Product Marketing Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Product Marketing Manager

🔹 Company: Academic Partnerships

🔹 Location: US - Remote

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Higher Education

🔹 Date Posted: April 25, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Serving as the day-to-day marketing account manager for assigned university partners
• Supporting the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns to increase enrollments
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize marketing strategies and improve the student journey
• Managing project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. It also necessitates a deep understanding of digital marketing channels and a proven track record of successful marketing strategies.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Become an in-house expert in assigned partners’ products/programs, brand positioning, and target audiences

✅ Leverage market research and student insights to identify growth opportunities and improve partner/program features and value propositions

✅ Support manager with project oversight of voice of the customer research, collaborating with Marketing Research & Insights Team

✅ Create, maintain, and execute marketing calendar, plans, campaigns, and assets

✅ Actively monitor partners’/programs’ lead, application, and enrollment performance, and report on these metrics to key stakeholders

✅ Develop key messages for marketing campaigns based on partner’s brand standards, market positioning, and target audiences

✅ Create and submit creative briefs to support development of marketing assets and manage all regulatory approvals to ensure university and governmental compliance

✅ Review marketing assets on a regular cadence to ensure accuracy and alignment to partner’s brand standards and company’s best practices

✅ Collaborate with media, SEO, marketing automation, and field marketing to monitor key metrics and ensure lead volume, lead quality, and conversion rates achieve acquisition and enrollment goals

✅ Conduct performance analyses, using data-driven, critical, and innovative thinking to plan and execute optimizations based on performance data

✅ Execute on new partner/program launches, working towards near flawless execution for on-time delivery in market

✅ Develop and deliver partner-facing communications and presentations

✅ Work closely with all cross-functional teams to continuously improve the online experience throughout the entire student journey

✅ Develop and maintain good internal and external relationships for assigned partners and projects

✅ On fee-for-service engagements, help manage the marketing-related budget and deliver on contractual commitments throughout the statement of work

✅ Other duties, as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently and in a team environment, with a focus on driving results and meeting deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s level degree required; Master’s degree (MBA) a plus

Experience: 3-5 years of marketing experience, preferably in brand management, portfolio management, or product management experience. Agency marketing account management experience highly desirable

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing strategies and campaigns
• Strong project management and organizational skills with experience managing multiple projects and/or clients
• Strong command of digital marketing channels, especially paid media. Conversant in Google Analytics or similar web analytics tools
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office required; experience with Salesforce CRM and Tableau a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Solid presentation skills and comfort in presenting in front of groups and clients
• Ability to develop and sustain strong relationships and work collaboratively across functions and teams
• Strong attention to detail required

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with higher education or edtech industry
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in higher education or edtech may have an advantage in understanding the unique aspects of this role. Additionally, fluency in multiple languages could be beneficial for working with diverse university partners.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Product Marketing Manager with 3-5 years of experience in the higher education sector)

Benefits:

• 18 days PTO + Winter Shutdown
• 12 designated holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Medical – four options
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & Disability (company paid)
• Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account
• Retirement plan with company match
• Maternity / Paternity / Parental Leave (company paid)
• Volunteer Time Off
• Wellness program
• Alternative medicine options
• Pet discounts
• Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
• Continuous Professional and Leadership Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement for employees and their dependents
• Rewards & Recognition programs

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Product Marketing Manager with 3-5 years of experience in the higher education sector. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Academic Partnerships operates in the higher education and edtech sectors, focusing on expanding access to affordable, life-changing education

Company Size: Academic Partnerships has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 2007, with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education

Company Description:

• Academic Partnerships provides services to help universities grow and increase access to affordable, life-changing education
• The company offers a range of services, including online program management, marketing, and student support
• Academic Partnerships works with universities to expand their reach and impact, particularly for working and adult students

Company Specialties:

• Higher education management
• Online education
• Edtech

Company Website: http://www.risepoint.com

ASSUMPTION: Academic Partnerships' focus on expanding access to education and its large employee base suggest a dynamic and collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level career stage, requiring a balance of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and strong project management skills

Reporting Structure: The Product Marketing Manager reports directly to the Director or Senior Director, Product Marketing

Work Arrangement: This role is remote, with flexible working hours and the expectation of regular communication with team members and stakeholders

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a senior or director-level role within the Product Marketing team
• Opportunities to work on diverse university partner accounts and gain exposure to various aspects of the business
• Chance to develop expertise in higher education marketing and contribute to the company's mission

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the Product Marketing team and gain valuable experience working with diverse university partners.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote, with no physical office location required

Office Location(s): N/A (remote work only)

Geographic Context:

• The United States, with a focus on working and adult students
• Diverse university partners with varying needs and target audiences
• Remote work allows for flexibility and the ability to work from various locations

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement for this role provides flexibility and the ability to work from various locations, with a focus on results and meeting deadlines rather than strict office hours.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth behavioral and skills-based interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Director or Senior Director, Product Marketing
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Marketing strategy and campaign development
• Project management and organizational skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Industry knowledge and understanding of higher education marketing
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of higher education marketing and the unique aspects of this role
• Prepare for behavioral and skills-based interview questions, focusing on your ability to manage multiple projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive results

ATS Keywords: Product Marketing, Higher Education, Digital Marketing, Campaign Management, Project Management, Brand Management, Portfolio Management, Data Analysis, Communication, Presentation Skills, Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Market Research, SEO, Marketing Automation, Customer Insights, Creative Briefs

ASSUMPTION: Academic Partnerships uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Salesforce CRM
• Tableau
• Google Analytics
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, as they are commonly used in marketing roles and will be essential for success in this position.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Student-centered
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Data-driven
• Results-oriented

Work Style:

• Remote and flexible work arrangements
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Focus on driving results and meeting deadlines

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing strategies and campaigns?
• Are you comfortable managing multiple projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams?
• Do you have strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to present in front of groups and clients?

ASSUMPTION: Academic Partnerships values candidates who are student-centered, innovative, collaborative, data-driven, and results-oriented. Strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills are essential for success in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Working remotely, which may require self-motivation and time management skills
• Navigating the unique aspects of higher education marketing and understanding the needs of diverse university partners
• Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in digital marketing

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong project management, communication, and adaptability skills, as well as a willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Product Marketing Manager vs. Brand Manager: Both roles focus on marketing products or brands, but a Product Marketing Manager is more focused on the strategic development and management of products, while a Brand Manager focuses on the overall brand strategy and positioning
• Higher Education Marketing vs. General Consumer Marketing: Higher education marketing requires a deep understanding of the unique aspects of the industry, such as working with university partners and targeting adult learners, while general consumer marketing focuses on broader audiences and products
• Product Marketing Manager vs. Marketing Manager: A Product Marketing Manager is more focused on the strategic development and management of products, while a Marketing Manager may have a broader scope, overseeing all marketing efforts for an organization or specific product lines

ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between these roles and the unique aspects of higher education marketing is crucial for success in this position and for career growth within the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a marketing campaign to increase enrollments for an online degree program in partnership with a university
• Conducting market research to identify growth opportunities and improve partner/program features and value propositions
• Managing the launch of a new online degree program, working towards near flawless execution for on-time delivery in market

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for success in this role, from strategic planning and market research to tactical execution and project management.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical marketing calendar and campaign timeline for our university partners?
• How does the team collaborate with cross-functional partners, such as media, SEO, and marketing automation teams?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of marketing campaigns, and how are they tracked and analyzed?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the most rewarding aspects of working on the Product Marketing team, and what are some of the unique challenges faced by the team?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions can help you better understand the role, the team dynamics, and the company culture, enabling you to make an informed decision about whether this position is the right fit for you.

📌 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 experience and skills, with a focus on higher education marketing and project management
• Prepare for behavioral and skills-based interview questions, focusing on your ability to manage multiple projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive results
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to present your ideas and strategies for marketing campaigns and project management
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your interest in the role

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