Marketing & Communications Manager - Office of Online Learning

DepartmentOnline Learning

MSU Denver is excited to welcome a Marketing & Communications Manager to lead dynamic and innovative efforts in promoting the university's online and hybrid programs and courses.
This position will play a pivotal role in the Office of Online Learning, creating and driving strategies to increase awareness and enrollment in MSU Denver's online and hybrid offerings. The Marketing & Communications Manager will oversee marketing strategy development, digital marketing campaigns, and an editorial calendar while fostering collaboration across academic departments and stakeholder groups. The role requires a forward-thinking, agile approach to engaging prospective students and stakeholders through compelling storytelling, visual media, and data-informed marketing initiatives.
The successful candidate will bring strong digital marketing skills, a collaborative spirit, and a willingness to experiment with emerging tools and trends, including generative AI and multimedia production. Reporting to the Executive Director of Online Learning, the Marketing & Communications Manager will be instrumental in energizing the university's mission to provide accessible and impactful online and hybrid education.

Key Responsibilities
1. Marketing Strategy Development and Implementation

• Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing strategy to increase awareness and enrollment in MSU Denver's hybrid/online programs and courses.
• Manage marketing and communications budget, providing regular updates on expenditures and campaign effectiveness.
• Conduct market research to identify target audiences and understand their needs, preferences, and behaviors.
• Collaborate closely with academic departments as well as Academic Affairs and Student Affairs units to align marketing initiatives with program-specific goals and priorities, ensuring messaging resonates with current and prospective students.
• Utilize analytics and data-driven insights to assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, gather ongoing feedback from stakeholders, and iterate on tactics as needed to optimize outcomes.
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure marketing efforts remain innovative, agile, and ahead of the curve.

2. Digital Engagement and Content Strategy

• Develop and execute integrated digital campaigns across platforms, including the MSU Denver website, social media, and email, to promote online and hybrid programs.
• Manage the design, functionality, and ongoing optimization of the MSU Denver Online Learning website to ensure an engaging and user-friendly experience.
• Leverage generative AI tools to produce high-quality written and visual content, such as blogs, videos, graphics, and promotional materials.
• Create and oversee the production of impactful visual media, including videos and graphics, that align with current trends and resonate with target audiences.
• Implement SEO best practices and optimize digital advertising strategies to enhance visibility and engagement.
• Regularly analyze engagement metrics and website analytics to refine content, identify opportunities for improvement, and maximize campaign effectiveness.
• Ensure all content and digital assets reflect MSU Denver's brand identity and align with the institution's mission and values.
• Collaborate with university marketing and communications teams to introduce new website features, resolve technical issues, and maintain site security and performance.
• Maintain consistency in branding and messaging across all digital platforms and ensure alignment with broader marketing strategies.
• Use innovative storytelling techniques to effectively showcase online and hybrid programs, faculty expertise, and student success stories.

3. Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison for internal and external communications related to online learning initiatives.
• Develop clear and effective messaging tailored to diverse audiences, including prospective students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Collaborate with Office of Online Learning team as well as academic departments and units within both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to ensure cohesive and consistent communication about online and hybrid programs.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders to enhance the visibility and reputation of MSU Denver's online and hybrid offerings.
• Monitor and analyze communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make data-driven improvements.
• Create press releases, announcements, and other communications to highlight milestones and achievements.

4. Team Collaboration and Support

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment within the Office of Online Learning.
• Review content produced by other team members for brand compliance and engagement best practices.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives and projects.
• Actively listen to and incorporate feedback from colleagues, faculty, staff, and students to improve marketing and communication efforts.
• Mentor and support team members, sharing knowledge of marketing and communication tools, trends, and best practices.
• Assist with other duties as assigned to contribute to the success of MSU Denver's online learning programs.
• Create and maintain an OOL editorial calendar with themes and content updated annually and distributed across a variety of communication channels.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field.
• Proficiency in digital marketing, including experience with social media platform management, email marketing tools, and web-based advertising strategies.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to craft clear, persuasive messages for internal and external audiences.
• Basic AI literacy, particularly in using generative AI for content creation (e.g., text, images, video), including a willingness to leverage AI in content creation efforts.
• Knowledge of visual media production, including video editing, graphic design, and multimedia storytelling.
• Strong understanding of cultural trends and the ability to connect with diverse audiences through relevant and engaging campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with teams and build relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of or experience in website development and management, including familiarity with content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress.
• Highly adaptable, with a willingness to learn new tools, platforms, and marketing techniques as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education and/or marketing/PR/communications.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Google Analytics, Looker Studios or Tableau to measure and assess campaign performance.
• Skills in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A creative mindset with the ability to develop innovative strategies and campaigns that drive engagement and enrollment.

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $57,600 - $76,900.The full salary range is $57,600 - $96,200.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Work Hours

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Exempt
• Days of the Week: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Evenings and Weekend Work: As needed
• Schedule: Hybrid schedule
• Visit our website for more information on our University's Alternative Work Arrangementspolicy.
• Travel: Rarely

Instructions to Apply

Please apply through MSU Denver Careers and submit your cover letter and resume. Select Begin Your Job Search, then search for JR103486. Internal applicants must apply through their MSU Denver Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Applications that do not contain all required documents may not receive full consideration. Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former). Full consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Monday, February 17th, 2025 at 11:59pm.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting RepresentativeElizabeth Wellington Posting Representative Emailewelling@msudenver.edu Benefits

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator attotalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.