Marketing & Communications Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing & Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: Rice University Center for Career Development (CCD)

🔹 Location: Houston, Texas, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs

🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns to promote CCD offerings
• Creating compelling content that showcases student success and the CCD’s impact
• Designing branded collateral and managing CCD’s website and social media accounts
• Collaborating with CCD staff and campus partners to increase event attendance and visibility
• Supervising and mentoring student interns supporting marketing and communication efforts

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, creativity, and strong communication skills to manage multiple concurrent projects and stakeholders effectively.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns (email, web, social, video, and print) to promote CCD offerings

✅ Create compelling content that showcases student success, employer engagement, and the CCD’s impact

✅ Design branded collateral, including flyers, reports, digital graphics, and presentations aligned with university brand standards

✅ Manage CCD’s website and social media accounts, ensuring content is timely, engaging, and consistent in tone and style

✅ Create and distribute newsletters and communications calendars for students and employer partners

✅ Track, analyze, and report engagement metrics to evaluate campaign effectiveness and drive continuous improvement

✅ Lead marketing and promotional efforts for high-visibility events such as Career Expos, Career Treks, Career Nights, and more

✅ Collaborate with CCD staff and campus partners to increase event attendance and visibility

✅ Coordinate with vendors and manage budgets for marketing materials and promotional items (e.g., CCD swag)

✅ Supervise and mentor student interns supporting marketing and communication efforts

✅ Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to extend CCD’s reach

✅ Perform all other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field

Experience: 1+ years of relevant experience, ideally in higher education or career services

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit high-quality content across media formats
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and time management
• Strong writing, editing, and content creation skills for web and social media
• A customer service mindset and the ability to build professional relationships
• Professional demeanor and strong collaboration skills

Preferred Skills:

• Two years of proven experience in developing and managing digital and print communication
• Experience with social media platforms, email marketing tools, and CRM systems
• Experience with data analytics and reporting
• Enthusiasm, integrity, and a creative approach to problem-solving
• Familiarity with Rice University culture and branding is a plus
• Deep understanding of graphic design principles and tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Photoshop)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with additional related experience or education may substitute for the required degree or experience on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $52,000 - $56,000 annually, contingent upon qualifications and experience

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with employer match
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave
• Employee assistance program and wellness resources

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with occasional evening and weekend work required for events, workshops, or employer engagement

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in higher education. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Education Administration Programs

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: The Rice University Center for Career Development (CCD) is a division of Rice University, founded in 1912

Company Description:

• Offers programs, services, and resources to help guide students in pursuing their career goals
• Educates, connects, and empowers students to assist them in their career readiness
• Assists students with career development both inside and outside the hedges

Company Specialties:

• Career Development

Company Website: https://ccd.rice.edu/

ASSUMPTION: The CCD is a dedicated department within Rice University focused on supporting students' career growth and success.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Early to mid-career level, with opportunities for growth and professional development

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications at the CCD

Work Arrangement: Hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the CCD or Rice University
• Opportunities to work on high-visibility events and projects, gaining valuable experience
• Chance to mentor and supervise student interns, developing leadership skills

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to the career success of Rice University students.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site with hybrid flexibility, allowing for remote work as needed

Office Location(s): Rice University campus in Houston, Texas

Geographic Context:

• Houston is the fourth-most populous city in the United States, offering a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and recreational opportunities
• The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class museums, and numerous parks and green spaces
• Houston is also a major hub for the energy industry, with numerous Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the area

Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional evening and weekend work required for events, workshops, or employer engagement

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides a balance between on-campus collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to optimize their work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the Rice University careers portal
• Phone or video screen with the CCD's Human Resources team
• In-depth interview with the Director of Marketing and Communications and other CCD staff members
• Final interview with the CCD's Executive Director

Key Assessment Areas:

• Candidates' communication and writing skills
• Graphic design and content creation abilities
• Project management and organizational skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with CCD values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Provide specific examples of your graphic design and content creation work
• Demonstrate your understanding of the CCD's mission and how your skills align with its goals
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, showcasing your interest in the role and the CCD

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Content Creation, Higher Education, Career Services, Student Success, Event Planning, Social Media, Email Marketing, Data Analytics, Project Management

ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experiences, and cultural fit for the role and the CCD.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Canva
• Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
• Email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Data analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics)

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

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Student-centered approach
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and continuous improvement

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Strong focus on team collaboration and communication
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong commitment to student success and a student-centered approach to your work?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
• Do you have a creative and innovative mindset, with a willingness to learn and adapt to new tools and technologies?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with the CCD's values and work style will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple concurrent projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Balancing the demands of on-campus collaboration and remote work
• Occasional evening and weekend work for events, workshops, or employer engagement
• Adapting to changes in priorities and workflows as needed

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong project management skills, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt and learn.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other marketing and communications roles, this position is focused on promoting career development programs and services within a higher education setting
• This role requires a strong understanding of higher education and career services, as well as the ability to work effectively with students, employers, and campus partners
• Career progression in this role may involve moving into more senior marketing and communications positions within higher education or related industries

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar positions in other industries or settings.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing campaign for an upcoming Career Expo, including email blasts, social media promotions, and on-campus flyers
• Creating a series of engaging and informative blog posts or articles highlighting student success stories and CCD offerings
• Designing and producing a quarterly newsletter for CCD stakeholders, featuring updates on CCD programs, services, and events

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and required skills for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workflow and priorities for this role?
• How does the CCD collaborate with other departments and campus partners to promote its offerings?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the CCD and Rice University?
• How does the CCD measure the success of its marketing and communication efforts, and what metrics are most important?
• What is the work environment like, and how does the CCD support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role and provide valuable insights into the CCD's culture and work environment.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Rice University careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for your interview by researching the CCD's mission, values, and programs, and practicing your responses to common interview questions
• Follow up with the CCD's Human Resources team after your interview to express your interest in the role and ask any remaining questions

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