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Marketing & Comm Specialist - University Store

UW Candidate Experience
Full-time
On-site
Laramie, Wyoming, United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Marketing & Comm Specialist - University Store

πŸ”Ή Company: University of Wyoming

πŸ”Ή Location: Laramie, Wyoming

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full time

πŸ”Ή Category: Higher Education

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-07-28

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and executing marketing/promotional/event activities
  • Maintaining consistent branding efforts
  • Directing and executing online social media activities
  • Hiring, training, and supervising marketing support staff
  • Managing and monitoring designated budgets

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to effectively engage various campus audiences and drive store impact.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Develop and execute marketing/promotional/event activities that meet overall objectives

βœ… Establish and maintain consistent branding efforts and advise area director(s)

βœ… Direct the production and/or design of graphics for promotional materials

βœ… Examine, revise, and execute website and e-commerce strategies

βœ… Direct, execute, and maintain all online social media activities

βœ… Hire, train, and provide supervision to the web coordinator and marketing support/student staff

βœ… Manage and monitor designated budgets

βœ… Study the organization's objectives, promotional policies, or needs to develop strategies

βœ… Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with stakeholders

βœ… Identify trends or key group interests or concerns and provide advice

βœ… Provide a website strategy and plan content updates regularly

βœ… Provide direction and assistance on presenting information and engaging the audience

βœ… Coordinate special events to promote relations with students, alumni, retirees, and various stakeholders

βœ… Represent the University Store in committees, resources fairs, and events

βœ… Review all donation requests and approve as appropriate or under management direction

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, creative execution, and day-to-day management, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business, Marketing, or related field

Experience: At least 4 years of work-related experience

Required Skills:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Technical/Professional Knowledge
  • Formal Presentation Skills
  • Strategic Planning
  • Quality Orientation
  • Analysis/Problem Identification

Preferred Skills:

  • Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, prioritize, and evaluate next steps
  • Ability to work well under pressure with multiple and changing deadlines
  • Knowledge of social media channels and trends
  • Enthusiastic and positive demeanor
  • 2+ years of marketing experience
  • Experience with designing, producing, and managing an annual marketing and communications plan
  • Experience developing and executing integrated digital and social media campaigns
  • Critical thinking skills and highly adaptive and organized
  • Strategic planning skills
  • Experience leading marketing and communications in higher education, private industry, or non-profits
  • Experience working with senior leaders and across diverse functional areas
  • Ability to make proactive recommendations to leadership based on available data

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is required, relevant work experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating marketing and communication skills may be considered equivalent.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for a Marketing Specialist in Higher Education)

Benefits:

  • Generous Retirement Contributions
  • Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Waiver
  • Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility based on event schedules

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The University of Wyoming offers a comprehensive benefits package to support employees' health, financial security, and work-life balance.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 1886 (The University of Wyoming was founded in 1886, and the University Store has been a vital part of the campus community since then)

Company Description:

  • The University of Wyoming is a public research university dedicated to providing excellent undergraduate and graduate education, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and generating new knowledge through research and creative activities.
  • The University Store is an essential part of the university, providing products and services to students, faculty, staff, and alumni, while also supporting the university's mission and values.
  • The University Store offers a wide range of merchandise, including textbooks, apparel, gifts, and general merchandise, as well as services such as course materials rental and online ordering.

Company Specialties:

  • Retail Operations
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Customer Service
  • Inventory Management

Company Website: https://www.uwyo.edu/

ASSUMPTION: The University of Wyoming is committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace, offering a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth and development.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level professional with potential for growth and leadership opportunities

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Area Director of the University Store and may have supervisory responsibilities for marketing support staff

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

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential for career advancement within the University Store or other departments within the university
  • Opportunities to develop and refine marketing and communication skills
  • Possibility to lead and mentor marketing support staff

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as the chance to make a significant impact on the University Store's brand and customer engagement.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-campus, within the University Store

Office Location(s): 1000 E University Ave, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, US

Geographic Context:

  • Laramie is a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West
  • The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, offering a unique blend of small-town living and big-city amenities
  • The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility based on event schedules and marketing campaign deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The University Store offers a dynamic and engaging work environment, with a diverse range of customers and stakeholders to interact with and serve.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening
  • In-person or virtual interview with the Area Director of the University Store
  • Final interview with the Director of Retail Operations

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Marketing and communication skills
  • Creativity and strategic thinking
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects
  • Customer service orientation
  • Familiarity with the university and its mission, values, and culture

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing and communication experience and skills
  • Include specific examples of successful marketing campaigns or projects you've led or contributed to
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the University of Wyoming's mission, values, and culture in your application materials
  • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the University Store, and the university as a whole

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communication, Branding, Social Media, Event Planning, Budget Management, Higher Education, University Store, Customer Engagement

ASSUMPTION: The University of Wyoming's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role and the organization.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
  • Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
  • Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
  • Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
  • Budget management software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant marketing and communication tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Excellence in teaching, research, service, and pharmacy practice
  • Responsibility, compassion, respect, and integrity in all endeavors
  • Commitment to supporting and promoting individual and collective excellence

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Adaptable and responsive to change
  • Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you share the University of Wyoming's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, service, and pharmacy practice?
  • Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders and changing priorities?
  • Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment and enjoy working with a diverse range of team members and customers?

ASSUMPTION: A strong cultural fit for this role involves a commitment to the University of Wyoming's mission, values, and work style, as well as a passion for marketing and communication in a higher education setting.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
  • Adapting to changes in university policies, procedures, or priorities
  • Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni
  • Working within a designated budget and ensuring fiscal responsibility
  • Keeping up with trends and best practices in marketing and communication within the higher education sector

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, strategic planning, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Marketing Specialist (Higher Education) vs. Marketing Specialist (Private Industry)
    • Higher Education: Focus on engaging internal stakeholders (students, faculty, staff) and promoting the university's brand and mission
    • Private Industry: Focus on external customers and market trends, with a broader range of products and services
  • Marketing Specialist (University Store) vs. Marketing Specialist (University-wide)
    • University Store: Focus on promoting the store's brand and driving customer engagement within the university community
    • University-wide: Focus on promoting the university's overall brand and reputation, with a broader scope and more diverse stakeholders
  • Career Path: Marketing Specialist to Marketing Manager to Director of Marketing and Communications
    • Marketing Specialist: Focus on tactical execution and day-to-day management of marketing campaigns and projects
    • Marketing Manager: Oversee the work of marketing specialists and other team members, with a focus on strategic planning and leadership
    • Director of Marketing and Communications: Provide strategic direction and leadership for the university's marketing and communication efforts, working closely with senior leadership and other departments

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development, with potential career paths within the University Store or other departments within the university.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communication plan for the University Store's grand reopening
  • Creating and implementing a social media strategy to increase engagement and reach among students, faculty, staff, and alumni
  • Designing and producing promotional materials for university-wide events, such as Homecoming or Family Weekend

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of marketing and communication responsibilities for this role, from strategic planning and execution to day-to-day management and customer engagement.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does this role collaborate with other departments within the University Store and the university as a whole?
  • What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the University Store and the university?
  • How does the University Store measure the success of its marketing and communication efforts, and how can this role contribute to improving those metrics?
  • What is the work environment like within the University Store, and how does this role fit into the team's dynamics and culture?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to understanding the University Store's mission, values, and culture.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the University of Wyoming's Career Center
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing and communication experience and skills
  • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the University Store, and the university as a whole
  • Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position
  • If selected for the final round of interviews, be prepared to provide additional information or complete additional assessments as requested

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