Media Specialist

Department: Col of Engineering and Computing

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

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Office of Communications and External Relations is the lead communications office for the CEC. The Office develops and implements overall communications strategy and planning and aligns CEC mission, messaging, and marketing with the that of the university. The Office works to increase awareness of the accomplishments and contributions of the CEC faculty, students, staff, and alumni among internal and external stakeholders, and by doing so improve our reputation and increase our enrollment.

About the Position:

The Web Strategist will work collaboratively with the CEC Communications Team to play a crucial role in developing and executing comprehensive strategies to enhance our online presence, drive traffic, and achieve organizational goals. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented strategic thinker with exceptional writing skills. a deep understanding of web technologies, digital marketing trends, and user experience principles. The Web Strategist will leverage new and existing technologies, create original content, and design techniques to develop impactful and results-driven deliverables within the Mason and CEC branding and messaging.

*Please note that this is not a 100% remote/virtual position, but it is telework friendly. Depending upon your department/office, you may have the ability to telework 1-3 days per week.

Responsibilities:

Web Strategy

• Develops and implements effective web strategies aligned with CEC overall objectives;
• Assists the Sr. Director with analysis of market trends, competitor activities, and user behaviors to identify opportunities for improvement;
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to optimize website content, structure, and user experience;
• Implements SEO best practices to enhance organic search visibility and drive traffic;
• Creates and oversees content strategies that align with brand messaging and engage target audiences;
• Ensures content is optimized for search engines, resonates with the target demographic, and adheres to the brand voice;
• Monitors website analytics and key performance indicators to measure the success of implemented strategies; and
• Generates regular reports and provide insights for continuous improvement.

Content Creation

• Collaborates and communicates with faculty and staff in various areas to write and produce original web content to include news items, marketing content for course and program descriptions, faculty profiles, etc.;
• Edits content that is generated by other site owners and users to ensure proper tone and messaging as well as correct grammar, spelling, and syntax; and
• Uses SiteMasonry guidance and best practices to ensure content elevates user journey and complies with web accessibility standards.

Digital Marketing Integration

• Collaborates with the CEC marketing team Office of University Branding, and outside vendors to integrate web strategies with broader digital marketing initiatives; and
• Leverages social media, email marketing, newsletters, podcasts, and other channels to drive traffic and enhance online visibility.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Seeks out opportunities to improve office operations and make recommendations for implementation; and
• Takes on additional work as needed to ensure the smooth operations of the unit and CEC.

Required Qualifications:

• Some experience (1-3 years) writing on a variety of topics and crafting marketing copy;
• Significant experience (3-5 years) working in content management systems such as Drupal or WordPress;
• Knowledge of best practices in Search Engine Optimization and ability to monitor Google Analytics to identify trends and make meaningful recommendations for improvement;
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and exceptional writing skills;
• Attention to detail and deadlines;
• Flexibility to adapt to change;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities;
• Ability to master new tools and skills to track and provide project status and metrics;
• Ability to process suggestions, corrections, and feedback constructively and professionally;
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat;
• Superior communication and organizational skills;
• Willingness to learn new software and project management applications; and
• High school diploma.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in English, Journalism, Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field;
• Significant experience (3-5 years) in writing and editing in higher education and or engineering and computing;
• Experience in web strategy and branding;
• Significant understanding of marketing concepts and metrics; and
• In-depth knowledge of web technologies, SEO, and digital marketing trends.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Media Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and provide a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information. Full consideration will apply to applicants who submit their completed application by March 3, 2025; however, review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Please submit two writing samples with resume, by attaching the documents, or link web.

Posting Open Date: February 10, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 3, 2025

Open Until Filled: Yes