(Hybrid) Marketing Strategist - WVU Career Services Center

The Career Services Center at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Marketing Strategist.

About the Opportunity

As the key communication professional in the Career Services Center, the Market Strategist will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies to promote the Career Services Center, attract University stakeholders via the web, print, and media, drive engagement with career development resources, utilize data analysis to identify target audiences and optimize marketing campaigns to achieve the Center's goals.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Marketing and Communication

• Work with the leadership team to develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan aligned with the Career Services Centers' goals, including target audience segmentation, messaging, and communication channels.
• Maintain and enhance the Career Services Center brand image, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all marketing materials.
  Build the unit's visibility and reputation through innovative usage of social media channels for both Career Services and Student Employment platforms.
• Manage and optimize digital marketing campaigns across multiple platforms like social media advertising, and email marketing to reach target audiences.
• Create engaging marketing content across various platforms such as the Career Services website (powered by uConnect), social media, email newsletters, brochures, presentations, and videos highlighting career services offerings and value propositions.
• Create web content - both visual and in the text; develop and maintain a schedule for revisions and updates. Keeps web content fresh with frequent text and photo updates. Manages day-to-day operation of the website and tracks web metrics to ensure effective and efficient web engagement. Work with uConnect (Career Services' new interactive website) to resolve technical issues.
• Collaborate with the Director and Program Director of Employer Relations to develop content and communications aimed at employers, potential career fair sponsors, students, and other initiatives as assigned.
• Develop and execute targeted marketing campaigns to promote specific Career Services events including presentations, career fairs, networking events, and career counseling through Handshake (the University's career management platform).
• Work closely with the Career Services team, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to integrate marketing efforts with overall career readiness initiatives.
• Develop strategies to engage students through outreach programs, workshops, and information sessions to raise awareness about Career Services.
• Develop and maintain key partnerships with University Relations and the colleges to leverage communication, outreach, and engagement; consult with core staff and provide guidance and direction on best communications practices to suit the needs of the project.
• Serve as lead writer of press releases, newsletters, and articles to support a wide range of internal and external projects.
• Understand and follow WVU's Brand and Trademark Licensing guidelines to protect the reputation and goodwill of WVU and Career Services.
• Communicate and negotiate with vendors to produce promotional materials.
• Respond to requests for information from the University community and/or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.

Career Fairs & Events

• Collaborate with the Program Director of Employer Relations to help plan and execute multiple career fairs each semester.
• Supervise the photography of events and activities for internal or external audiences such as during professional headshot events and career fairs.
• Responsible for the creative direction of designated career fairs and professional development events to include marketing material for print and electronic distribution.
• In compliance with WVU Trademark and Licensing, identify and order student and employer giveaways for various career fairs and events.
• Benchmark event planning best practices with peer institutions; Make recommendations for change and execute selected changes.

Data Analysis & Software Management

• Manages social media platforms, calendars, and campaigns and monitors trends and analytics to evolve social media presence.
• Track and analyze marketing campaign performance using key metrics to identify areas for improvement and optimize future strategies.
• Conduct in-depth market research to understand student needs, industry trends, and competitor landscape to inform marketing strategies.
• Utilize and manage software accounts such as Photoshop, InDesign, Canva, and other design platforms.
• Adopt new technologies as industry standards evolve; implement changes throughout the Center.

Miscellaneous

• Oversee the hiring and training of graduate student workers or Graduate Assistants to assist in marketing efforts.
• Provide guidance, supervision, and constructive feedback to student workers or Graduate Assistants.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or other related degree.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in Marketing, graphic design, or public relations.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in event planning
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All requirements must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Proven experience in digital marketing strategies and campaign management.
• Advanced knowledge of social media vehicles and professional networking programs.
• Strong understanding of marketing analytics and data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent communication and writing skills with the ability to create compelling content.
• Experience in graphic design and visual communication is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the higher education landscape and student needs.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong computer skills including advanced knowledge in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through written and verbal communication skills to successfully engage with diverse internal and external audiences.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills required in managing workload, multiple projects, project management, requests, deadlines, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to function professionally, sometimes under deadlines and/or stressful situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.