📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing and Communications Consultant
🔹 Company: The Ohio State University
🔹 Location: Thompson Library (0050), Columbus, Ohio
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing audience-centric marketing and communications initiatives for University Libraries
- Overseeing project management tools and processes
- Measuring and reporting performance of marketing campaigns
- Cultivating media relationships and producing marketing materials
- Representing University Libraries on appropriate university-level committees
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in marketing and communications, with a focus on creative writing and storytelling. The ideal candidate will have experience in project management and data analysis, as well as proficiency in AP writing style and branding.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement relevant, audience-centric marketing and communications initiatives to drive awareness of University Libraries' services and resources
✅ Oversee project management tools and processes in conjunction with the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communication (DSMC)
✅ Measure and report performance of marketing campaigns and/or strategies, assessing against goals while optimizing efforts
✅ Collaborate with the DSMC to set goals aligned with strategy and identify trends and insights to inform future efforts
✅ Oversee the production of marketing materials from conception to completion, ensuring brand recognition for promotional materials
✅ Work proactively to cultivate media relationships to reach earned media objectives, researching, writing, editing, and distributing press releases, stories, and news items
✅ Implement both Ohio State’s and University Libraries' style, voice, and tone and brand standards, working closely with DSMC to ensure alignment of departmental and university-wide strategic direction and values across communication touch points
✅ Supervise the graphic designer to accomplish marketing goals and direct student employees in the execution of marketing and advertising materials and supporting activities
✅ Perform special projects and other duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, project management, and analytical skills. The ideal candidate will be able to work effectively in a collaborative and complex environment with multiple stakeholder audiences and needs.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field
Experience: 6-12 years of experience in the marketing and communications field, with demonstrated experience executing strong creative writing and storytelling in both digital and print formats
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to successfully develop, manage, and prioritize multiple projects and project management systems when implementing multi-channel marketing and communications campaigns and/or strategies
- Demonstrated ability to work proactively, effectively, and innovatively in a collaborative and complex environment with multiple stakeholder audiences and needs
- Project and production management experience
- Ability to analyze data, measure against established benchmarks, and make recommendations accordingly
- Efficient vendor and budget management
- Proficiency in AP writing style and understanding of branding
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products
- Self-directed and responsible with excellent interpersonal and verbal communications skills
Preferred Skills:
- Supervisory experience
- Advanced degree in a relevant field
- Adobe Creative Cloud experience
- Understanding of dynamic email and social media marketing strategies and platforms; experience with Google Analytics and content management systems
- Media relations experience
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it is assumed that candidates should have strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $81,000 - $106,500 annually
Benefits:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Tuition Assistance
- Retirement Options
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, first shift
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting and is consistent with industry standards for a marketing and communications consultant role with the required experience level.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: The Ohio State University was founded in 1870
Company Description:
- The Ohio State University is a large, public research university located in Columbus, Ohio
- The University Libraries promote innovative research and creative expression, advance effective teaching, curate and preserve information essential for scholarship and learning, and share knowledge and culture with the people of Ohio, the nation, and the world
- The Libraries live their values of Discovery, Connection, Integrity, and Stewardship in all that they do
Company Specialties:
- Research
- Teaching
- Service
Company Website: The Ohio State University Libraries
ASSUMPTION: The Ohio State University is a large, public research university with a strong focus on research, teaching, and service. The University Libraries play a crucial role in supporting the university's mission by providing access to information and resources, as well as promoting innovative research and creative expression.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Specialized Individual Contributor (S4)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communication
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with a 40-hour workweek and first shift hours
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement within the University Libraries or the broader university
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives
- Chance to develop and refine skills in marketing, communications, project management, and data analysis
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the University Libraries and the broader university. The ideal candidate will be proactive, innovative, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a physical office located in the Thompson Library (0050)
Office Location(s): Columbus, Ohio
Geographic Context:
- Columbus is the largest city in Ohio and the 14th-largest city in the United States
- The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its strong economy and job market
- The Ohio State University is a major employer in the region, with a significant impact on the local economy
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, first shift
ASSUMPTION: Columbus is a dynamic and growing city with a diverse economy and a strong job market. The Ohio State University is a major employer in the region, and the University Libraries play a crucial role in supporting the university's mission.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- On-campus interview with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders
- Background check and reference checks
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Project management skills and experience
- Data analysis and reporting skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with University Libraries' values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with marketing and communications, project management, and data analysis
- Demonstrate your understanding of the University Libraries' mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Project Management, Data Analysis, Branding, AP Style, Ohio State University, University Libraries
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Cloud (preferred)
- Google Analytics
- Content management systems
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with Microsoft Office Suite and may have experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Analytics, and content management systems.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Discovery
- Connection
- Integrity
- Stewardship
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Innovative and proactive
- Data-driven and analytical
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with the University Libraries' values of Discovery, Connection, Integrity, and Stewardship?
- How do you approach working collaboratively with multiple stakeholder audiences and needs?
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in marketing and communications?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong fit with the University Libraries' values and work style, as well as a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a large, complex organization with multiple stakeholder audiences and needs
- Managing multiple projects and project management systems simultaneously
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in marketing and communications
- Balancing the demands of the role with personal and professional responsibilities
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many opportunities for professional growth and development, it also presents challenges that the ideal candidate will be able to navigate effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other marketing and communications consultant roles in higher education, but may require more experience with project management and data analysis
- Compared to similar roles in the private sector, this role may offer less flexibility in work arrangements and compensation
- Career paths in this role may lead to advancement within the University Libraries or the broader university, rather than to other organizations
ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other marketing and communications consultant roles in higher education, but may have unique challenges and opportunities specific to the University Libraries and the broader university.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a multi-channel marketing campaign to promote a new library service or resource
- Analyzing data from a recent marketing campaign to identify trends and insights, and using that information to inform future efforts
- Cultivating media relationships to secure earned media coverage for a University Libraries event or initiative
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities that the ideal candidate may be expected to perform in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the University Libraries, and how does this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does this role fit into the broader strategic direction of the University Libraries and the university as a whole?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the University Libraries and the broader university?
- How does the hiring manager envision this role evolving over time, as the University Libraries and the broader university continue to grow and change?
- What is the work environment like in the University Libraries, and how does this role fit into that environment?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are intended to help the ideal candidate better understand the role, the University Libraries, and the broader university, as well as to assess their fit with the organization's culture and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the online application portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on marketing and communications, project management, and data analysis
- Prepare for your phone or video screen and on-campus interview by researching the University Libraries' mission, values, and strategic direction, as well as the role's requirements and responsibilities
- If selected for the final round, be prepared to provide references and undergo a background check
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to reiterate your interest in the role and to ask any remaining questions
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
