Marketing and Communications Coordinator - Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering department in The Grainger College of Engineering. You will lead integrated marketing efforts, develop compelling content, and collaborate with Grainger MarCom to amplify ISE’s strengths to faculty, researchers, students, and external audiences.

The role emphasizes storytelling, channel management, and data-informed decision making in a high-impact

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated marketing and communications plans aligned with college strategies.
• Identify and translate academic and research topics into clear, engaging content.
• Write and edit news, features, leadership communications, and talking points.
• Manage marketing channels (print, websites, email, social media) and coordinate projects with stakeholders.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Communication

Analytics

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The department of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering (ISE) in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Marketing and Communications Coordinator position. The Marketing and Communications Coordinator leads integrated marketing and communications for the Department of Industrial and Enterprise Engineering (ISE) within The Grainger College of Engineering, shaping how the unit communicates its strengths, priorities, and impact to key audiences. Reporting directly to the ISE Director of Operations & Administration the position provides marketing and communications expertise for ISE, working closely with leadership, faculty, and staff to translate academic, research, and organizational priorities into effective communications strategies and content.

The position maintains a dotted-line relationship with the Grainger Engineering Office of Marketing and Communications (MarCom), serving as an important connection between the ISE and college-wide marketing and communications efforts. The coordinator proactively brings forward ISE priorities, faculty expertise, research, and stories while staying connected to broader college strategies, resources, and opportunities. Grainger Engineering MarCom leads college-wide marketing strategies and campaigns, drawing on unit-level insights and expertise to strengthen and amplify those efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Integrated Marketing and Communications Strategy

• Collaborate with ISE leadership and Grainger Engineering MarCom to develop and execute an annual integrated marketing and communications plan that advances unit priorities and aligns with college marketing and communications guidance and strategies.
• Apply marketing and communications expertise to recommend messaging, channels and approaches tailored to key audiences, strengthening the visibility of the ISE's programs, research and accomplishments.
• Develop a strong understanding of the ISE's academic programs, research strengths, faculty expertise, student experience, and key audiences to inform marketing and communications efforts.
• Serve as the unit-level partner for college-led marketing strategies, providing unit expertise, insights, and support for those efforts.
• Participate in Grainger Engineering MarCom planning, professional development, working groups and communities of practice to foster collaboration, alignment and shared learning across the college's marketing and communications community.

Content, Storytelling and Communications

• Proactively identify and develop high-impact stories that elevate ISE faculty, students, staff, alumni, research, academic programs and accomplishments.
• Build relationships with faculty and researchers; conduct interviews and background research; and translate scientific and technical topics into clear, compelling content for varying audiences.
• Write and edit news and feature stories, research communications, leadership communications, presentations, talking points, and other strategic content.
• Maintain a pipeline of ISE stories, research developments, and faculty expertise for broader college amplification, including identifying faculty experts for potential media and thought leadership opportunities led by Grainger Engineering MarCom.

Marketing, Digital Channels and Audience Engagement

• Manage the ISE's marketing and communications channels, including print, websites, email and e-newsletters, social media and other digital platforms, ensuring content is tailored to channel and audience.
• Develop and execute marketing initiatives and audience engagement strategies that advance ISE priorities and complement broader college campaigns.
• Develop and coordinate marketing and promotional materials and digital initiatives, collaborating with Grainger Engineering MarCom subject-matter experts as appropriate.
• Manage marketing and communications projects from planning through execution, coordinating stakeholders, timelines and deliverables through established project management systems.
• Monitor channel and campaign performance and use audience insights and analytics to improve reach and engagement, evaluate effectiveness and inform future strategies.
• Maintain awareness of emerging marketing, communications, digital and AI practices and apply appropriate approaches and tools to the work.

Other Duties

• Assume additional duties related to marketing and communications to further the mission and strategic priorities of ISE and Grainger Engineering.
• Hire, train, and supervise student workers as needed to support marketing and communications priorities.

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:

• Four (4) or more years of demonstrated professional experience in marketing and communications.
• Experience developing and implementing integrated marketing and communications strategies and content across multiple channels.
• Experience managing projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience managing digital communications channels and using analytics to inform marketing and communications decisions.
• Experience working in higher education, research, science, engineering, or another complex organization.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills with proven ability to present information in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong strategic and editorial judgment with the ability to proactively identify compelling stories, faculty expertise, and communications opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively and effectively engage leadership, faculty, researchers, students, staff, and colleagues.
• Knowledge of AP Style with strong attention to accuracy, quality, and detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities, meet deadlines and adapt to changing needs.
• Ability to analyze and interpret marketing and communications performance data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.

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.

Champaign-Urbana

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.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. 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.

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 federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted 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].