Communications and Marketing Specialist 1

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications and Marketing Specialist 1

🔹 Company: The Ohio State University

🔹 Location: Columbus, Ohio (Agricultural Engineering Building)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and managing marketing strategies for FABE's extension, teaching, and research initiatives
• Creating and implementing a comprehensive communications and media relations strategy
• Establishing and maintaining a strong departmental brand and communication plan
• Collaborating with faculty to develop promotional strategies for their integrated extension, teaching, and research portfolios
• Planning and promoting FABE outreach activities and events

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills to effectively promote FABE's initiatives and engage with various stakeholders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and manage marketing strategies to promote FABE’s extension, teaching, and research initiatives

✅ Create and implement a comprehensive communications and media relations strategy to elevate FABE’s brand

✅ Establish and maintain a strong departmental brand and communication plan

✅ Regularly inform FABE leadership on strategic communications and marketing initiatives

✅ Work with faculty to develop and implement promotional strategies for their integrated extension, teaching, and research portfolios

✅ Plan and promote FABE outreach activities, including annual banquets, seminars, conferences, and extension programs

✅ Actively participate in the FABE Communications and Marketing Committee

✅ Serve as managing editor for FABE publications, newsletters, recruiting materials, web content, media presence, and other promotional endeavors

✅ Engage with current, future, and former students, college and university audiences, internal and external media, and outside stakeholders

✅ Assist FABE leadership with annual reporting related to marketing and communication of FABE's program impacts

✅ Stay current with new developments in media and communications methods and technologies, and apply them as appropriate

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, project management, and day-to-day execution of marketing and communication tasks to support FABE's mission.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field

Experience: 2-5 years of proven experience in marketing and communications, preferably in an academic or research environment

Required Skills:

• Strong strategic thinking and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, including faculty, staff, and external stakeholders
• Proficiency in digital marketing, social media, and content management systems

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in higher education or a related field
• Familiarity with the Ohio State University or similar institutions

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong foundation in marketing and communications principles, with a focus on strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 per year (based on experience and internal equity)

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Retirement Options

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, First Shift

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on the role's requirements and the company's size. Benefits are standard for a university position.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: 51-200 employees (FAES | Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering department)

Founded: The Ohio State University was founded in 1870

Company Description:

• The Ohio State University is a large, public research university known for its academic excellence and extensive research programs.
• FAES is a department within the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences, focusing on food, agricultural, and biological engineering.
• The department offers a hands-on approach to learning, with a focus on real-world applications and industry collaboration.

Company Specialties:

• Research and teaching in food, agricultural, and biological engineering
• Extension and outreach programs to engage with communities and stakeholders
• Collaboration with industry partners to drive innovation and economic development

Company Website: The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences

ASSUMPTION: The Ohio State University is a large, well-established institution with a strong reputation in research and higher education. FAES is a department within the university that focuses on applied engineering and technology in the food, agricultural, and biological sciences.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level marketing and communications professional

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Chair of FAES | Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for meetings or events

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on additional responsibilities or projects based on performance and interest
• Opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research and teaching initiatives
• Possibility to advance to a higher-level marketing and communications role within the university or related industries

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the university and related industries. The role's focus on strategic planning and stakeholder engagement can help candidates build valuable skills and experience.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work

Office Location(s): Agricultural Engineering Building (0298), Columbus, Ohio

Geographic Context:

• The Ohio State University's main campus is located in Columbus, Ohio, the state's capital and largest city.
• Columbus offers a vibrant urban environment with numerous cultural attractions, sports teams, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• The city is also home to a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and education, providing ample networking and career advancement opportunities.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for meetings and events

ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement allows for better collaboration and communication with faculty, staff, and stakeholders. The Columbus location offers a mix of urban and suburban living options, with a vibrant cultural scene and strong job market.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other department members
• Final interview with the department chair
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation)
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Problem-solving and adaptability

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the university and FAES department in your application materials
• Prepare for interview questions that focus on your strategic thinking, communication skills, and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Content Management, Higher Education, Academic Research, Stakeholder Engagement

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is typical for a university position, with a focus on assessing strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit. Candidates should tailor their application materials to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Social Media Platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
• Email Marketing Software (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
• Graphic Design Software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
• Project Management Tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for marketing and communications professionals. Candidates should have experience with content management systems, social media platforms, email marketing software, and graphic design tools.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Excellence
• Community
• Discovery
• Inclusion

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Adaptable
• Innovative
• Data-driven
• Customer-focused

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
• Are you comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and external partners?
• Do you have a strong commitment to integrity, excellence, and inclusion?
• Are you able to adapt to new situations and technologies, and learn quickly?

ASSUMPTION: The Ohio State University values a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment. Candidates should assess their fit with the university's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day execution of marketing and communication tasks
• Engaging with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and external partners
• Keeping up with new developments in media and communications methods and technologies

ASSUMPTION: This role presents both strategic and tactical challenges, requiring candidates to balance long-term planning with day-to-day execution. Successful candidates will be able to manage multiple projects and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to related roles in higher education, this position has a stronger focus on strategic planning and stakeholder engagement
• In contrast to roles in corporate marketing, this role requires a deeper understanding of academic research and teaching initiatives
• Career progression in this role may involve moving into a higher-level marketing and communications role within the university or related industries

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and tactical execution, with opportunities for professional growth and development within the university and related industries.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new research initiative
• Creating and implementing a social media campaign to promote an upcoming conference or event
• Managing the production and distribution of a departmental newsletter or magazine

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic planning, tactical execution, and stakeholder engagement required for this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and initiatives.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role support the overall mission and goals of FAES and the university?
• What are the most pressing marketing and communication challenges facing FAES, and how can this role address them?
• How does this role collaborate with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to promote FABE's initiatives?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the university?
• How does the university support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions allow candidates to better understand the role's strategic importance, day-to-day responsibilities, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in and understanding of the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for interview questions that focus on your strategic thinking, communication skills, and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Research the university and FAES department to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.