Marketing Communications Manager

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, creative, self-motivated individual to lead our marketing, communications, and media efforts. The Marketing Communications Manager will create and execute an integrated, holistic strategy to achieve UIDP’s objectives by communicating to internal and external audiences, building awareness of, driving engagement with, and enhancing the reputation of UIDP among members, non-members, and potential members. The manager will be responsible for the UIDP brand and coordinate with staff to optimize consistency and member experience.

The successful candidate will manage multiple projects simultaneously, working with all members of the UIDP team to support and promote individual initiatives and the organization as a whole in alignment with the UIDP strategic plan. These initiatives include a broad scope of events, projects, resources, and member engagement.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a lifelong learner with professional curiosity, creativity, and foundational skills to gain knowledge and expand their portfolio. The successful candidate will have exposure to some of the finest innovation companies and best research universities in the world and substantially impact their partnering activities.

The Marketing Communications Manager role includes:

Strategic Planning and Implementation

• Enhance the UIDP brand through the implementation of a marketing and communication strategy and plan
• Perform an internal audit of current marketing and communications practices, provide recommendations for improvements, and implement changes
• Survey and interview external stakeholders
• Develop and implement campaigns and materials promoting UIDP events, products, sponsorships, strategic initiatives, and membership benefits and services
• Ensure external communications align with organizational voice, brand, and style standards

Digital Marketing/Social Media

• Boost and maintain a social media presence via LinkedIn, Facebook, and X
• Develop and post promotional and general interest content to increase following and garner maximum engagement

Website Management

• Manage website strategy, functionality, performance, and content
• Create and post effective, timely, and accurate SEO content on the UIDP website via WordPress
• Coordinate with external agencies to maintain maximum usability of the UIDP website

Email

• Create automated email campaigns
• Create and analyze content for monthly newsletters and other communications of interest to the UIDP community
• Create and monitor messaging for event marketing campaigns

Advertising

• Determine the most effective methods and outlets for paid advertising
• Create effective digital advertisements via Google AdWords, Facebook, and LinkedIn

Writing and Editing

• Write and edit compelling content for all marketing platforms
• Write creative, approachable, conversational content about unfamiliar topics
• Write and edit conference and workshop reports and video scripts
• Edit project reports and work with designers to translate project outputs into infographics, templates, and other support media
• Create brief surveys and analyze and disseminate results

Metrics

• Track, analyze, and report metrics across all marketing activities and make recommendations for improvements

Other

• Provide onsite support for UIDP events as needed, including content creation for event-related emails, event reports, live tweeting, etc.
• Manage external suppliers such as photographers, videographers, designers, and digital marketing agencies
• Maintain promotional calendars
• Oversee video and photo library, including uploading and organizing event photos and videos
• Lead the UIDP public relations strategy and identify relevant publications or other outlets
• Manage UIDP’s communications committee

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You are comfortable with changes in course and circumstances. You have an uncanny ability to pivot focus and resources as tasks dictate. You are an experienced, confident writer and communicator, but eager to refine your capabilities and learn new tools and technology. You are careful about the details and offer additive input to projects. You work hard, smart, and efficiently, and you can take an idea and run with it with minimal supervision. You embrace your role and enjoy providing support to the team. You are meticulous in your organizational skills and meet all deadlines expeditiously.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Minimum four years of relevant experience in marketing, advertising, public relations, or a related field.

Requirements:

• Must provide samples from previous communications-related work or projects (e.g., video production, published articles [online or print], communications on behalf of an organization, or other communications activities).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effectively communicating with internal teams, external stakeholders, and target audiences. This includes crafting compelling messaging, presentations, and marketing materials.
• Effective project management skills, including prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines while overseeing multiple Marketing Communications projects.
• Basic photo and video editing skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software
• Impeccable customer service skills and responsive attitude
• The ability to adapt to changing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Some occasional travel may be required

Additional Desired Skills

Experience with:

• Association membership marketing
• Long-form writing for general audiences (white papers, articles, blogs) as well as social media and marketing copy
• Updating websites via WordPress (HTML coding skills not required)
• Working in Adobe Creative Suite

WHO WE ARE

UIDP (www.uidp.org) is a global nonprofit membership association that helps great innovation companies and world-class research universities develop new and better collaboration approaches. UIDP is a recognized convener of thought leaders and practitioners, identifying high-impact strategies so companies and universities (along with other interested parties) can improve the return on investment from their partnerships. UIDP’s operating model is predicated on being agile and producing high-quality products that meet the community's needs.

OUR TEAM

As the quality and impact of UIDP’s work gains recognition, our team has grown rapidly over the past five years to meet the demand. Yet, we retain the spirit and energy of a mission-driven start-up. This means we are all clear on the big vision but also comfortable with the inevitable ambiguity and sense of urgency of a highly responsive, agile organization. Plentiful growth opportunities await! UIDP believes in investing in its staff to promote the achievement of personal career goals, and we have a remarkably high employee retention rate. Staff are given opportunities to enhance their skill sets through professional development. Promotion is readily available for staff members seeking greater responsibilities.

LOCATION

This position is located in Columbia, SC, USA. UIDP operates under a hybrid work schedule, and staff work 3-4 days/week in the office.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This full-time, exempt position includes a competitive salary and generous benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement, and generous paid time off. UIDP also believes in supporting the professional development of its employees and their growth within the organization.

Application Requirements: Please include a cover letter and resume in your application.

The job will be open until filled.

UIDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• This position requires in-office work 3-4 days per week. Please respond YES to acknowledge your understanding of this requirement.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• marketing, advertising, public relations, or a related field: 4 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbia, SC 29201