Strategic Communications and Marketing Coordinator - Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Envir

About the role

The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) elevates the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a leader in sustainability, energy, and environmental research, education, and campus engagement. The marketing coordinator will play a key role on iSEE’s strategic communications team by helping develop content, campaigns, audience research, and analytics-informed strategies that advance the institute’s visibility and impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop content that translates complex scientific research, programs, and engagement activities for diverse audiences and diverse modes of communication (including data visualization and social media posts).
• Write and edit content for websites, social media, newsletters, printed materials, and other marketing assets that maintain a consistent voice and adhere to university and iSEE brand and style guidelines.
• Support content planning and development across iSEE’s major programs and initiatives to ensure clarity, consistency, and audience relevance.
• Aid in audience research and segmentation to better understand iSEE’s target audiences, including faculty, students, policymakers, funders, industry partners, and the public.
• Help define audience needs and interests to guide targeted outreach. Assist in tailoring messaging approaches for different audiences and platforms.
• Use analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, email, and social media metrics) to track campaign performance and audience engagement. Assist in analyzing data to identify trends, insights, and opportunities for improvement. Prepare performance summaries and recommendations to support data-informed marketing decisions.
• Work with the Director of Strategic Communications to help develop and refine marketing strategies aligned with iSEE’s strategic goals. Conduct market research to inform messaging, channel selection, and campaign approaches. Maintain awareness of marketing trends, tools, and best practices relevant to higher education and research communications.
• Collaborate with iSEE staff, faculty partners, and campus units to align marketing efforts with program goals. Collaborate with web, design, and communications staff to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent campaign execution. Contribute to and work within the team’s project management system to support organization, efficiency, and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, business administration, journalism, or a related field.
• Three (3) years (36 months) of professional work experience in marketing, communications, public relations, brand management, or a related field.
• Experience creating content for digital platforms in a professional environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree may substitute for one year of work experience and a PhD may substitute for two years of work experience.
• Experience engaging with scientists and writing about scientific research in non-technical ways;
• Experience with data analysis and engagement tracking in digital environments;
• Familiarity with analytics tools, email marketing platforms, or content management systems;
• Experience working in higher education, research, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,000 to $75,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.