Position Summary:
Job Description:
Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Graduate Marketing Content Strategist. With master's programs and certificates in Creative Writing, Ecology, Education, Geoscience, High Altitude Exercise Physiology, Environmental Management, Outdoor Industry Business Administration, Rural Community Behavioral Health, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is looking for an energetic, highly collaborative professional to elevate the visibility of our programs to reach their target audiences.
The successful candidate reports to the Director of Marketing and is based in the Marketing and Communications Department. The position regularly works with School of Graduate Studies (SGS) administration, University Media and Communications Manager, and graduate program directors to coordinate paid and organic marketing to enable a targeted, customer-centered viewpoint and deliver a differentiated communication impact. The position establishes, tracks, and analyzes key performance indicators of campaigns across the SGS. The successful candidate contributes to an inclusive work environment and demonstrates a commitment to the development of skills and practices to engage respectfully across cultures and backgrounds.
Responsibilities:
1. Media Asset Creation, Coordination and Management
Working with the Director of Marketing and the School of Graduate Studies, this position is expected to coordinate the creation of written and digital assets that align with the Western brand, SEO and social media goals, and strategic plan; coordinate and manage relationships with vendors for ad purchasing and third-party agencies; identify channels and platforms for content distribution, including academic journals, news outlets, blogs, and other channels.
2. Email Communications
In collaboration with SGS admissions, Marketing, and existing email writing for graduate programs, create, edit, and deliver email content that aligns with the institutional brand and is accurate, timely, and appropriate for the audience.
3. LinkedIn/Digital Marketing
Create and implement a LinkedIn strategy to elevate the presence of Western alumni, employees, and students. Establish a regular cadence of relevant and timely posts of assets created by Marketing and Communications. Ensure digital marketing projects are delivered on time and within budget through effective scheduling, staff coordination, and vendor/third-party agency relationships. Work with graduate directors and team members to identify assets to be used across all platforms.
4. Strategic Analysis
With support from the Director of Marketing and SGS staff, establish and track key performance indicators that lead to performance tracking and the ability to analyze digital and email campaigns. Recommend strategic revisions to marketing campaigns and related marketing content that will help increase brand awareness, visibility, engagement, and yield. Create, maintain, and provide regular reports on digital marketing and campaign performance to the SGS administration and the Director of Marketing.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree. Demonstrated skills in interpersonal, written, and verbal communications. Experience in digital marketing and/or social media campaign planning and implementation. Ability to plan and evaluate projects. Self-starter, strategic thinker, multitasker. Detail-oriented with the ability to track and analyze marketing material. Knowledge of different systems, including Microsoft Office suite. Experience working on a cross-functional team composed of marketing specialists, designers, web developers, and managers. 1-5 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's or master's degree in marketing, communications, liberal arts, journalism, or related field; professional experience within higher education; Spanish language proficiency; project management experience; 1-5 years of professional experience in journalism, communications, marketing, or management.
Salary/Benefits:
$54,000-$55,500 annual base salary, dependent on experience; FLSA exempt.Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.
Apply online at
www.Western.edu/jobs Required attachments for online application include a letter of application describing qualifications, addressed to Karen McLean, Director of Marketing, resume, transcripts, available work samples, and contact information for three references.
Contact the search committee chair with position-specific questions: ********
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a successful candidate is hired.
Note: If transcripts are required for your application, you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, dates of attendance, or graduation from the educational institution. If a degree is required for employment, official transcripts (unopened or delivered directly to HR) are required upon hire; copies/scans submitted during application will not serve the purpose of official transcripts upon hire.
Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte:
Western Colorado University is a public institution with a student enrollment of 3,700 (graduate and undergraduate), the majority of whom reside on campus and in the community. With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in such initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEI Committee charge.
The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a beautiful rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to nearby Crested Butte, a world class ski and outdoor recreation area. K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wraparound services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, youth camps, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping, all within minutes of the campus.
Western has acquired local rental agreements for newly hired employees moving to the Gunnison Valley. We expect several new units to be available, on a first come first served basis, with subsidized leases as "bridge" housing for up to one year, while new employees locate long term accommodations in the area. Upon hire, contact information for housing opportunities will be provided by the Human Resources department.
Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:
Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at ******** or (970) 943-3140.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS
