Marketing and Communications Specialist - Department of Career Planning and Development (Temporary 6-Month Assignment)

Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the U.S., offering over 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to more than 50,000 students. With campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia, KSU emphasizes academic excellence, innovative research, and global engagement.

About the Role

Coordinates and implements marketing and communication projects that support departmental and college goals, shaping effective strategies and enhancing the College’s reputation through public image campaigns, special events, and interactive social media content.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships within the assigned department/college to align marketing efforts with business strategies and project expectations.
• Manage comprehensive marketing and communications strategies, campaigns, projects, and tactical execution plans.
• Oversee production processes, day-to-day project activities, and provide analytical analysis.
• Create advertising, marketing copy, newsletters, memos, reports, and other communications to increase enrollment, philanthropic support, name recognition, and enhance the department/college’s profile.
• Plan and execute engaging social media content strategies to enhance reputation and drive traffic to the department/college’s website.
• Oversee day-to-day activity on social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) to promote events, programs, and recruit students.
• Ensure communications align with University and department/college brand messaging and policies.
• Produce creative collateral, including pop-up banners, brochures, booklets, signage, newsletters, email templates, print ads, campaigns, GIFs, static images, videos, and event promotions.
• Direct projects using internal and external resources (e.g., team members, automation/CRM systems, videography, PR/marketing teams, agency partners, freelancers).
• Plan and manage project communications, monitor status, proactively manage changes, and communicate regularly.
• Evaluate and analyze marketing initiatives to determine effectiveness.
• Coordinate and host department/college events (on and off-campus) to promote the brand, programs, and recruit students.
• Analyze website SEO using approved platforms (Google Analytics, BrightEdge, etc.) and provide insights for updates.
• Write content and partner with webmasters to meet SEO and web goals.
• Analyze web performance, report KPIs, and recommend improvements.
• Propose and manage the department/college’s marketing budget for the fiscal year.
• Perform administrative functions to support marketing and communications projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in marketing, business administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of marketing, communications, or public relations experience with a focus on account management and digital campaign management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in higher education.
• Extensive experience with computer software, including Google Analytics certification and SEO tools (BrightEdge or similar).
• Advanced degree in a related field from an accredited institution.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite (including Photoshop), and other relevant software.
• Knowledge of communication, sales, marketing principles, and branding standards.
• Excellent attention to detail, follow-up, and customer service skills.
• Comfortable interacting at all organizational levels and building positive relationships.

Pay

The budgeted salary range is $52,000 to $55,000, with offers based on relevant experience.

Primary work locations: Kennesaw campus (1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144) or Marietta campus (1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060).