Part-Time Strategic Marketing Specialist

Employer: Harper College

Location: Palatine, Illinois, United States

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: Oct 8, 2025

Position Type: Faculty Positions, Business & Management, Marketing & Sales, Communications, Public Relations & Advertising, Administrative, Business & Administrative Affairs, Public Relations & Marketing (Campus)

Employment Type: Part Time

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations or related field.

Experience: Minimum five years’ experience working in categories such as marketing/sales, public relations, agency, educational/business advertising or related field. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Ability to contribute to a collaborative work environment a must.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Researches and analyzes demographic and psycho-demographic characteristics of our district as they relate to specific market(s) or service line(s).

Anticipates educational or business unit trends, match data with community needs and institutional priorities.

Works with appropriate staff to secure secondary research or conduct primary research such as focus groups and surveys.

Plans a unifying theme for market(s) or service line(s) under the Harper image, if necessary. Ensures that marketing materials are consistent and share commonalties with each other while supporting the Harper brand graphic identity and positioning statement.

Collaborates with director, associate director, marketing department and clients to develop and implement annual marketing communication plans for specific markets or service lines, identify target market segments, and design strategies and tactics to generate awareness, engage interest and inquiries to achieve institutional priority goals.

Consults with internal clients, assists in the clarification of measurable communication goals and/or events and lead/manage planning process and strategy execution.

Research and test emerging communication and media channels.

Works with appropriate internal/external vendors to define accurate project deliverables and cost estimates. Report/maintain budget reports as necessary. Complete all accounting/billing tasks in an accurate and timely manner.

Works in collaboration with the Communications Department to ensure appropriate publicity for specific market(s) or service line(s).

Manages projects related to specific market(s) or service line(s). Serves as project manager for these projects and collaborates with designers, Web content manager, digital content specialist, publishing and distribution services, vendors and campus clients for successful project completion.

Works with internal staff or external vendors to define selects and secure/purchase databases. Maintains and/or develops subscriber, inquiry or lead databases as necessary.

Responsible for accurate use of the MSC project management system to manage/communicate project status with client and internal MSC workgroups.

Researches, develops and writes original content for traditional and digital media, mass media, social media, and online communications. Rewrites and edits copy submitted by clients. Manages proofing oversight.

Communicates campaign/project status with client to exceed expectations.

Manages multimedia projects including developing video scripts/storyboards and selecting a producer, Manages internal staff or external vendors by providing oversight to entire project (i.e. editing, CGs, VOs) to assure quality is in line with the parameters of the assignment.

Plans strategy, develops editorial schedule, writes, tests, distributes, and evaluates response rates of e-mail communications.

Responsible for working with Purchasing department on RFPs, securing Board approval, vendor selections, securing quotes, billing, etc.

Utilizes social media channels as necessary and appropriate for target audience.

Integrates, tests, tracks and evaluates effectiveness of current and emerging channels/communication tools where appropriate. These may include QR codes, search, SEO, etc.

Leverages AI tools and technologies to enhance marketing strategy, campaign execution, and performance insights as needed.

Develops high touch, priority landing pages and updates using Harper’s web content management system.

Familiarity with various design platforms e.g. template systems, Canva, etc. to coordinate projects with designers and provide basic finished graphics

Delivers and executes projects under tight timeframes and on budget.

Responsible for tracking and reporting all applicable media via analytics system.

Works effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary Marketing and Communications team to communicate, coordinate, and integrate Marketing and Communications, and apply best-in-class practices to all efforts.

Assists with special projects and events upon request.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily performed indoors and is sedentary in nature. The position is on campus with limited remote work potential. Some overtime, evening and weekend work is required to perform duties of the job.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Researches, plans and implements marketing strategies and tactics to position Harper College brand, grow enrollment and/or promote College events, programs and services. This includes working with and through college colleagues to optimize marketing and communication of programs and services and managing appropriate promotional efforts. Typically focuses on one or more specific markets or service lines.