Senior Content and Marketing Communications Specialist

Unclassified - Waltham, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Waltham, MA

About the position

Brandeis University is excited to announce a career opportunity for the position of Senior Content and Marketing Communications Specialist. This role is pivotal in developing content and crafting messaging that enhances the university's image, aligns with its strategic objectives, and supports marketing initiatives. The successful candidate will be responsible for generating positive media coverage at local, national, and international levels. The position requires a strong ability to write clear and concise copy across various formats, including feature and news stories, print advertising, media relations, social media, and internal communications. The candidate will also need to effectively communicate a single message across multiple platforms, showcasing the university's strengths and initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a background in journalism or experience working directly with traditional and digital media reporters, producers, editors, photographers, and film crews. A significant part of the role involves collaborating with student media and generating external media opportunities by identifying newsworthy stories and pitching them to reporters. The candidate must be a strategic thinker with a solid understanding of marketing concepts and should be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Familiarity with web content management systems and digital media content measurement tools is essential, along with the ability to relate well to faculty, administrators, staff, and students. In addition to content creation, the role includes producing copy focused on students, research, campus events, and university news for various platforms. Experience with social media best practices, accessibility, photography, video production, and email marketing is preferred, especially within the context of higher education or complex organizations. The position offers a dynamic work environment where the successful candidate can thrive and contribute to the university's mission.

Responsibilities

• Generating ideas for and writing (or producing via multimedia) news, feature stories and marketing content centered on students, faculty, research, university events and initiatives, developed in partnership with senior communications personnel and campus partners.
• Writing press releases and media advisories, generating media pitches, and monitoring media.
• Building newsletters, working with external content partners, and updating digital platforms.
• Assisting with breaking news and responses to incoming queries, scheduling interviews, and tracking Brandeis' appearances in the media.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience is required.
• Must be a fast and accurate writer and have proven media relations skills.
• Must be able to understand complex and nuanced academic stories and translate them accurately into readable prose relevant to key audiences.
• Must be comfortable and confident working with reporters on deadline and after normal office hours.
• Must think strategically and be comfortable working across teams/platforms catering to different audiences.
• Must be resourceful, attentive to detail, and willing to take lead on projects/initiatives inside the department, set goals, track success and make deadlines with minimal oversight.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with social media best practices.
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices.
• Experience in photography and video production.
• Knowledge of email marketing strategies.
• Familiarity with higher education or other highly-matrixed complex organizations.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition remission
• 403b retirement savings plan with a generous match