External Marketing Communications Manager

Illinois Wesleyan University; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Considerable time off

Tuition programs for employees and dependents

Job summary

Illinois Wesleyan University is looking for a Marketing and Communications Specialist to execute external initiatives, including drafting press releases and managing content production for media channels. The role involves overseeing the IWU Magazine, coordinating podcasts, and generating engaging stories.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years’ experience in a similar role. This is a full-time, 12-month on-campus position with generous benefits in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ related experience in communications or marketing.
• Occasional weekend and evening hours required.
• On-call for emergencies outside regular business hours.

Responsibilities

• Support university news operations; manage story timelines and website news feed.
• Generate stories and oversee production of IWU Magazine.
• Assist in coordination and distribution of IWU Podcast.
• Create and distribute university newsletters.

Skills

Associated Press style writing

Storytelling

Audience demographics understanding

Assignment management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

This position supports the execution of external marketing and communications initiatives for Illinois Wesleyan University, including drafting press releases, supporting media outreach efforts, and assisting in preparing materials for media inquiries. Contributes story ideas, writes content, and manages deadlines for university communication channels. Responsible for the production of the Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine by writing and editing content, and ensuring the magazine content and creative direction fulfills institutional communication goals. Assists in the coordination and distribution of the university's podcast. This is a full-time, 12 month, on-campus position. Generous benefits include health, retirement, considerable time off, and access to multiple tuition programs for employees and dependents.

Responsibilities

• Support university news operations; generate ideas, write and manage story timelines, maintain website news feed; distribute press releases to media; assist in the production, editing, and distribution of the various news releases, media content and inquiries; actively monitor and report on IWU media presence; manage assignments, guide and edit work of student writing staff.
• Create content and oversee the production of the IWU Magazine; generate stories, write and edit content; collaborate with Advancement and all departments to align content with strategic goals; collaborate with photographer(s) to ensure compelling visuals; collaborate with graphic designers to oversee eye-catching, on brand designs; manage contacts, ensure quality control with print vendor; manage USPS periodical mailing requirements; manage deadlines in consideration of Advancement targets.
• Assist in the coordination and distribution of IWU Podcast.
• Create and distribute university newsletters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of three years’ related experience; Associated Press style writing, understanding audience demographics, storytelling, and assignment management.
• Occasional weekend and evening hours; on-call for emergencies outside of regular business hours

$49k-$51k, based on experience

The final candidate will pass a pre-employment background investigation.

An overview of IWU benefits can be found here. Illinois Wesleyan University does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment for this position. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a community that values a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to contributing to and enhancing our community in these areas. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer. Illinois Wesleyan University’s sexual misconduct policy may be accessed at https://www.iwu.edu/title-ix/sexual-misconduct-policy.html. Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting excellence through a variety of viewpoints.