Marketing and Communications Manager

Department: University Life

Classification: Public Relations & Mktg Spec 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Payband: 04

Salary: Starting mid $50k; commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

About the Department:

Mason Recreation inspires an inclusive atmosphere that fosters lifelong well-being for the University’s diverse students and community through active experiences, education, and engagement.

University Life Marketing and Communications (UL MarCom) proactively supports the units of University Life in achieving their missions to help every student succeed by facilitating outreach to the Mason community in an authentic, clear, and organized manner while providing insight into the behavior, interests, and needs of a diverse student population through research and data analysis.

About the Position:

The Marketing and Communications Manager is responsible for managing the promotion of Mason Recreation programs, services, and facilities, and the development of internal and external materials designed to attract and retain users. The Manager directs internal unit marketing efforts, supervising a range of student and wage employees to execute marketing and communications projects. The Manager also assists colleagues with their marketing efforts and maintains an active and meaningful contribution to the university’s well-being initiatives.

This position works as part of a team of marketing professionals in the University Life Marketing and Communications unit, and reports to the Associate Director of Marketing and Communication for University Life.

Responsibilities:

Promotions, Public Relations and Commercial Sponsorship:

• Develops comprehensive, integrated marketing plans, including a brand tool kit, calendar, and measurable results, in coordination with the programming, business, and facilities teams;
• Writes press releases, newsletters, and articles for internal and external media outlets, both printed and online;
• Attends university meetings and events pertinent to Mason Recreation;
• Networks to learn of accomplishments, new programs, events, etc. to promote in the press;
• Edits and proofreads departmental written materials;
• Initiates, coordinates, and monitors outside advertising for all EDGE programs (works with Associate Director of EDGE to identify and book advertising opportunities for the EDGE);
• Works with Freedom Center’s Marketing Manager and the Associate Director of the EDGE to develop and implement annual marketing plans;
• Coordinates/oversees work of wage/student graphic designers, writers, brand ambassadors, and marketing assistants with regards to external and internal marketing and educational materials and in-person promotional activities;
• Develops, revises, and oversees the yearly calendar for distribution of marketing materials;
• Oversees mailing/email contact lists and newsletters;
• Develops a yearlong calendar that supports department programs and activities with a proactive social media presence;
• Manages wage/student staff to create brand appropriate posts;
• Tracks and evaluates engagement data; and
• Plans, purchases, and manages inventory/storage and distributes promotional items.

Shared Service Team Member:

• Sits on a team of professionals that makes up the UL Marketing and Communications Shared Service;
• Attends weekly team meetings; and
• Contributes to team projects as required and requested.

Program Development and Support:

• Knowledgeable about all aspects of Mason Recreation with specific emphasis on facilities, programs, and services on the Fairfax campus, as well as the EDGE on the Science and Tech campus, and surrounding community;
• Ensures current and accurate information is dispensed consistently to the staff;
• Works directly with appropriate program, sales, and facility staff to develop campaigns and related collateral material as tools for use in marketing new or existing programs and services; and
• Composes, compiles, and presents reports related to marketing and assists with departmental reports.

Event Management:

• Assists with orientation, facility tours, transfer open-houses, and University 100 class presentations; and
• Assists with the planning process and marketing support for departmental events such as: NIRSA Recreational Sports & Fitness Day, Welcome2Mason events: Recreation Sensation, Rocking With Rec, Dive In Movie, Splash Night, etc., and 2 annual Graduate Student Life events: Alumni Engagement and the Mason Open Annual Golf Tournament.

Website Development and Maintenance:

• Collaborates with UL MarComm’s Web Developer and Mason Recreation staff to implement designs for graphics and web page layouts, routinely reviews and updates content for accuracy and user-friendliness;
• Helps ensure that the department is compliant with George Mason University’s website policies;
• Maintains a user-friendly, visually appealing, and functional website that meets the needs of the department and enhances the mission of the university and department;
• Manages wage/student staff to monitor and update the website to include posting emergency and news notices expeditiously;
• Ensures staff sites contain current information;
• Reviews and edits website materials prior to staff publishing them on their specific sites;
• Works closely with appropriate staff to coordinate the website information and its functionality;
• Prepares and distributes a yearly calendar for website deadline dates; and
• Continues to seek out new design and development techniques.

Customer Service:

• Provides input for all customer service policies;
• Participates in the development and implementation of training conducted for customer service programs that result in pleasant, timely, and knowledgeable service for members and guests; and
• Helps develop and participates in the administration of annual member/guest surveys and used to obtain feedback on all aspects of Recreation. 

Personnel Management:

• Using UL MarCom and Mason Recreation supervision guidelines, supervises and trains wage/student workers, as well as a Graduate Professional Assistant when applicable;
• Regularly evaluates training to ensure it is applicable and assists in meeting marketing goals; and
• Advises managers regarding programs and techniques needed to increase participation/sales, with emphasis on cross-marketing efforts.

Fiscal Management:

• Reviews monthly financial results from marketing efforts and prepares and submits monthly variance analysis; monitors and tracks expenses to ensure the most efficient use of resources and to adhere to budget parameters;
• Tracks sponsorship contracts and ensures collaborative agreements are met; and
• Develops an annual budget proposal, and presents to the Mason Recreation senior leadership team.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Experience in Recreation marketing, typically obtained in 1-3 years;
• Experience working with students;
• Experience working as a team member;
• Demonstrated skill in managing the design and execution of a wide range of marketing and communications projects, including working with project management tools;
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of marketing, promotions, and communication techniques;
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement effective marketing strategies;
• Time management skills to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, while operating in a deadline-sensitive environment;
• Demonstrated working knowledge of social media management and implementation in a professional setting (Instagram, Hootsuite);
• Ability to demonstrate video and graphic design skills at a departmental level; 
• Demonstrated ability to commit to diversity and comfort working with a diverse population;
• Ability to be present on Mason’s Fairfax campus at least three days per work week unless possessing approved accommodations allowing an altered schedule; and
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Experience with membership and participation in applicable professional organizations and developmental workshops
• Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
• Proven ability to thrive in a team-oriented workplace;
• Demonstrated knowledge of operating in a higher education marketing and communications unit environment;
• Ability to effectively write, edit, and present on a wide variety of topics;
• Demonstrated skill in persuading, encouraging collaboration, and building consensus; and
• Ability to effectively manage wage/student workers to achieve positive results.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Marketing and Communications Manager at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  February 20, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  March 18, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes