📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Community Relation & Marketing Manager
🔹 Company: Saginaw Valley State University
🔹 Location: Main Campus, Saginaw, Michigan
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Education Management
🔹 Date Posted: July 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Designing and leading communications strategies and public programs to engage diverse audiences at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.
- Creating and implementing marketing strategies, including print and digital advertising, social media, email communications, and website management.
- Managing events, such as exhibition openings, and fostering community engagement.
- Collaborating with museum staff, campus partners, and community organizations to host programs and events.
- Working towards supporting a broadly diverse community by integrating a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive (DEAI) approach to museum work.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of collaboration, creativity, and adaptability to engage diverse audiences and foster community engagement.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement a communications and marketing strategy and budget in collaboration with the museum director.
✅ Manage the design, production, printing, and distribution of all museum marketing materials.
✅ Maintain email contact lists and produce e-newsletters.
✅ Run the museum's social media (Instagram and Facebook).
✅ Manage distribution of press releases to key media partners.
✅ Maintain accurate listings on the webpages, google, etc.
✅ Support donor relations and fundraising materials, including donation requests and grant writing support.
✅ Conceive of and implement engagement programming in coordination with the Museum staff to engage the Museum’s diverse audience of SVSU students, faculty & staff, as well as the broader community and expand access to the museum exhibitions and initiatives.
✅ Manage requests from community organizations and student groups to use Museum spaces.
✅ Plan and host exhibition openings, typically once/semester.
✅ Liaise with campus offices to host programs as appropriate (e.g., Reunions, Homecoming, and Commencements, etc.).
✅ Develop and track budgets, and attendance as directed. Seek outside funding when needed.
✅ Hire and mentor student interns in communications and programs, as needed.
✅ Contribute to museum-wide learning, action-planning, and accountability measures around DEAI.
✅ Perform other duties as assigned.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of adaptability, as responsibilities may change or evolve based on the museum's needs and initiatives.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Experience: Proven ability to host inclusive group events, from concept to implementation, and experience working in highly collaborative, mission-driven environments.
Required Skills:
- Clear written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated and excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work weekends and evenings when required
- Proficient in MS Office, Facebook and Instagram
- Proven ability to make connections with people and organizations across identities
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations
Preferred Skills:
- Master's Degree
- 5 years related experience
- Experience in Adobe Suite, Google Suite, Wordpress, and MailChimp or other email communication platform
- Knowledge of museum or non-profit administration
- Basic knowledge of Google analytics
- Strong public speaker
- Experience advancing social equity in the arts
- Basic web editing experience, or confidence to learn on the job
- Stated interest and experience in DEAI in the arts
ASSUMPTION: While a Master's Degree and 5 years of experience are preferred, the university may consider candidates with a Bachelor's Degree and relevant experience.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 (Estimated, based on similar roles in the education management industry and the candidate's experience level)
Benefits:
- Excellent Retirement Package
- Employee Benefits
- Professional Development
- Health and Well-being Programs
- Gym Memberships
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with some weeknights and weekends required for events and programming.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and the candidate's experience level. The actual salary may vary based on the university's compensation structure and the candidate's qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Education Management
Company Size: 11-50 employees
Founded: 1963
Company Description:
- Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students.
- Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty, and staff.
- SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. It has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for eight consecutive years (2016-2023).
Company Specialties:
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- STEAM Education
- Community Engagement
Company Website: http://www.svsu.edu
ASSUMPTION: SVSU is a mid-sized university with a strong focus on student success and community engagement. It offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development and growth.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Museum Director and works closely with the Curator of Education and the entire museum staff.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with some remote work possible for certain tasks.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement within the museum or university
- Opportunities to develop and implement new programs and initiatives
- Professional development opportunities through workshops, training, and conferences
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the museum and university settings.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a hybrid work arrangement possible for certain tasks.
Office Location(s): Main Campus, Saginaw, Michigan
Geographic Context:
- Saginaw is a mid-sized city located in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan.
- The university's main campus is situated on a suburban campus, offering a mix of urban and rural surroundings.
- The region is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with some weeknights and weekends required for events and programming.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is collaborative and mission-driven, with a focus on supporting a diverse and inclusive community.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Museum Director
- On-site interview with the Museum Director and Curator of Education
- Final interview with the Dean of the College of Business
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Event planning and management experience
- Marketing and social media expertise
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
- Alignment with the museum's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the museum's mission and values in your application materials.
- Prepare examples of your marketing and event planning successes to discuss during the interview.
ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, event planning, community engagement, social media management, museum administration, DEAI principles, collaboration, communication, interpersonal skills
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary based on the university's hiring practices and the specific needs of the museum.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Suite (preferred)
- Google Suite
- WordPress
- MailChimp or other email communication platform
- Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be proficient in using various marketing and communication tools and platforms, with a willingness to learn new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Excellence
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Community Engagement
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
- Creative
- Mission-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with the company's values?
- How have you demonstrated your ability to work collaboratively and adaptably in previous roles?
- How do you approach fostering a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive (DEAI) work environment?
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong fit with the company's values and work style, with a commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and community members
- Balancing the needs of the museum, university, and community
- Adapting to changes in the museum's initiatives and priorities
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and adapt to changes in the museum's initiatives and priorities.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on community engagement and DEAI principles within a museum setting.
- Similar roles may include Marketing and Communications Manager, Event Coordinator, or Community Engagement Specialist, but this role is distinct in its integration of these responsibilities within a museum context.
- Career progression may include roles such as Museum Director, University Administrator, or Non-profit Executive Director.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse communities and foster inclusive programming within a museum setting.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a marketing campaign to promote a new exhibition
- Planning and executing an event to engage diverse community members in the museum's mission and initiatives
- Creating and distributing marketing materials to promote the museum's programs and events
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience developing and implementing marketing campaigns, planning and executing events, and creating marketing materials.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role support the museum's mission and initiatives?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the museum engage with the broader community, and how can this role contribute to those efforts?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the museum and university settings?
- How does the museum support a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive (DEAI) work environment?
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate their interest in and understanding of the role and the museum's mission and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare examples of your marketing and event planning successes to discuss during the interview.
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your approach to fostering a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive (DEAI) work environment.
- Follow up with the Museum Director one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
