JOB SUMMARY

The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is seeking a full-time Communications Manager (Publicity/Marketing Coordinator).  The incumbent will report to the CTSBDC State Director and will be responsible for communications and marketing for a statewide program providing technical assistance and resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to start businesses.  The position will also be responsible for creating innovative content and impactful stories highlighting CTSBDC’s value to Connecticut’s small business owners and entrepreneurs while bringing to life the CTSBDC services.  This position will build and strengthen relationships among public, private, and academic stakeholders. The position will also work closely with the Associate State Director to support Business Advisor needs and with the State Director to promote the mission and results of CTSBDC to existing and potential funders and sponsors.

The position will be assigned to the CTSBDC Lead Office in East Hartford, CT. Evening and weekend hours, as well as in-state and out-of-state travel, will be required in support of center activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting in planning, developing, and implementing cost-effective marketing campaigns and projects for the CTSBDC across multiple channels including web, social media, and print, designed to promote brand awareness, generate client requests, build registration for webinars and workshops, and enhance understanding of the program’s value within the Connecticut entrepreneurial support system.
• Creating original content (graphic, social, written, video, and photography) across a wide range of business topics and business-oriented programs and services to promote and/or inform target audiences about the work and impact of CTSBDC.
• Writing copy for social media posts, client success stories, email blasts, newsletters, website content, blogs, press releases, public service announcements, etc., and updates, as required, content for all. Designing, maintaining, updating, and editing new and existing marketing material, as required.
• Providing project management for a variety of projects – events, event promotion, client recognition, events with public officials, web and training services, video, print, and digital.
• Managing relationships with media contacts; responding to media requests, promoting newsworthy CTSBDC initiatives and recognition in all media platforms.
• Assuring consistent application of CTSBDC branding and messaging, including requirements of federal and state funders and the host university.
• Creating a strategic approach to webinar planning, helping develop a schedule for webinars, and coordinating the outreach, content, and marketing of webinar events. Helping secure webinar delivery partners or sponsors.
• Maintaining organization's website; updating and refreshing content as required to ensure accuracy.
• Working collaboratively within UConn, leveraging relationships and resources within the School of Business, other UConn Schools and programs, and University Communications, to support the achievement of CTSBDC goals and objectives.
• Assisting in developing, coordinating, and attending recruitment events designed to promote CTSBDC and its services.
• Assisting in planning and implementing special events, including but not limited to the annual SBDC Day event, meetings of the CTSBDC Advisory Committee, and events CTSBDC conducts in partnership with its funders and other stakeholder partners.
• Managing outside vendor proposals and agreements for marketing and communication services, including social media, design and printing, photography, video and audio recording, website and social media analytics, and advertising, as required.
• Supervising student staff, interns, or volunteers engaged in marketing or publicity projects as assigned.
• Researching and keeping current with new electronic marketing technologies and trends.  May perform marketing studies to evaluate effectiveness, including cost-effectiveness, of promotional efforts.
• Attending conferences and events in support of CTSBDC activities.
• Performing related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, digital media, graphic design, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in marketing, publicity, multimedia production, journalism, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with video production and graphic design.
• Demonstrated experience developing audience-appropriate and effective multimedia content, marketing materials, advertisements, newsletters, and other promotional material.
• Demonstrated success in writing, editing, pitching, and placing earned media.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, PremierePro, Illustrator, etc.), Canva, and other similar tools.
• Demonstrated experience with WordPress, HTML, or other equivalent web platforms.
• Demonstrated experience using and managing multiple social media channels, specifically LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, WhatsApp, and YouTube for marketing and outreach in support of a professional organization.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills and experience effectively working collaboratively as part of a team. Ability to present to small and large groups internal and external to the CTSBDC. Ability to gain input from staff and keep them informed of strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and accurately, taking initiative, and exercising sound judgment when making decisions.
• Demonstrated experience with prioritization, supervision, multitasking, and meeting deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings, and weekends and travel in and out of state as needed in support of center activities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using databases and data for marketing and communications.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Demonstrated proficiency in video filming, production, and editing.
• Prior experience supporting sales or consulting teams.
• Prior experience evaluating and reporting on marketing effectiveness.
• Experience supporting entrepreneurial initiatives or working in an entrepreneurial environment.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, end-date, annually renewable position.  The salary range for this position is $64,000 to $67,500 depending on education, qualifications and experience. The University offers outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.  For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498925 to upload a resume, cover letter, contact information for three (3) professional references, and two samples each of writing, promotional material, and design/formatting work.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 28, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.