Marketing and Communications Specialist, Small Business Development Center

Position is a Grade 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $56,030-$68,190, subject to change based on experience, skills, and qualifications. This is a one-year position through September 2027, with the possibility of extension, funded by soft dollars (no severance). On-campus work is required.

About the role

As the Marketing and Communications Specialist, you'll be the storyteller and strategist behind Lehigh University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC), helping entrepreneurs and small business owners grow, succeed, and create opportunity. You'll turn program data into narratives that matter and build visibility to connect more clients with the support they need.

Responsibilities

• Develop and produce all marketing collateral — digital, print, and social — representing the Lehigh SBDC and its programs to clients, funders, and community partners.
• Manage digital platforms including the SBDC website, email campaigns, and social media channels to drive client recruitment and sustained engagement.
• Translate complex program performance data into compelling impact stories that fulfill state and federal stakeholder reporting requirements.
• Track, measure, and document program outcomes to demonstrate the SBDC's regional economic impact to key stakeholders.
• Coordinate outreach initiatives and promotional campaigns that increase awareness of SBDC services across diverse small business communities.
• Work directly with the SBDC Director to align communications strategy with program goals, funding requirements, and growth priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, or related fields; Master's Degree preferred.
• Three to five years of work-related experience.
• Proficiency managing digital platforms — CMS, email marketing tools, and social media — end to end.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to translate data and complex program outcomes into clear, engaging narratives.
• Experience supporting reporting or grant communications in an academic, nonprofit, or government-funded program environment.
• Comfort working independently in a small, mission-focused team where your contributions are directly visible.
• Familiarity with small business, economic development, or entrepreneurship ecosystems is an asset.

Benefits

• Generous leave entitlements.
• Study assistance.
• Retirement benefits reflecting the University's commitment to its people.

Why Lehigh

Lehigh University offers a genuinely supportive environment for professional staff. Within the College of Business, you'll work alongside faculty and practitioners deeply invested in regional economic impact. The SBDC's work is tangible — real businesses, real outcomes, real community. Your communications will drive enrollment, satisfy funders, and amplify stories that deserve to be heard.