Posting Detail Information

Working TitleMarketing and Communications Specialist

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202401605AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$58,000 - $65,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date11/01/2024

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/22/2024

Description of Work Unit

Colorado State University is a premier public research institution, with over 34,000 students and a focus on sustainability. CSU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including 76 undergraduate degrees, 114 graduate degrees, and 21 professional master’s programs. Renowned for its world-class research, CSU attracts over $370 million in annual research funding, ranking second nationally in federal research support for universities without a medical school.

Situated in Fort Collins, a community of approximately 170,000, CSU benefits from its location along the Colorado Front Range, nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Fort Collins consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, boasting a pleasant climate, excellent schools, and abundant cultural and recreational opportunities.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at CSU is a key player in the university’s academic landscape. With 46 faculty members, 13 staff members, 1,000 undergraduate students, and 150 graduate students, it stands as one of the largest and most productive departments on campus. State-of-the-art labs provide hands-on experience for undergraduates, while annual research expenditures exceeding $13 million offer groundbreaking opportunities for graduate students, particularly in areas of health science, materials science, and research on energy and environment.

For more information, you can visit the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s website at www.engr.colostate.edu/me/

Position Summary

The Marketing and Communications Specialist will use their expertise and skillset to promote and elevate the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University. This individual will collaborate with the Program Manager and Department Head to plan and implement strategic communications and marketing efforts to achieve the Department’s mission and goals.

The Marketing and Communications Specialist will be responsible for a variety of communication and marketing efforts including, but not limited to, social media content creation and management; writing stories for the University’s news platform, Source, about the Department’s programs, research, and other news-worthy events; promoting undergraduate and graduate enrollment; website development and maintenance; event promotion, coordination, and facilitation; and communicating information with the right audiences through appropriate channels.

A successful candidate for the role will:

• Effectively translate complex scientific and technical topics to a wide range of audiences

• Have strong written and oral communication skills

• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and be able to prioritize and handle varying deadlines

• Possess strong organizational and prioritization skills

• Have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Demonstrate the ability to work with diverse people

• Work independently and as part of a team

• Be able to travel locally and in-state

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.

• Two years’ experience creating content on multiple media platforms including digital, print, and social media.

• Experience and strong ability to write features stories and create meaningful content for multiple audiences.

• Experience creating and maintaining websites.

• Experience creating engaging social media content and using social media analytics to guide content creation.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines under pressure.

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Five years’ experience in Communications and / or Marketing or three years’ experience plus a graduate degree in English, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.

• Experience using WordPress or similar content management system.

• Knowledge of marketing principles, best practices, and techniques.

• Experience with technical and science writing.

• Experience promoting, coordination, and facilitating events.

• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite programs including Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Premier.

• Experience following and creating materials using brand guidelines.

• Design and photography / videography experience to create meaningful materials to engage the audience.

• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Diversity Statement

Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryCommunications

Duty/Responsibility

• Proactively strategize Department communications to stay current and consistently engaged with target audiences.

• Promote news, events, and accomplishments involving the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other partners.

• Coordinate a wide range of projects including, but not limited to, copywriting, layout design, website development, social media management, and logistical support related to project development and production.

• Work in collaboration with the College and University communications and marketing groups and other stakeholders.

• Actively evaluate all communications channels and evolve strategy based on data-driven results.

• Generate online content that ensures a dynamic, relevant, and mission-driven online presence.

• Maintain and grow website design and content to reflect University branding.

• Maintain Department-level social media platforms and assist in the planning and execution of publicity and social media campaigns.

• Assist in the management of effective communications with partners/corporate sponsors and support donor stewardship and cultivation strategies.

• Participate in and/or lead initiatives to increase communication and community-building/networking with distance student population.

• Support Department and College communications efforts for a variety of groups including advising, admissions, faculty, staff, students, and research.

• Assist in the planning, promotion, and facilitation of Department, College, and University events.

• Communicate to a broad audience including, but not limited to, current and prospective students, faculty, staff, donors, and the University and Fort Collins community.

• Collaborate with Department leadership to develop plans and strategy to achieve Department goals through communication strategy.

• Develop detailed communication plans for Department events and specific initiatives.

• Collaborate across Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering departments to advance Department, College, and University goals.

• Research and incorporate current communication trends and tactics into Department messaging.

• Work with mechanical engineering faculty, staff, and students to promote ongoing and future events.

Percentage Of Time50%

Job Duty CategoryMarketing

Duty/Responsibility

• Create digital and print marketing materials using the CSU and CSU Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering brand including fliers, brochures, posters, postcards, PowerPoint presentations, and branded items.

• Write and edit copy for Department marketing materials, website, newsletters, and other pieces as assigned.

• Photograph College events and activities for use in marketing and public relations as needed; record, edit, and produce videos for the Department as needed.

• Identify and market to new populations of potential students, drawing them in to the point of application. Research, initiate, develop, promote, and implement plans for marketing and recruiting purposes for the Department as well as our Mechanical Engineering Degree Program at Adams State University in Alamosa, CO.

• Support various Department events including recruitment, outreach, and education events. Along with Department faculty or staff, attend such events as a presenter and representative on behalf of the Department. Events and presentations may happen in or around the Denver and Fort Collins areas, or in other Colorado locations, at the campus of industry partners or within communities.

• Regularly analyze analytics for social media and website, and adjust communication and marketing strategy where necessary.

• Design and purchase CSU Mechanical Engineering “swag” for outreach and recruitment events.

Percentage Of Time40%

Job Duty CategoryService and Outreach

Duty/Responsibility

• Provide service outside the scope of normal job duties, such as committee work, commission and/or council membership, serving as an advisor, coach, collaborator, mentor, or on a task force, community and/or civic engagement, search committee activities, participation in professional organizations to advance the university and/or college’s scholarly and academic reputations, and volunteer (e.g., assist with commencement, conferences, fairs, move-in days, college and university events outside of immediate job responsibilities, etc.).

Percentage Of Time10%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position and a current resume. If you have questions, please contact Matt Markham, mmarkham@colostate.edu.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Search ContactMatt Markham mmarkham@colostate.edu

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have a valid driver's license with reliable transportation or ability to obtain one by start date, or access to a licensed driver?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Optional Documents