Marketing and Production Specialist

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Associate Director, Marketing and Production, the Marketing and Production Specialist manages the planning, implementation and production of a variety of projects for the Development and Alumni Relations division requiring creative services from the Communications team. Projects may include but are not limited to print, email, web, social media and video. The marketing and production specialist works closely with internal writers, web developers, graphic designers and a production team, as well as with external communications vendors (design firms, printers, mail houses, etc.) and campus constituents (Rice Public Affairs, academic schools, etc.) to ensure that projects are completed efficiently, on time and at the highest level of quality.

This position currently has a hybrid work arrangement, with a minimum of two days per week in the office.

The ideal candidate exhibits a high degree of organization and professionalism, works well independently and as part of a highly collaborative team, and has experience working with a variety of clients and vendors .

Essential Functions

• Develops the communication and brand strategy for individual program(s)
• Writes, designs and coordinates the production of communication and marketing materials
• Recommends integrated marketing plans / programs and strategies to meet business objectives
• Guides event planning and execution as needed to support marketing objectives
• Assists in vendor management on specific projects
• Conducts market research and analysis used to inform decisions regarding strategic marketing direction, product segmentation and customer targeting
• Assesses market opportunities and track market trends
• Recommends marketing improvements based on findings
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions/Information

• Coordinates the Communications team’s production of a variety of communication pieces, including mass appeals, engagement and stewardship pieces, e-newsletters, event invitations and more
• Establishes and maintains project schedules, including a master communications calendar
• Tracks deliverables with various team members and assists in drafting creative briefs
• Leads weekly project status meetings and oversees the editorial review process as needed

• Assists in preparing marketing reports and coordinates debriefs after major projects to ensure best practices
• Processes communications invoices for payment and maintains accounting data to reflect expenses by project
• Written, email and telephone contact with students and all levels of faculty and administration
• Written, email and telephone contact with donors, alumni, volunteers and external vendors
• Occasional attendance at after-hours departmental events on or off campus may be required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• One year of related professional experience, which includes (a) coordination of web and print communication projects, and/or (b) overall planning, calendar management and administrative responsibilities.
• Skills Required
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Organized and creative
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Substitutions

• No substitutions for education or experience allowed

Preferred Qualifications

• Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, English or liberal arts
  • Two or more years’ experience coordinating web and print communication projects
  • Experience in higher education
  • Experience in a marketing environment
  • Project management experience
  • Experience with Blackbaud Internet Solutions and/or Blackbaud CRM
  • Experience in a PC Windows environment
• Skills
  • Ability to take direction and work to meet expected deadlines and schedules
  • Strong listening skills
  • Demonstrated team player
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel
  • Familiarity with project management software

Rice University HR | Benefits

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies