Marketing & Communications Specialist

$77,000 - $139,200/Yr

University of California - Santa Barbara, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Santa Barbara, CA

501-1,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Marketing Specialist 3 position at UC Santa Barbara is a pivotal role within the Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Enterprises (HDAE) department, which serves a diverse clientele including students, faculty, and staff. Under the general supervision of the Director of Marketing & Communications, this position is responsible for a wide array of communication and marketing duties that align with the mission and goals of HDAE. The department manages a significant operation that houses over 10,000 residents and serves approximately 21,000 customers daily through its various dining and retail programs. The Marketing Specialist will play a key role in developing, implementing, coordinating, and overseeing marketing strategies and initiatives that are crucial for the organization’s revenue generation and overall success. The Marketing & Communications Team (MarCom) is tasked with creating and managing all major communications for HDAE, which includes web content, print media, digital signage, video production, social media engagement, and various marketing initiatives. This role requires a high level of expertise in visual and digital communications, as well as advanced interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with team members and provide consultation to clients. The Marketing Specialist will act as a project manager for new marketing initiatives, often in unstructured environments, and will be recognized as an expert in the field. In addition to the core responsibilities, the position involves managing social media strategies, designing promotional materials, and ensuring that all communications are consistent with the branding and visual identity of UCSB. The Marketing Specialist will also be responsible for monitoring social media analytics, researching trends, and coordinating advertising placements to enhance audience engagement. This role is essential for maintaining the dynamic and vibrant communication landscape of HDAE, ensuring that the department effectively reaches its target audiences and fulfills its operational goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee marketing strategies and initiatives for HDAE.
• Coordinate with the MarCom Team and HDAE departments on campaigns to promote awareness to students and potential clients.
• Design and produce print and digital publications and promotional materials for HDAE staff and customers.
• Manage HDAE's social media strategy, creating dynamic content and maintaining a master calendar for initiatives.
• Review social media analytics to determine message strategy and increase audience engagement.
• Research and coordinate advertising placements on social media and other channels.
• Support the webmaster in making front-end changes to HDAE's websites.
• Lead special projects and participate in various department and University committees.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalent experience/training.
• 4-6 years of experience with both Mac and Microsoft platforms using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and Microsoft Office applications.
• 4-6 years of experience in graphic design, marketing, and/or social media management.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of marketing principles, concepts, strategies, and best practices.
• Ability to work in a deadline-oriented environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Thorough knowledge of communication principles, media, and marketing techniques.
• Strong project management skills and experience in event and media activities management.

Nice-to-haves

• 1-3 years of experience as a photographer, including skills in lighting, composition, and photo editing.
• 1-3 years of experience creating and editing short videos and animated graphics using Adobe Premiere and AfterEffects.
• Knowledge of UC Santa Barbara and HDAE's products, services, and mission.

Benefits

• Full health benefits
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Hybrid work arrangement
• Professional development opportunities