Assistant Director, Marketing/Advertising & Communications

University of Chicago

University of Chicago

Marketing & Communications
Chicago, IL, USA
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2023

Department

PSD Applied Data Science Staff


About the Department

The MS in Applied Data Science program is a professional graduate program within the Data Science Institute (DSI) and Physical Sciences Division (PSD) at the University of Chicago. The DSI executes the University of Chicago’s bold, innovative vision of Data Science as an evolving discipline; the PSD explores new frontiers in the physical and mathematical sciences to lead the world in inquiry and impact. The purpose of the MS in Applied Data Science program is to advance the careers of diverse students for technical- and/or management-focused careers in data science. Students may apply for full- or part-time admissions for the In-Person or Online program, and admitted students benefit from a dedicated, full-service team in support of robust student and alumni outcomes. The MS in Applied Data Science program is located at the university’s NBC Tower space in downtown Chicago, IL. Learn more at https://datascience.uchicago.edu/education/masters-programs/ms-in-applied-data-science/.


Job Summary

The job independently plans, develops, designs, and implements the strategic and tactical marketing plans for a department, program, product or business. Coordinates and evaluates the production of marketing communication and research programs.

Responsibilities

Marketing/Advertising Strategy

  • In collaboration with Program colleagues, sets, monitors, and assesses the fiscal and academic year marketing/advertising strategy for the Online and In-Person programs.

  • Serves as a primary point-person with advertising partners/vendors for strategy alignment.

  • Seeks input from Division and/or Department colleagues as needed.

  • Maintains the marketing/advertising budget.

  • Develops plans to increase brand awareness relative to target prospective student populations.

  • Contributes to conversations about prospect cultivation and enrollment yield strategy; new markets and/or product lines.

  • Completes and presents periodic competitor reports to internal staff/faculty on relevant topics.

  • Analyzes prospective and current student data to identify program ‘personas’ and work closely with Enrollment Management to develop strategies to reach and engage prospective students.

  • Creates and maintains a marketing/advertising calendar.

Creative Content Production, Communications

  • Designs and produces ads for social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, other novel platforms as identified).

  • Plans and executes a series of short videos to highlight faculty courses (with an existing external film partner).

  • Coordinates other ad-hoc video needs on a rolling basis.

  • Manages and/or co-designs all branded product orders/shipments.

  • Writes or edits and identifies digital assets for news stories about the program (for publication on the Program/Department/Division websites).

  • Applies knowledge and experience to assist with internal and external communications initiatives.

  • Collaborates with alumni relations/development as needed to provide content for fundraising and/or alumni relations initiatives.

  • Researches and/or manages vendor/partner relationships as needed.

Website Management

  • Ensures all online and website content is up to date and functional.

  • Collaborates with the third party as needed for special requests/updates to the website.

  • Leads a website redesign within the next 1-2 years.

  • Monitors SEO periodically.

  • Coordinates with Division and Program Enrollment Management staff to ensure integration of Slate RFI/RMI forms.

  • Monitors web analytics to optimize site user experience and drive traffic, engagement, and conversions; using Google Analytics 4, determines, tracks, analyzes, and reports on key website metrics, making content and information architecture recommendations based on findings.

  • Develops marketing communications, advertising, or publicity strategy. Plans and coordinates the development and production of marketing campaigns, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met. Designs, writes, and edits high profile or high visibility marketing materials, which may include press releases, book jacket copy, blogs, or other Web material.

  • May participate in developing new products, services, and/or determining new markets. Acts as a resource for and trains lower-level marketing staff. May attend trade shows as needed.

  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

  • Project management.
  • Experience gathering qualitative and quantitative data and applying it to drive effective recommendations and decision making.
  • Social media platforms.
  • Experience working within an established brand environment, but driving a newer brand.
  • Experience driving digital marketing campaigns.
  • Experience working with a revenue generating college or university unit (or equivalent).

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Box, etc.
  • Proficiency in Mac and PC environments.
  • Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and online organizational tools.
  • Proficiency with design tools such as Canva and Adobe and InDesign software platform.
  • Proficiency in CRM environments such as Slate, Mailchimp.
  • Proficiency in Google Analytics 4.

Preferred Competencies

  • Prior experience with marketing analytics.
  • Prior experience managing relationships with agency clients, and/or agencies, and/or vendors.
  • General SEO/SEM competency.
  • Basic graphic design experience.
  • Prior experience marketing/advertising to a global customer base.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and collaboration skills including the ability to resolve problems with a high degree of discretion, diplomacy, and tact.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate to a diverse audience including students, faculty, and staff.
  • Interest in emerging digital marketing strategies and platforms.
  • Ability to coordinate with many partner offices simultaneously to innovatively problem solve on behalf of students and staff.
  • Superior organizational skills and constant attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently with guidance in only the most complex situations.
  • Commitment to excellent customer service, including tact, discretion, and proper judgement as necessary.

Working Conditions

  • This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
  • This position requires limited work on evenings and weekends.

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Two References (required)


When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Communications


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Frequency

Monthly


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Benefits Eligible

Yes


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.