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Marketing Operations Specialist

Penn State University
Full-time
On-site
United States
βš™οΈ Marketing Operations

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Marketing Operations Specialist

πŸ”Ή Company: Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

πŸ”Ή Location: Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA (Telecommuting available)

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

πŸ”Ή Category: Marketing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: June 23, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote and On-site)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing, managing, and troubleshooting marketing processes and communications workflows
  • Serving as an expert in email marketing platform management
  • Collaborating with the senior director and client relations specialist to establish team priorities
  • Coordinating leadership communications and serving as a liaison between the executive assistant and the communications team
  • Overseeing the annual project calendar and general status of in-process projects

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Familiarity with marketing automation tools and email marketing platforms is highly desirable.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Implement and refine marketing infrastructure, processes, and complex communications workflow systems

βœ… Manage email marketing platform, including email creation, list management, training, maintenance, and scheduling

βœ… Collaborate with senior director and client relations specialist to establish team priorities and client relationship-building

βœ… Coordinate leadership communications and serve as a liaison between the executive assistant and communications team

βœ… Oversee the annual project calendar and general status of in-process projects

βœ… Create monthly email newsletter publications for various audiences

βœ… Assist with survey and focus group development, organization, and facilitation

βœ… Serve as the team liaison with Engineering IT for technology needs and support

βœ… Assist with coordinating onboarding for new staff and interns

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, project management, and organizational skills. The ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously is crucial for success in this position.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: 1+ years of relevant experience

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience in marketing operations or a related field
  • Strong proficiency in email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar)
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, or similar)
  • Familiarity with survey and focus group development and facilitation
  • Experience working in an academic or research environment

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems would be beneficial for this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $46,400 - $67,300 per year

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time
  • Generous 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children

Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid work arrangement with flexible hours

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for entry-level marketing operations roles in the United States. Benefits are competitive and typical for a large university employer.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Defense & Space, with a focus on research and development for national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth

Founded: 1945, with a rich history of supporting national priorities through research, development, and systems engineering

Company Description:

  • An integral part of Penn State University, supporting national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life
  • Designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), conducting essential research and development in support of national priorities
  • Supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technology demonstration, and transition to application

Company Specialties:

  • Research Engineering
  • University Collaboration
  • Communications, Information, and Navigation
  • Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics
  • Materials and Manufacturing
  • Undersea Systems

Company Website: arl.psu.edu

ASSUMPTION: The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is a large, established organization with a strong focus on research and development. It offers ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing and communications team

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Director, with opportunities to collaborate with various departments and units seeking communications and marketing solutions

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a combination of remote and on-campus work

Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement within the marketing and communications team
  • Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and organizational needs
  • Potential opportunities in related fields within the Applied Research Laboratory or Penn State University

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the marketing and communications team. With strong performance, there may be opportunities for advancement or expansion of responsibilities.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a combination of remote and on-campus work

Office Location(s): Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA (with remote work options)

Geographic Context:

  • Centre County is located in central Pennsylvania, with a population of approximately 160,000
  • Home to Penn State University's main campus, with a vibrant college town atmosphere
  • Offers easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a low cost of living

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work

ASSUMPTION: Centre County, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of urban and rural living, with a vibrant college town atmosphere and easy access to outdoor recreation. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility and a balance between on-campus collaboration and remote work.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
  • On-campus or virtual interview with the senior director and client relations specialist
  • Background check and reference check
  • Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Technical proficiency in email marketing platforms and project management software
  • Alignment with the company's mission and values

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and values in your application materials
  • Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
  • Research the company and its clients to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the organization's work

ATS Keywords: Marketing Operations, Email Marketing, Project Management, Collaboration, Client Relationship Building, Survey Development, Focus Group Facilitation, Technology Support, Onboarding Coordination

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's problem-solving skills, communication and collaboration abilities, and technical proficiency in email marketing platforms and project management software. Demonstrating alignment with the company's mission and values will also be crucial for success.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
  • Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
  • Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
  • Survey and focus group development tools
  • Microsoft Office Suite

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard email marketing platforms, project management software, and survey development tools is essential for success in this role. Experience with CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite is also beneficial.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Integrity
  • Excellence
  • Innovation
  • Collaboration
  • Accountability

Work Style:

  • Team-oriented and collaborative
  • Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
  • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
  • Are you adaptable and responsive to changing priorities?
  • Do you have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously?

ASSUMPTION: The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University values integrity, excellence, innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
  • Adapting to changing priorities and workflows
  • Working with diverse stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, and leadership
  • Balancing remote and on-campus work in a hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges in managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, adapting to changing workflows, and balancing remote and on-campus work in a hybrid work arrangement. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication will be crucial for success.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position focuses on operations and process management rather than creative or strategic marketing
  • This role requires strong technical proficiency in email marketing platforms and project management software, as well as strong organizational skills
  • Career progression may involve advancement within the marketing and communications team or expansion of responsibilities based on performance and organizational needs

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares some similarities with traditional marketing roles, it differs in its focus on operations and process management. Successful candidates will have strong technical proficiency, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a new email marketing campaign to improve open rates and click-through rates
  • Streamlining project management processes to improve efficiency and reduce project timelines
  • Collaborating with the client relations specialist to develop and execute a client satisfaction survey

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Marketing Operations Specialist may undertake in this role. Successful candidates will have experience with similar projects and be able to demonstrate their ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the typical workflow for managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in this role?
  • How does the team collaborate and prioritize projects to ensure client relationship-building and successful project completion?
  • What opportunities are available for professional growth and development within the marketing and communications team?
  • How does the hybrid work arrangement balance remote and on-campus work, and what tools are provided to support this work arrangement?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in this environment?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions during the interview process will help you better understand the role's demands, the team's dynamics, and the organization's culture. This information will be crucial for making an informed decision about the position and your fit within the organization.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the Notice to Out of State Applicants link provided in the job description
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
  • Research the company and its clients to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the organization's work
  • Follow up with the hiring manager 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.