Communications Specialist

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University is seeking a Communications Specialist to support Graduate and Professional Admissions through strategic communications, digital content, and CRM automation. The role collaborates with SEM, colleges, and offices across campus to implement recruitment strategies and content that enhances enrollment progress.

The position emphasizes analytics, API style writing, and cross-functional partnerships to deliver compelling marketing materials and updates to prospective students

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Two years of relevant experience.
• Two to four years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
• Strong writing and AP style.
• Team-based collaboration and project management.

Responsibilities

• Develops messaging architecture for Graduate and Professional Admissions using Salesforce Marketing Cloud, emails, webinars, and other materials.
• Maintains and audits GP websites using Drupal and CMS tools, ensuring brand and accessibility compliance.
• Leads marketing automation journeys and coordinates with CRM and editorial teams.
• Analyzes data with Tableau and Google Analytics to support enrollment strategies.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Salesforce Marketing Cloud

Tableau

Google Analytics

Drupal

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Job Title: Communications Specialist

Department: Strategic Enrollment | Graduate and Professional Admissions

The Communications Specialist works with the Graduate and Professional Admissions Office (GP), Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM), and academic colleges on marketing strategies and best practices designed to support effective collaboration between Graduate and Professional Admissions and the academic colleges, schools, and graduate programs. Attends Professional Schools Recruitment Committee, GP area, and the Graduate and Professional Advisory Council to serve as a conduit for communication across relevant campus partners with academic units. Relies on professional experience and utilizes analytics, and general industry knowledge to advise Graduate and Professional Admissions on marketing best practices. Interprets Graduate and Professional Admissions priorities to lead colleges in developing and implementing actionable recruitment strategies, compelling content, and more to drive progression through the enrollment funnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• 40% - Communications and Salesforce Marketing Cloud Support: Develops comprehensive messaging architecture that cultivates a favorable public image among prospective graduate students, families, and regional, national, and international stakeholders. Creates, enhances, and coordinates marketing and communications outreach for Graduate and Professional Admissions through Salesforce Marketing Cloud email journeys, webinars and events, newsletters, digital communications, and print materials.
• Collaborates with leadership and the Strategic Enrollment Management CRM and Editorial teams to design and develop initial marketing automation journeys within Salesforce Marketing Cloud, serving as a subject matter expert. Advises program stakeholders throughout onboarding and the use of Salesforce Marketing Cloud to develop effective content, audience segmentation strategies and communication timelines.
• Participates in CRM stakeholder alignment efforts and serves as a liaison among university partners. Works closely with outreach personnel and academic departments to support the development, scheduling, revision, and deployment of email marketing campaigns and digital communications.
• Configures and manages webinars and events within Blackthorn, including coordinating accessibility accommodations as needed.
• 30% - Website Admin and Digital Content: Serves as the primary owner and authority for Graduate and Professional Admissions web, communication, and digital marketing processes, applying specialized professional expertise to achieve strategic results. Maintains the accuracy, functionality, and continuous review of the gpadmissions.osu.edu and gpresources.osu.edu websites utilizing Drupal and other content management tools to manage, update, and audit online resources. Reviews and approves program website updates, deadline changes, and content revisions for AP style, university brand and accessibility compliance. Coordinates website audits and operational updates and interfaces with processing units, admissions divisions, and academic programs to ensure information accuracy, consistency, and interdepartmental alignment.
• 20% - Program Relations and Collaboration: Works with academic colleges, schools, graduate programs, and university partners to support effective collaboration and enrollment objectives. Develops and leads the Graduate and Professional Program Outreach Committee and participates in the Professional Schools Recruitment Committee, Graduate and Professional Admissions meetings, the Graduate and Professional Advisory Council, and other university committees as a representative of Graduate and Professional Admissions. Serves as a conduit for communication across campus partners and academic units, advises stakeholders on marketing best practices, and facilitates the implementation of recruitment strategies. Anticipates and evaluates student and academic program responses to policy modifications and proactively adjusts messaging and communication resources as needed.
• 10% - Analysis and Decision-Making Support: Uses Tableau, student information systems, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Google Analytics and other technologies to evaluate performance and support decision-making. Reviews and analyzes data, prepares reports, identifies trends, and develops recommendations for program enhancements and process improvements. Compiles marketing and website analytics, prepares annual reporting for leadership, and coordinates departmental communications, including the quarterly newsletter and recruitment publications, to support enrollment objectives.

The pay range for this job profile is $51,500 - $65,000. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Two years of relevant experience required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two to four years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience strategizing and implementing a marketing communications strategy.
• Ability to create and edit content for marketing purposes in marketing tools.
• Demonstrated experience working in a team-based work environment, managing and completing projects; ability to interact professionally with various stakeholders at different levels.
• Persuasive writing (AP style), time management, and customer service skills.
• Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud or similar platforms.
• Salesforce preferred, or other similar CRM experience.
• Experience in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud products is a plus.

Career Roadmap

• Function: Marketing and Communications
• Sub-Function: Marketing and Communications
• Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized
• Career Level: S2 Experienced

Location: Student Academic Services (0160) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.