Staff Associate

About the role

The Science of Reading Center at SUNY New Paltz seeks a creative, organized, and collaborative marketing professional to increase awareness, engagement, and enrollment in the Center’s programs. This is a hands-on, on-site role for a marketing generalist who can think strategically and execute tactically. The Marketing Manager will develop and implement integrated marketing efforts that elevate the Center’s profile across campus, throughout New York and nationally. The ideal candidate has approximately five years of professional marketing experience and thrives in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment where initiative and follow-through matter. This position requires close collaboration with the Executive Director, Center Fellows, SUNY New Paltz’s Office of Communication & Marketing, and campus partners. Regular in-person meetings, event execution, relationship-building, and campus engagement are central to success in this role.

The Science of Reading Center

The Science of Reading Center, SUNY New Paltz is a hub for prek-12 educators in New York and nationwide to build their knowledge, preparation, and strategies to provide evidence-based reading instruction and practice to deliver on the promise of equitable education for all children.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Marketing & Brand Development

• Develop and execute annual marketing plans aligned with the Center’s mission and growth goals
• Strengthen brand positioning in alignment with SUNY New Paltz guidelines
• Identify target audiences (educators, districts, campus stakeholders, partner states) and build messaging strategies accordingly
• Conduct basic market research and competitive analysis to inform campaigns

Content Creation & Digital Media

• Create compelling written content including email campaigns, website copy, press materials, and social media posts
• Design marketing assets using Canva (or similar tools)
• Develop and manage content calendars across platforms
• Support digital storytelling through video and podcast content (planning, scripting, basic editing coordination preferred)
• Maintain website content and collaborate on updates within SUNY systems

Campaign & Lead Generation

• Execute integrated marketing campaigns across social media, email, website, events, and paid advertising (as budget allows)
• Support lead generation and enrollment growth for the microcredential and other offerings
• Collaborate on CRM implementation and list management
• Track campaign performance and recommend adjustments based on data

Events & Community Engagement

• Support planning and promotion of live and virtual events
• Coordinate logistics and marketing for the Center’s annual Leading Literacy Summit
• Collaborate with Fellows and partners to amplify events regionally and nationally

Media & External Relations

• Work with SUNY New Paltz’s Office of Communication & Marketing on press outreach
• Identify opportunities to elevate the Center’s thought leadership
• Build relationships with education-focused media outlets and partners

Data & Reporting

• Monitor analytics across email, website, social media, and paid campaigns
• Develop basic performance dashars and reports
• Use data to inform strategy and optimize marketing investments

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Approximately five (5) years of relevant marketing experience
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Experience managing social media accounts professionally
• Proficiency in Canva or similar design platforms
• Experience executing email marketing campaigns
• Familiarity with website content management systems
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently
• Comfort working collaboratively within a university structure

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or education-related organizations
• Experience with digital content creation (video, podcasting, photography)
• Familiarity with CRM platforms
• Basic understanding of SEO and digital analytics
• Passion for literacy and evidence-based education

What Success Looks Like

• Increased awareness of the Science of Reading Center across key markets
• Growth in inquiries and enrollment
• Consistent, high-quality content output
• Strong event attendance and engagement
• Clear reporting on marketing performance