Content Strategist

Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 76,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland State University is seeking a Content Strategist to lead multi-channel narrative strategies that elevate the university’s reputation, support enrollment goals, and deepen donor and community engagement. You will work within University Marketing and Communications to ensure compelling stories and strategic web content across campus channels.

The role reports to the Associate Vice President for Marketing and Brand Strategy and requires strong writing and project management skills within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience with content marketing and digital strategy.
• Proficiency with enterprise CMS (Drupal, WordPress), Google Analytics, SEO tools (Semrush, Moz).
• Strong writing and project management skills with stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-channel narrative strategies to elevate PSU’s institutional reputation.
• Drive prospective student recruitment and donor engagement through content.
• Collaborate across university teams to publish compelling stories and web content.

Skills

Content marketing

Digital strategy

Copywriting

CMS proficiency

Google Analytics

SEO tools

Project management

Strong writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or related field

Tools

Drupal/WordPress CMS

Google Analytics

Semrush

Moz

Job description

Position Announcement

Proposed Start Date

Proposed Start Date 02/01/2027

Classification Title

Classification Title Communications / Marketing

Rank

Rank N - No Rank

Working Title

Working Title Content Strategist

Department

Department 101400 - OMC Marketing & Communications

Position Number

Position Number D90543

Representation

Representation UU - Unclassified Unrepresented

Renewable

Renewable Renewable

End date, if applicable

Position FTE

Position FTE 1

Tenure Status N - not applicable

Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

Position Summary

The Content Strategist leads multi-channel narrative strategies that elevate the university’s institutional reputation, drive prospective student recruitment, and deepen donor, alumni and community engagement. Sitting at the heart of University Marketing and Communications, the Content Strategist works across teams and with partners throughout the university to ensure that PSU consistently produces compelling stories and strategic web content that illuminate academic programs, share groundbreaking research, presidential initiatives, civic partnerships and student success stories, and elevate enrollment priorities with compelling, data-informed content across the university’s web presence and all university-owned media channels. The Content Strategist reports to the Associate Vice President for Marketing and Brand Strategy.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience with content marketing, digital strategy, and copywriting.
• Proficiency with enterprise Content Management Systems (e.g., Drupal, WordPress), Google Analytics, SEO tools (e.g., Semrush, Moz), and project management software.
• Strong writing and project management skills and demonstrated capacity to balance competing stakeholder priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in working in higher education to support enrollment goals.
• Working knowledge of email marketing platforms (e.g., Slate, MyEmma).
• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Work Days/Hours

Work Days/Hours Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, Schedule to be determined

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position will be between $75,687 and $86,274, but may be negotiated above this range, dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.

Round one virtual interviews will take place the week of January 5th, 2027. Round two onsite interviews will take place the week of January 12th, 2027.

Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle?

Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No

Background Check Required Yes

Position End Date (if applicable)

If you have questions

Please email University Marketing and Communications at [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled