Marketing Production Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing Production Specialist

🔹 Company: Rice University

🔹 Location: Houston, Texas, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs

🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (combining in-office and remote work)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing the production of various annual giving projects
• Collaborating with internal teams and external vendors
• Ensuring projects are completed efficiently and at a high quality
• Overseeing project documentation, budgets, deliverables, and milestones

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of organization, professionalism, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team. Experience working with a variety of clients and vendors is also beneficial.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manages the Annual Giving team’s day-to-day production of multiple marketing projects from start to finish

✅ Establishes and maintains project production schedules, including a master annual giving communications calendar for the team

✅ Tracks deliverables with various Annual Giving and Communications team members and assists in drafting creative briefs

✅ Leads weekly project status meetings and oversees the production review process as needed

✅ Assists in vendor management on specific projects for digital and print production

✅ Obtains quotes for annual giving print and production projects. Reviews art and data deliverables for accuracy and quality assurance

✅ Prepares data files for print production mailings coordinating necessary edits and proofing with the vendor

✅ Assists in preparing marketing reports and coordinates debriefs after major projects to ensure best practices

✅ Processes Annual Giving production invoices for payment and maintains accounting data to reflect expenses by project

✅ Performs all other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of multitasking, prioritization, and attention to detail. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for success.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 1+ years of related professional experience

Required Skills:

• Ability to prioritize work and multi-task in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a team
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions
• Relevant subject matter knowledge

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, English, or liberal arts
• 2+ years’ experience coordinating digital and print communication projects
• 2+ years’ experience with overall planning, calendar management, and administrative responsibilities
• Experience working for an institution of higher education or non-profit organization
• Experience working in a marketing or fundraising environment
• Experience coordinating multi-faceted projects using project management software like Teamwork (or similar systems)
• Experience using Blackbaud CRM and Blackbaud Internet Solutions (or similar alumni/donor database system)
• Experience in a PC Windows environment
• Ability to take direction and work to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Strong listening skills
• Strong time management skills
• Demonstrated team player who can work across teams to deliver a common goal
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel
• Values attention to detail
• Familiarity with project management software

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's Degree is required, additional related experience can be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. Similarly, additional related education can be substituted for experience.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Marketing Production Specialist with 2-5 years of experience in the Houston area)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plans (403(b) and pension)
• Tuition assistance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Discounts on various services and products

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a hybrid work arrangement combining in-office and remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Houston area. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Education Administration Programs

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 1912 (as a private research university)

Company Description:

• Rice University is a private research university located in Houston, Texas
• It is known for its rigorous academics, innovative research, and strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
• The Center for Career Development (CCD) offers programs, services, and resources to help guide students in pursuing their career goals

Company Specialties:

• Career Development

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

ASSUMPTION: Rice University is a well-established institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to student success. The CCD plays a crucial role in supporting students' career development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Marketing and Donor Growth

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (combining in-office and remote work)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a senior role within the marketing or fundraising department
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to various aspects of the university's operations
• Chance to develop skills in project management, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the university's marketing and fundraising departments.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-campus office with a hybrid work arrangement

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

Geographic Context:

• Houston is the fourth most populous city in the United States and offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and culinary experiences
• The Rice University campus is located in the West University Place neighborhood, with easy access to major highways and public transportation
• The campus is known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and vibrant student life

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-campus collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to enjoy the best of both worlds.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• On-campus interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the director of the department

Key Assessment Areas:

• Project management skills
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Attention to detail and quality assurance
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Cultural fit with the university's values and mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your project management, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Research the university's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of and alignment with the institution

ATS Keywords: Marketing Production Specialist, Annual Giving, Project Management, Vendor Management, Print Production, Digital Communication, Quality Assurance

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, so it is essential to tailor your application materials and prepare thoroughly for interviews.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Project management software (e.g., Teamwork)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Blackbaud CRM and Blackbaud Internet Solutions
• Print and digital design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant project management, design, and marketing tools is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence in all endeavors
• Integrity and honesty
• Respect for the individual and the diverse ideas that each individual brings to the university
• Stewardship of the university's resources
• Collaboration and teamwork

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Strong focus on collaboration and teamwork
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Are you detail-oriented and committed to producing high-quality work?
• Do you have experience managing multiple projects and deadlines?
• Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, and external vendors?

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a strong fit with the university's values and a work style that aligns with the dynamic, collaborative nature of the CCD.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, and external vendors
• Balancing on-campus collaboration and remote work effectively
• Adapting to changes in priorities and project timelines

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, effective communication, and a commitment to maintaining a high level of organization and flexibility.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Marketing Coordinator or Project Manager within a higher education or non-profit setting
• However, it is unique in its focus on annual giving campaigns and collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders
• Career progression may include roles such as Senior Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing and Donor Growth

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other marketing and project management positions, its unique focus on annual giving campaigns and collaboration with various stakeholders sets it apart.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing the production of a university-wide fundraising campaign, including print and digital communication materials
• Coordinating with external vendors to produce high-quality print and digital materials within budget and deadline constraints
• Developing and maintaining a master annual giving communications calendar to ensure efficient project planning and execution

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and the level of detail required for success in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical timeline for annual giving campaigns and how this role fits into that process?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and teams within the university?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the annual giving campaigns in the upcoming year, and how can this role help address them?
• How does the university support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the work environment like for this role, and how does the hybrid work arrangement function in practice?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates a strong interest in the role and a commitment to understanding the university's priorities and work environment.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Rice University Career Site
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for interviews by researching the university's mission, values, and recent initiatives, and practicing your responses to common interview questions
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role
• If selected for the position, be prepared to provide references and complete a background check

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