Email Marketing Automation Specialist (Contractor)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Email Marketing Automation Specialist (Contractor)

🔹 Company: CommonLit

🔹 Location: Remote

🔹 Job Type: Contract

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving retention marketing efforts by scaling personalized outreach through smarter, more powerful email marketing
• Designing and implementing a fully automated lifecycle system to reach more customer educators with timely, relevant communication
• Working with Redshift data and advanced segmentation to power dynamic content and improve customer engagement
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define message objectives, structure, and draft email copy
• Establishing key lifecycle and retention metrics, setting up dashboards to track campaign performance, and training internal team members

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical expertise in email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in building and managing automated systems and a deep understanding of user retention and engagement.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Audit current email workflows and infrastructure in HubSpot to identify opportunities and pain points

✅ Design and implement a scalable, segmented automation system across the customer lifecycle, from onboarding to winback

✅ Leverage Redshift data and internal integrations to power dynamic content and advanced segmentation

✅ Recommend and configure the most appropriate tools and processes for long-term automation within platform constraints

✅ Build lifecycle workflows such as onboarding nudges, task reminders, renewal prompts, upsell triggers, and re-engagement sequences

✅ Define logic and goals for each automation track in collaboration with relevant stakeholders

✅ Establish key lifecycle and retention metrics, set up dashboards to track campaign performance end-to-end, and ensure campaigns are measurable with clearly defined conversion actions and downstream impact

✅ Develop clear documentation and standard operating procedures to ensure continuity after handoff

✅ Train internal team members on how to monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize automated workflows and apply best practices moving forward

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have a proven ability to stand up marketing automation systems from scratch, with a strong grasp of what drives user retention and engagement.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Not specified

Experience: 6+ years of experience in lifecycle, CRM, or retention marketing, with a strong track record in email automation and systems design

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to stand up marketing automation systems from scratch
• Skilled at working with data integrations, ETL pipelines, and customer segmentation, especially using internal data warehouses like Redshift
• A strong grasp of what drives user retention and engagement and the ability to build campaigns that support both
• Comfortable working in HubSpot, with a clear POV on where it shines and where it falls short for B2B comms
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Strategic and solutions-oriented mindset

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in education or with school/district audiences, especially navigating firewall and deliverability challenges

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature and experience level.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65-$75/hour for up to 20 hours per week on a 4-month contract

Benefits:

• Not specified

Working Hours: Up to 20 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: As this is a contractor role, benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are not typically included. However, the hourly rate is competitive for the experience level and industry.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: CommonLit operates in the e-learning industry, focusing on providing a comprehensive reading program used by millions of teachers to close the literacy opportunity gap, which disproportionately affects students living in poverty.

Company Size: CommonLit is a mid-sized company with 51-200 employees, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Founded: CommonLit was founded in 2013, making it a well-established organization in the e-learning space.

Company Description:

• CommonLit is a nonprofit edtech organization dedicated to closing the literacy opportunity gap
• The company provides a highly effective, comprehensive reading program used by millions of teachers
• CommonLit is a team of passionate professionals, many of whom are former teachers

Company Specialties:

• Literacy
• Professional Development
• Curriculum Design
• Personalized Learning
• and Differentiation

Company Website: http://www.commonlit.org

ASSUMPTION: CommonLit's mission-driven approach and focus on education make it an attractive workplace for candidates passionate about improving literacy outcomes for students.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior specialist level, requiring a high degree of expertise in email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Email Marketing Automation Specialist will report directly to the Director of Marketing.

Work Arrangement: This is a remote, contract role with a target onboarding date of late June to early July. The contract length is 4 months, with up to 20 hours per week, and potential for light advisory support after handoff.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for light advisory support after handoff
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on CommonLit's retention marketing efforts and customer experience
• Chance to work with a passionate, mission-driven team and gain experience in the education technology sector

ASSUMPTION: While this is a contract role, it offers an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to make a significant impact on the organization and potentially transition into a full-time position.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Not applicable, as this is a remote role

Office Location(s): Not applicable

Geographic Context:

• CommonLit is a remote-first organization, allowing for flexibility in work location
• The company operates primarily in the United States, with a focus on reaching educators and students across the country
• As a nonprofit organization, CommonLit is committed to closing the literacy opportunity gap and improving educational outcomes for students living in poverty

Work Schedule: Up to 20 hours per week, with a flexible schedule that can be tailored to the contractor's availability and preferences

ASSUMPTION: The remote work environment and flexible schedule make this role an attractive option for candidates seeking a balance between work and personal responsibilities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Submit your resume and cover letter through the provided link
• Initial screening by the Director of Marketing
• Technical assessment or case study to evaluate your email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy skills
• Final interview with the Director of Marketing and other relevant stakeholders

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical expertise in email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy
• Problem-solving skills and ability to design and implement scalable systems
• Communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Alignment with CommonLit's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Highlight your relevant experience and achievements in email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for this specific role and CommonLit's mission
• Prepare for the technical assessment or case study by reviewing your knowledge of email marketing automation tools and best practices

ATS Keywords: Email Marketing, Automation, CRM, Retention Marketing, Data Integration, Customer Segmentation, HubSpot, Lifecycle Strategy, Workflow Design, Performance Metrics, Training

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role will prioritize technical expertise and alignment with CommonLit's mission, with a strong focus on email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• HubSpot
• Redshift
• Email marketing automation tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Marketo, or similar)
• Data integration and ETL tools (e.g., Talend, Pentaho, or similar)

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience working with the required tools and technologies, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Mission-driven: CommonLit is committed to closing the literacy opportunity gap and improving educational outcomes for students living in poverty
• Collaborative: CommonLit values a team-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making
• Innovative: CommonLit encourages creativity and continuous learning to drive improvement and growth

Work Style:

• Remote-friendly: CommonLit offers a flexible, remote work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance
• Mission-focused: CommonLit's work is driven by a strong commitment to its mission and the impact it can have on students' lives
• Data-driven: CommonLit uses data and analytics to inform decision-making and improve its programs and services

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you share CommonLit's commitment to closing the literacy opportunity gap and improving educational outcomes for students?
• Are you comfortable working remotely and managing your time effectively in a flexible work environment?
• Do you have a strong track record of success in email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy, and are you eager to apply your skills to make a meaningful impact?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are passionate about CommonLit's mission, comfortable working remotely, and eager to apply their expertise in email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy will be a strong fit for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The contract nature of the role may limit long-term career growth opportunities within the organization
• The remote work environment may present challenges in building relationships and fostering collaboration with team members
• The need to quickly audit and optimize existing email workflows and infrastructure may require a significant time commitment upfront
• The role may involve working with complex data sets and systems, requiring a strong technical skill set and attention to detail

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to navigate these challenges effectively, leveraging their expertise in email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy to drive meaningful results for CommonLit.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other email marketing automation specialist positions, but with a focus on retention marketing and a commitment to closing the literacy opportunity gap
• Unlike many for-profit organizations, CommonLit is a nonprofit with a mission-driven approach to education and a commitment to improving outcomes for students living in poverty
• This role offers an opportunity to work with a passionate, mission-driven team and make a significant impact on the organization's retention marketing efforts

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are drawn to CommonLit's mission and values, and who are seeking a role that combines their expertise in email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy with a commitment to improving educational outcomes, will find this role an excellent fit.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a fully automated lifecycle system for onboarding new users and engaging existing users
• Designing and executing advanced segmentation strategies to improve customer engagement and retention
• Optimizing email workflows and infrastructure to improve deliverability and reduce bounce rates

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and initiatives the successful candidate might undertake in this role, but the specific projects and priorities will be determined by CommonLit's needs and the candidate's expertise.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current email workflows and infrastructure, and what challenges you've faced with them?
• How does CommonLit plan to measure the success of the automated lifecycle system, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will be used?
• What is the timeline for onboarding and training, and how will my progress be evaluated throughout the contract period?
• How does CommonLit support the professional development and growth of its team members, particularly in a remote work environment?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing CommonLit's retention marketing efforts, and how can this role address them?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help the candidate better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for growth and impact, while also demonstrating the candidate's interest and engagement with the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your resume and cover letter through the provided link: https://jobs.lever.co/commonlit/39e83e27-85fd-4640-aca9-91c8bd7e7dfe
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on email marketing automation and lifecycle strategy
• Prepare for the technical assessment or case study by reviewing your knowledge of email marketing automation tools and best practices
• Follow up with the Director of Marketing 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.