Communications Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Ohio State University is seeking a Communications Specialist to support marketing strategies for Graduate and Professional Admissions. You will develop messaging, manage digital content, and coordinate with colleges to drive enrollment objectives.

The role requires collaboration across SEM and academic units, with emphasis on analytics, content creation, and CRM implementation through Salesforce Marketing Cloud. This position is based on campus and includes comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Two years of relevant experience required.
• Two to four years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud or similar platforms.
• Ability to create and edit content for marketing purposes.

Responsibilities

• Develops messaging and campaigns for Graduate and Professional Admissions using Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
• Manages web content and digital marketing processes for gpadmissions.osu.edu and gpresources.osu.edu.
• Collaborates with colleges and programs to support enrollment objectives and outreach.
• Uses analytics tools to evaluate performance and inform strategy.

Skills

Marketing communications

Stakeholder collaboration

Content creation

Data analytics

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

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.

Additional Information: 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.

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

At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you. Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together.

No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.