Marketing and Communications Coordinator - Civil and Environmental Engineering

Illinois International; Rantoul (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Illinois Center for Transportation seeks a Marketing and Communications Coordinator to manage ICT’s communications channels and support outreach through print and digital content development, data analysis, and reporting.

You will collaborate with CEE and Grainger Engineering’s Office of Marketing and Communications to advance research priorities, brand, and reputation across multiple channels on-site in Rantoul, IL.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, business administration, digital media, or a closely related field.
• Two years of professional marketing/communications experience.
• Demonstrated professional writing and editing experience.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and proofread technical articles and profiles highlighting ICT research findings.
• Interview principal investigators and researchers to gather content and develop narratives.
• Coordinate content across channels and ensure on-brand, timely delivery.
• Manage ICT communications channels including websites, email, newsletters, social media, and print publications.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Marketing experience

AP Style writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

CMS / Content management

Job description

Marketing and Communications Coordinator - Civil and Environmental Engineering

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Illinois Center for Transportation

Civil & Environmental Engineering

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Position is located in Rantoul, IL

The Illinois Center for Transportation (ICT), within the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) at The Grainger College of Engineering, seeks applicants for the position of Marketing and Communications Coordinator. The coordinator manages the Center’s communications channels and supports outreach initiatives through print and digital content development, data analysis, and reporting. The position collaborates with CEE and the college’s Office of Marketing and Communications (OMC) to support shared research priorities, brand, and reputation strategies.

ICT is located in Rantoul, Illinois, on the former Chanute Air Force Base and the future site of the 238+ acre Illinois Autonomous and Connected Track (I-ACT). The Center is advancing transportation research in the rapidly growing field of smart mobility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Write,edit,andproofreadclear,accurate,andengagingtechnicalarticles,researchnewsstories,features, and profiles that highlight key findings and convey the impact of ICT’s transportation research and its contributions to CEE and Grainger Engineering research.
• Use independent research skills and conduct interviews with principal investigators, researchers, and sponsoringagencyrepresentativestoidentifytechnicalcontent,gatherinformation,anddevelopresearch narratives.
• ExecuteagainstestablishedcommunicationsprioritiesforICT,translatinggoalsintocoordinatedcontent production across channels and ensuring deliverables are completed on time and on brand.
• Create timely, relevant content and manage ICT communications channels, including, but not limited to, websites,intranet,trainingdatabases,email,e-newsletters,socialmediaplatforms,digitaladvertising,print publications, promotional materials, and talking points. Coordinate with the department IT unit as appropriate.
• DevelopandmanagecontentcalendarsforICTchannels,coordinatingstorytimelines,postscheduling,and production deadlines to ensure content is planned in advance and consistently aligned with department and college priorities and communications goals.
• CoordinatethefulllifecycleofprintanddigitalcollateralforICT,fromintakeandcontentdevelopment through creative review, production, and distribution.
• ProvidequalityassuranceonallmaterialsproducedforICT,ensuringaccuracy,APStylecompliance,and full alignment with Grainger Engineering and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign brand and messaging standards before publication or distribution.

Training Development and Outreach Support

• Develop and maintain digital training courses and materials for multi-functional areas, including interactive content, graphics, video, audio, assessments, and other learning resources.
• Assist with ICT events, webinars, conferences, training activities, and other outreach initiatives, including development of presentations and promotional materials.

Strategy and Planning

• Help coordinate annual communications planning and priority setting for ICT with center leadership and the Technical Communications Manager, establishing a clear roadmap of content priorities, campaigns, and channel activities for the year.
• Serve as ICT’s communications liaison and partner to CEE and Grainger Engineering’s OMC, coordinating priorities, sharing content opportunities, and connecting the Center’s communications efforts with department and college initiatives.
• Participate in Grainger Engineering OMC planning, professional development, working groups, and communities of practice to foster collaboration, alignment, and shared learning across the college’s marketing and communications community.

Tracking & Reporting

• Develop, track and report on marketing performance across all channels, compiling data and presenting insights to ICT leadership regularly.
• Collect, organize, and analyze program, training, and survey data; develop reports, charts, dashboards, and visual summaries to communicate results and trends.
• Maintain reporting tools that support ICT marketing decision-making and communicate campaign effectiveness to key stakeholders.
• Conduct periodic reviews of marketing activity to evaluate effectiveness, identify gaps, and surface recommendations that improve how the team prioritizes and executes work.

Other Duties

• Assume additional duties related to marketing and communications to further the mission of ICT, CEE, and Grainger Engineering.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, business administration, digital media, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations, content development, brand management, or a related professional area.
• Demonstrated professional writing and editing experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) or more years of demonstrated experience in communications, marketing,orarelatedfield,withatrackrecordofproducingcontentandmanaging channel activity across multiple platforms.
• Demonstrated experience writing and editing for a range of formats and audiences,includingnewsstories,features,socialmedia,email,andwebcontent.
• Demonstratedexperiencewritingaboutengineering,computingorSTEMresearch topics or an ability to quickly develop fluency in technical subject matter.
• Demonstratedexperienceusingperformancedataoranalyticstoevaluate content and channel effectiveness and inform decisions.
• Experience with creating learning and development tools, content management systems,aswellassoftwareprograms(suchasinDesign,Photoshop,andAdobeIllustrator).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written communication skills, including mastery of grammar, AP Style and the ability to produce error-free, compelling content across a range of formats and audiences.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with faculty, staff, leadership, and external partners across organizational levels.
• Ability to translate complex, technical, or specialized subject matter into clear, compelling narratives for broad audiences.
• Analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and apply insights to continuously improve outreach and marketing performance.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, meeting deadlines, and adapting quickly to shifting priorities.
• Collaborative, team-oriented work style with the ability to build trust and maintain strong working relationships across a matrixed organization.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time Civil Service Marketing Associate position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000.Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Fully On-Site - This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy . This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federalexport control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employrestricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .