Req #: 228686 Department: HOUSING & FOOD SERVICES Job Location: Remote/Hybrid, Seattle Campus Job Location Detail: A hybrid arrangement that includes working two days remotely is an option based on supervisor approval. Posting Date: 11/14/2023 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Salary: $7,500 per month Other Compensation: Shift: First Shift Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.
MARKETING AND CONTENT STRATEGY MANAGER
Thank you for considering Housing & Food Services at the University of Washington, Seattle.
At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.
Housing & Food Services (HFS) provides on-campus housing to over 10,000 student residents and operates over 40 dining and café locations that serve the entire campus community. In order to successfully accomplish this, we employ over 1,200 students, classified and professional staff members who work throughout HFS, providing residential and dining services to the campus. As reflected in our mission statement—working together to enhance student life—teamwork and service to our students and customers are at the heart of our business.
To learn about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at UW Housing & Food Services, you are encouraged to review our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement Training .
The Marketing and Content Strategy Manager is responsible for the creative development and execution of engaging and inclusive content for current and prospective students and their families, HFS staff and the UW community.
As an auxiliary enterprise, the Department is funded solely by revenue from students and customers who utilize these programs and services, such as on-campus housing, residential dining, retail dining, UW Bay Laurel Catering, summer conference housing, and the Husky Card campus ID card. This position plays a key role in leading annual and ongoing efforts to market on-campus housing and food services options to prospective students and HFS residents. Effectiveness is achieved by ensuring that marketing tactics reflect ever-evolving trends and best practices, and support the Department’s occupancy, resident satisfaction, and business goals.
PURPOSE
In collaboration with the Communications and Marketing (ComMar) team members and HFS partners, this position provides expertise and thought leadership in marketing, content strategy, and storytelling to enhance the reputation of the Department. The priority of this role is to increase student, campus community and stakeholder awareness of and participation in HFS programs and services, in support of the educational mission of the institution. Effectiveness is achieved by being closely attuned to opportunities to tell the story of HFS and the benefits of living and dining on campus that continually emerge in a dynamic environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Marketing and Content Strategy Development:
• Develop comprehensive marketing plans, content strategies and messages, incorporating analytics and user research, and aligning with user and organization goals.
• Serve as a storyteller, sharing Department highlights to generate local and national interest in housing and dining programs, and supporting the narrative of the experience of living on campus for prospective students and current residents.
• Create and maintain an HFS editorial calendar with themes and content updated annually and distributed across a variety of communication channels.
• Assess requests for updates and changes to the HFS website and recommend placement for the content within the website information architecture.
• Partner with HFS website team and HFS IT partners to collaborate on site components to enhance the user experience.
• Maintain a user-focused approach that follows UW and HFS brand and editorial style guidelines.
• Conduct website content audits to identify content gaps and redundant, outdated material, as well as facilitate reviews with subject matter experts and content owners to resolve and maintain quality and accuracy throughout content lifecycle.
• Conceive, write, produce, and edit content for Department communications, including the HFS website, digital publications, and other projects. Review and approve content produced by other team members.
• Apply a lens of equity and inclusion to all communications.
Project and Relationship Management:
• Lead the delivery of consistent messaging to a variety of audiences with HFS and UW partners.
• Provide guidance to peers within the Department in developing and executing effective marketing and communication strategies, as well as in telling the story of HFS and promoting programs and services, identify opportunities and provide coaching and resources.
• Manage multiple projects at any given time and ensure that deliverables are completed on time and within budget. Provide timely and ongoing communication related to the status of projects and plans.
• Utilize negotiation and relationship-building skills to create buy-in from partners and manage changing priorities and project timelines.
• Collaborate with ComMar colleagues to support continual learning and process improvement.
• Identify potential solutions to complex problems and unique issues as they arise.
Supervision:
• Oversee the work completed by direct reports, ensuring appropriate productivity and quality.
• Evaluate the work completed by direct reports and provide coaching and constructive feedback.
• Provide guidance to direct reports on requirements and opportunities for learning and professional development.
Miscellaneous:
• Lead and/or participate in project- and cross-functional teams.
• Respond to University and Department emergencies, including serving in the Unit Response Center when activated to support HFS facilities, services, and communities.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support the mission and strategic initiatives of HFS.
IMPACT TO THE UNIVERSITY
Providing outstanding student experiences and student learning are at the heart of the University of Washington’s mission, and the work of Housing & Food Services contributes directly to this effort. The positive representation of HFS enhances its reputation and our ability to reach our constituents. Communicating about our diverse programs and services that meet the needs of the residents, other UW students, and faculty and staff—including a sense of community, convenience, and value—enhances the campus environment and contributes to revenue for the Department and the University.
POSITION COMPLEXITIES
The Content Strategy Manager works closely and builds consensus within the Communications and Marketing team and with key stakeholders from across the organization to continually analyze, iterate and improve content and the user experience, reflecting a keen attention to inclusivity and accessibility.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Position maintains regular office hours Monday through Friday with occasional requirements to participate in events or meetings outside of regular office hours and/or on-site work schedule. Required to respond to emergencies that occur while on or off duty.
• Work is performed in an open office setting with noise and other distractions. The position may travel to various campus locations with a laptop computer, camera or marketing materials.
• A hybrid arrangement that includes working two days remotely is an option based on supervisor approval.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct supervision of two full-time professional staff and student employees.
REPORTS TO
Director of Communications and Marketing.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, business or a related field and 3-5 years of related experience, either in an academic or production environment, including experience in a management or leadership role.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree in communications, digital and new media, user experience, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Excellent presentation, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills including communicating effectively with stakeholders and leadership about priorities and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion.
• Working knowledge of Content Management System.
• Working knowledge of journey maps, personas, and other user experience methodologies.
• Ability to learn emerging digital tools.
• Attention to detail, ability to consistently meet deadlines and strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a dynamic work environment.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
A satisfactory outcome from reference check verification is required prior to hire.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready.Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.______________________________________________________________