fairs, trade shows, and other networking or informational events; may attend relevant events to assist in promoting and representing SSU programs.
• Maintain an awareness of related news and events across the university, and as applicable, the region (i.e. industry partners) and nationally.
• Assist in the information gathering, preparation, and distribution of various reports.
• Assist in promoting a positive team atmosphere, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and in ensuring a welcoming and professional environment.
• Pro-actively make suggestions for implementing best practices in departmental processes.
• Provide back-up support for other SSU-related staff positions as needed.

The successful candidate may be directed to perform job related tasks other than those specifically delineated in this description. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in communications/marketing.
• Excellent communications skills as demonstrated by a portfolio of work that is original, creative, imaginative, and innovative.
• Significant professional experience developing and executing marketing and communications strategies for internal and external audiences utilizing a full range of multi-media, digital, and traditional channels.
• Demonstrated significant professional experience developing and writing high quality original content for a wide variety of delivery channels as well as editing the communication work of others.
• Significant professional experience in digital marketing and social media management (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.).
• Significant professional experience in paid marketing channels and technologies (Google AdWords, social network advertising, etc.).
• Experience in using web-based tools and technologies such as Google Analytics, other media analytics, MailChimp, Constant Contact, etc.
• Working knowledge of branding development and standards, style guidelines, digital and print collateral requirements, and related processes.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google applications (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs), Adobe Acrobat, and other business tools and systems in a PC environment.
• Demonstrated ability to seek and incorporate feedback to ensure the highest quality, accuracy, and clarity of communications.
• General experience and skills in photography and videography.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, presentation, interpersonal, and networking skills that show the ability to communicate and interact effectively with all levels of participants, partners, and audiences.
• Excellent project management, organizational, analytical, creative, and critical thinking skills involving multi-faceted initiatives, with a demonstrated ability to successfully meet deadlines and strategy goals.
• Strong collaborative working style with the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team in a flexible, dynamic environment, and to contribute to a positive work environment that values respect, listening, and learning.
• Demonstrated awareness and implementation of best practices in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, and working with diverse groups of people.
• Demonstrated ability to respectfully communicate and work collaboratively with individuals of all backgrounds and at all organizational levels.
• Ability to occasionally work extended or flexible hours in support of department needs and activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience in web page search engine optimization including headlines, meta tags, page titles, alt tags, descriptions, etc.

Special Information to Applicants

Savannah State University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative-Action Institution committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, genetics, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected Veteran status. Georgia is an Open Records State.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.
Your application is not considered complete until all required documents have been uploaded to the appropriate section.

Posting NumberS6642014Number of Vacancies1Desired Start DatePosition End DateOpen Date07/22/2020Close DateOpen Until FilledYesSpecial Instructions Summary

Complete application online: https://jobs.savannahstate.edu. Submit cover letter, current resume, transcript(s) and three letters of reference.

Review of applications will begin upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by August 4, 2020. The position will remain open until filled.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • Higher Ed Jobs
   • Indeed
   • Savannah State University Website
   • Savannah State University Employee
   • Other
2. * Do you have a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or a related field?
   • YES
   • NO
3. * Do you have a minimum of 4 years of professional experience in communications/marketing?
   • YES
   • NO
4. * Do you have experience in using web-based tools and technologies such as Google Analytics, other mediaanalytics, MailChimp, Constant Contact, etc?
   • YES
   • NO
5. * Do you have experience and skills in photography and videography?
   • YES
   • NO
6. * Do you have professional experience in digital marketing and social media management (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.)?
   • YES
   • NO
7. * Do you have professional experience in paid marketing channels and technologies (Google AdWords, social network advertising, etc.)?
   • YES
   • NO
8. * Are you proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google applications (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs), Adobe Acrobat, and other business tools and systems in a PC environment?
   • YES
   • NO

Applicant DocumentRequired Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Letter of Reference 1
4. Letter of Reference 2
5. Letter of Reference 3
6. Unofficial Transcript 1

Optional Documents

1. Unofficial Transcript 2
2. Other Document