📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Operations Specialist
🔹 Company: HNP CT Media Group
🔹 Location: Norwalk, Connecticut
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: June 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting Sales Reps and Customer Success teams to ensure high-quality creatives and timely campaign launches
- Effectively communicating with internal teams, partners, and clients to develop targeted messaging for various advertising formats
- Serving as a customer-facing representative to gather creative assets, communicate ad proofs, and suggest best-practice recommendations
- Expediting the design and approval process to meet ad creative deadlines
- Delivering a customer-focused experience to enhance the value of advertiser partnerships
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong customer service background and a solid understanding of digital and print advertising to effectively manage client relationships and ensure campaign success.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting Sales Reps, Customer Success teams, and Clients to ensure delivery of high-quality creatives and on-time launch of marketing campaigns
✅ Effectively communicating with internal teams, partners, and clients to develop on-target messaging for advertisements (including video, digital & print display, email & audio)
✅ Serving as a customer-facing representative of HCMG Advertising Department to gather creative assets, communicate ad proofs to customers, and suggest best-practice recommendations to improve campaign engagement
✅ Expediting the design and approval process to meet ad creative deadlines
✅ Serving as the creative communications and design resource for customers, educating clients and agencies on critical elements that drive impactful creative
✅ Delivering a customer-focused experience to our advertisers, enhancing and strengthening the value of their partnerships with our organization
✅ Fulfilling additional Ad Creative and Ad Operation related duties, as assigned by management
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 3+ years of experience in the digital media industry, with a focus on advertising campaign processing, management, and/or fulfillment
Required Skills:
- Proficient with basic Excel
- Demonstrable record of success with client-facing roles, to include customer service and/or account management
Preferred Skills:
- Customer service and process-driven mindset, with an interest in creative direction
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with a solution-oriented mindset
- General understanding of digital and print advertising and how creative elements impact campaign performance
- Experience maintaining relationships with customers, including local, regional, franchise, or national business representatives, advertising agencies, and marketing managers
- Experience working effectively and positively with internal departments (i.e., Sales, Customer Experience, Production & Finance Teams)
- Ability to manage a high volume of customers while maintaining effective communication and diligence
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and adapt to changes
- A passion for digital and print media/marketing as a user and general knowledge of our ad products
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is preferred, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. Candidates should have a strong background in customer service and a solid understanding of advertising to excel in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Marketing Operations Specialist with 3-5 years of experience in the Norwalk, CT area)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts on company products and services
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for project deadlines)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Norwalk, CT area. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1877 (as a newspaper publisher; acquired by Hearst Corporation in 1991)
Company Description:
- Hearst Connecticut Media Group is a leading provider of local news and advertising solutions, publishing 9 daily newspapers and 21 weekly publications across Connecticut
- The company is committed to providing local, watchdog, and investigative reporting while offering cost-effective and targeted advertising opportunities for its customers
- Hearst Connecticut Media Group is part of the Hearst Corporation, a diversified media, information, and services company with more than 360 businesses
Company Specialties:
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Digital Advertising
- Local Audience and News Coverage
Company Website: hearstmediact.com
ASSUMPTION: Hearst Connecticut Media Group is a well-established company with a strong focus on local news and advertising. Applicants should be familiar with the local market and have an understanding of the company's products and services.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Advertising Operations Manager and works closely with Sales, Customer Experience, Production, and Finance Teams
Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexibility for remote work during inclement weather or other exceptional circumstances
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a Senior Marketing Operations Specialist or similar role within the Advertising Department
- Expansion into other departments, such as Sales or Customer Experience, based on performance and interest
- Professional development opportunities, including training and workshops, to enhance skills and knowledge
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the Advertising Department and the broader Hearst Connecticut Media Group organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office with an open floor plan
Office Location(s): 301 Merritt 7, Suite 1, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851, US
Geographic Context:
- Norwalk is a coastal city in southwestern Connecticut, with a population of approximately 88,000
- The city offers a mix of urban and suburban environments, with easy access to New York City and other nearby attractions
- Norwalk has a diverse economy, with strengths in healthcare, finance, and retail, in addition to media and advertising
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable working in an open office environment and have a flexible schedule to accommodate project deadlines.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the Hiring Manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the Advertising Operations Manager and a member of the Sales or Customer Experience Team
- Final interview with the Director of Advertising
Key Assessment Areas:
- Customer service and communication skills
- Understanding of advertising campaign management and fulfillment
- Problem-solving and time management skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the advertising industry and the specific needs of the company's clients
- Showcase your ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
ATS Keywords: Marketing Operations, Advertising Campaign Management, Customer Service, Account Management, Excel, Digital Media, Print Advertising, Client Relations, Problem Solving, Collaboration
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's customer service and communication skills, as well as their understanding of advertising campaign management and fulfillment. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and provide examples of their problem-solving skills.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Advertising trafficking and proofing systems (e.g., AdTraffic, AdProof)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software is essential for this role. Experience with advertising trafficking and proofing systems is preferred but not required.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Quality
- Independence
- Innovation
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and deadline-driven
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Customer-focused and solution-oriented
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment?
- Are you able to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively?
- Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients and internal teams?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with the company's values and work style before applying. Strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, and a customer-focused mindset are essential for success in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a high volume of customers while maintaining effective communication and diligence
- Working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and adapting to changes
- Balancing the needs of internal teams, partners, and clients while ensuring campaign success
- Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in digital and print advertising
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage a high volume of customers, work in a fast-paced environment, and adapt to changes. Strong communication skills and a customer-focused mindset are essential for overcoming these challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Marketing Operations Coordinator or Advertising Traffic Coordinator, with a focus on customer service and campaign fulfillment
- Unlike these roles, the Marketing Operations Specialist is responsible for communicating with clients and internal teams to develop targeted messaging for various advertising formats
- Career progression from this role may include advancement to a Senior Marketing Operations Specialist or similar role within the Advertising Department, or expansion into other departments based on performance and interest
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should compare this role to similar positions in the industry to understand the unique responsibilities and career growth opportunities it offers.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing the creative approval process for a high-profile advertising campaign, ensuring all assets are received, reviewed, and approved on time
- Developing and implementing a new process for gathering and organizing customer creative assets to improve campaign launch efficiency
- Collaborating with internal teams to create and distribute targeted email campaigns, driving customer engagement and revenue growth
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and collaborative nature of the Marketing Operations Specialist role. Applicants should be prepared to provide examples of their own relevant experience and skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as Sales and Customer Experience?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
- How does this role contribute to the overall success of the Advertising Department and the company?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role and the broader organization?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and gain a better understanding of the company's culture and priorities.
📌 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 for this role
- Prepare examples of your problem-solving skills and customer service experience
- 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.
