Communications and Marketing Creative Strategist, College of Engineering and Computer Science

The Communications and Marketing Creative Strategist develops and executes compelling creative content and strategic communication plans that elevate the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) brand, advance student recruitment and retention, highlight faculty research, and engage alumni, donors, and community partners.

This position balances creative execution with strategic insight. The strategist will partner closely with Student Success, Enrollment Management, central Communications and Marketing, Advancement, and campus stakeholders to maximize reach and impact across all audiences.

Creative Content Development

• Writes, designs, and produces creative content across channels (web, email, social media, print, video)
• Highlights CECS student success stories, faculty research, and alumni impact through compelling storytelling
• Supports photography, video production, and graphic design needs for college communications
• Maintains and updates CECS web and digital platforms with fresh, engaging content
• Guides communications and marketing student workers in creating and refining content to ensure consistency and quality

Strategy, Planning, and Analytics

• Develops and implements communication and marketing plans that support CECS recruitment, retention, student success, advancement, and visibility goals
• Coordinates campaign timelines, content calendars, and distribution plans across multiple channels
• Tracks, measures, and reports on communication performance, adjusting strategies to maximize effectiveness
• Stays current with industry best practices in digital marketing, higher education communications, and audience engagement

Partnership and Collaboration

• Partners with Advancement to create donor and alumni engagement materials (impact stories, stewardship content, campaign support)
• Collaborates with student success staff to ensure content supports student engagement and retention goals
• Coordinates with the central Communications and Marketing division to align with university-wide brand and campaign strategies
• Builds relationships with faculty and staff to source stories and showcase CECS achievements
• Provides leadership, direction, and feedback to student workers assisting with communications and marketing tasks

Project Management and Other Duties

• Manages project timelines and deliverables across creative and strategic initiatives
• Communicates with academic departments and campus partners on project status and outcomes
• Uses reporting tools to evaluate and share results of projects
• Supports other duties as assigned to advance the goals of CECS and the university

The ideal candidate will possess the following: 

• Knowledge of best practices in creating communication plans across channels (email, social media, direct mail, web)
• Strong understanding of project management principles
• Excellent written communication skills with demonstrated ability in copy writing and editing
• Familiarity with design and video tools
• Ability to measure success and produce consistent performance reports
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of individuals across campus
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Adobe creative suites
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 and collaborative tools (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive)
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement integrated, multi-channel communication plans (email, social media, direct mail, web, and print)
• Advanced skills in project management, including experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Skills in graphic design, photography, or video production
• Expertise in copy writing, editing, and adapting messaging for diverse audiences
• Proficiency in design and video production tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Final Cut/Premiere)
• Strong analytical skills with experience building dashboards and reporting on campaign performance
• Proven ability to collaborate with diverse campus partners, including advancement, student success, and central communications
• Familiarity with donor/advancement co