Marketing & Communications Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing & Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: Education First Credit Union

🔹 Location: Columbus, Ohio

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (90% office, 10% external events)

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (1-3 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with limited hybrid/remote work options

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing engaging content for various channels to strengthen brand awareness and member engagement
• Managing marketing campaigns and analyzing performance to drive growth
• Representing the credit union at community events and business development activities
• Collaborating with internal teams to enhance member experience and drive membership growth

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of creativity, analytical skills, and strong communication to effectively engage members and drive marketing success.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement marketing strategies to increase member engagement and drive membership growth

✅ Create engaging content for social media, blogs, email marketing, direct mail, and internal digital displays

✅ Design and distribute marketing materials, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms and materials

✅ Support the planning and execution of marketing campaigns across digital, social media, email, and print channels

✅ Monitor and analyze campaign performance, providing recommendations for service enhancements

✅ Maintain the organization’s social media presence and engage with audiences online

✅ Oversee digital signage updates for branches and maintain internal communication platforms

✅ Represent the credit union at community events, sponsorships, and business development activities

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of creative and analytical tasks, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Associate’s degree required (or equivalent experience); Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field preferred

Experience: 1-3 years of experience in marketing, communications, social media, or business development

Required Skills:

• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills
• Experience with social media management and content creation
• Basic graphic design or web design knowledge (a plus)
• Ability to analyze marketing data and apply insights to campaigns
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Organized self-starter who is a creative problem solver, solution-oriented
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail and service
• Aptitude to operate computer-related equipment and applications
• Ability to work under goal-driven situations and meet deadlines
• Ability to work well with a team and independently

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of the credit union industry and its mission
• Experience in public speaking

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong foundation in marketing and communications, with a willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Starting at $21.00 per hour (will vary with experience)

Benefits:

• Medical / Dental / Vision coverage (including qualified dependents)
• Company-paid Life Insurance, STD, LTD, and Voluntary Life Insurance Coverages
• Flexible Spending Account (Health and Dependent Care)
• 401(k) plan with a 5% company match
• A generous time off program
• Educational assistance program
• Employee discount on certain credit union services and products
• Free on-site parking
• Team Dividend Bonus and 401k Profit Sharing Opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with occasional evenings and weekends for events

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for marketing and communications specialists with 1-3 years of experience in the Columbus, Ohio area.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services, specifically Credit Unions

Company Size: Small (11-50 employees), which fosters a close-knit team environment and offers opportunities for growth and impact

Founded: 1936, with a rich history serving the educational community in Ohio

Company Description:

• Education First Credit Union (EFCU) was established in 1936 by five Columbus City School teachers as a credit union for teachers and their families
• EFCU has grown to nearly 50 employees with three locations, offering unique products and services tailored to the needs of educators and school employees
• EFCU's mission is to provide affordable, comprehensive, state-of-the-art financial services to members and the educational industry

Company Specialties:

• Education Community

Company Website: www.educu.org

ASSUMPTION: EFCU's focus on the educational community sets it apart from other financial institutions, offering a unique opportunity for candidates interested in serving this sector.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry to Mid-Level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing and communications department

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Manager and works closely with other internal teams, such as Business Development and Member Services

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with approximately 90% of work done on-site and 10% at external events

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist or Marketing Manager role
• Expanding skills and knowledge in marketing, communications, and digital strategies
• Gaining experience in event planning, community engagement, and business development

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a strong foundation for career growth in marketing and communications, with opportunities to learn and develop within a supportive team environment.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: EFCU has three branch locations in Columbus, Ohio, with the main office in downtown Columbus

Office Location(s): 510 E Mound St, Columbus, Ohio 43215, US (Main Office), 501 W Schrock Rd, Suite 100, Westerville, Ohio 43081, US (Branch Office), 5990 E Main St, Columbus, Ohio 43213, US (Branch Office)

Geographic Context:

• Columbus, Ohio, is the state capital and the most populous city in Ohio, offering a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and employment opportunities
• The Columbus metropolitan area is the largest in Ohio and the 32nd-largest in the United States, providing a robust job market and ample networking opportunities
• Columbus is home to several major corporations, including Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, American Electric Power, and L Brands

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with occasional evenings and weekends for events

ASSUMPTION: Columbus, Ohio, offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone screening with HR (20 minutes)
• Panel interview with Marketing Manager and other team members (60 minutes)
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and innovation in marketing strategies and content development
• Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
• Communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing and communications experience, skills, and achievements
• Prepare examples of your work, such as marketing campaigns, social media content, or blog posts, to showcase your skills and creativity
• Research EFCU's mission, values, and target audience to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its goals

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Social Media, Campaign Management, Content Creation, Brand Awareness, Member Engagement, Community Events, Business Development

ASSUMPTION: EFCU's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
• Graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required, as training will be provided.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Member-focused: EFCU prioritizes the needs and satisfaction of its members above all else
• Integrity: EFCU upholds the highest ethical standards in all aspects of its operations
• Community involvement: EFCU actively participates in and supports the communities it serves

Work Style:

• Collaborative: EFCU fosters a team-oriented work environment, with regular communication and coordination among departments
• Adaptable: EFCU encourages employees to be flexible and responsive to changing priorities and demands
• Member-centric: EFCU prioritizes the needs and preferences of its members in all decision-making processes

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with EFCU's member-focused value, and can you provide an example of a time when you put member needs first?
• How do you handle working in a fast-paced, adaptable environment, and can you describe a time when you had to pivot quickly to meet changing demands?
• How do you approach maintaining brand consistency across various marketing channels and materials?

ASSUMPTION: EFCU values candidates who are passionate about serving members, adaptable, and committed to maintaining brand consistency.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Occasional evenings and weekends for community events and business development activities
• Working in a small, close-knit team, which may require additional flexibility and adaptability
• Potential exposure to sensitive member information, requiring strong confidentiality and data protection practices

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be managed effectively by strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Marketing & Communications Specialist vs. Marketing Coordinator: The Specialist role offers more strategic and creative responsibilities, while the Coordinator role focuses more on tactical execution and administrative tasks
• Industry-specific context: EFCU's focus on the educational community sets it apart from other financial institutions, offering unique opportunities for candidates interested in serving this sector
• Career path comparison: This role offers a clear path for progression to Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist or Marketing Manager roles, with opportunities for growth and development within the marketing and communications department

ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between similar roles and the unique context of EFCU's mission and target audience is essential for candidates to assess their fit for this position.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a social media campaign to increase member engagement and drive membership growth
• Creating and distributing marketing materials for a new product launch, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms and materials
• Managing a marketing campaign across digital, social media, email, and print channels, monitoring performance, and providing recommendations for service enhancements

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for the Marketing & Communications Specialist role at EFCU.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the biggest challenges facing the marketing and communications department, and how can this role help address them?
• How does this role fit into the overall marketing and communications strategy for EFCU?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the marketing and communications department?
• How does EFCU support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the team culture like, and how does this role contribute to maintaining a positive and productive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and organization, and provides valuable information to help you make an informed decision about your candidacy.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing and communications experience, skills, and achievements
• Prepare examples of your work, such as marketing campaigns, social media content, or blog posts, to showcase your skills and creativity
• Research EFCU's mission, values, and target audience to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its goals
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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