Graphic Designer and Marketing Coordinator
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer and Marketing Coordinator
Company: University of Colorado Anschutz, Colorado School of Public Health
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States (Hybrid)
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Marketing Operations / Communications
Date Posted: 2026-08-21
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🚀 Role Summary
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Drive multi-channel marketing initiatives and manage communications for prospective student recruitment within the Colorado School of Public Health.
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Develop and execute digital marketing campaigns, leveraging traditional and new media to enhance student acquisition and growth.
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Create compelling visual content and design aesthetics across digital and print platforms to support school-wide branding and marketing efforts.
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Analyze marketing tactics and metrics to optimize campaign performance and inform strategic decision-making for enrollment pipelines.
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Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure cohesive messaging and effective outreach to prospective students and academic partners.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges graphic design and marketing coordination, with a strong emphasis on digital recruitment and performance marketing within a higher education context. The "Open Rank Communications Senior – Principal Professional" title suggests a career path with increasing responsibility and scope, requiring a blend of creative execution and strategic campaign management.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
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Coordinate the development and dissemination of marketing content across various channels, including the school's website, social media platforms, and email campaigns.
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Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Marketing and campus/department leads to create an electronic viewbook, and develop printed materials for departments, centers, and programs.
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Maintain and update essential school-level digital assets such as the school directory, event calendar, website homepage, and newsroom sections.
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Design and produce engaging graphics, layouts, and visual elements that align with the ColoradoSPH brand identity and enhance communication objectives.
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Assist in the design, management, and standardization of ColoradoSPH branded assets, including templates for presentations, letterhead, flyers, email signatures, and business cards.
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Support prospective student acquisition and growth objectives through the execution of targeted campaign marketing and performance marketing strategies.
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Work collaboratively with the communications team to identify, nurture, track, and analyze enrollment pipelines with undergraduate institutions within Colorado and the surrounding region.
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Design compelling content for student recruitment marketing materials, including ad copy, social media posts, and email communications.
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Analyze campaign performance data to provide actionable insights and recommendations for optimizing marketing strategies and resource allocation.
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Manage the school's digital presence, ensuring content is up-to-date, engaging, and aligned with strategic marketing goals.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative design and strategic marketing execution, particularly in the context of higher education student recruitment. The emphasis on "performance marketing" and "analyzing tactics and metrics" indicates a need for data-driven decision-making and a results-oriented approach.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
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A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Business, or a closely related field from an accredited institution is required.
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A Master's degree in a similar field is considered a preferred qualification.
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A combination of education and relevant technical, military, or paraprofessional experience may substitute for the Bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. Experience:
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Senior Professional: A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in marketing, content development, social media management, web/digital marketing, and/or multi-channel marketing campaigns.
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Principal Professional: A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in marketing, content development, social media management, web/digital marketing, and/or multi-channel marketing campaigns.
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Experience in prospective student marketing within a university, higher education, or graduate program setting is highly preferred. Required Skills:
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Advanced knowledge of social media marketing strategies and best practices.
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Proficiency in developing and executing multi-channel marketing campaigns across digital and print media.
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Strong content development skills, including copywriting, editing, and proofreading for marketing materials.
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Ability to track and measure marketing success through analytics and other relevant metrics.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, with a strong command of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
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Ability to multi-task, prioritize projects effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
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Proficiency in learning new digital, social media, and software applications.
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Adaptability and willingness to reinvent procedures in response to technological advancements and changing environments.
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Outstanding creativity with a flair for marketing, design, and content editing.
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Demonstrated experience in fostering an inclusive community that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Preferred Skills:
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Photography skills and experience with photo editing software.
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Experience in design for digital marketing, including the ability to create simple ads, brochures, and videos in-house.
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Video production experience.
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Familiarity with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) principles and implementation.
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Experience with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems for tracking student interactions and pipelines.
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Knowledge of website content management systems (CMS).
📝 Enhancement Note: The "Open Rank" structure (Senior Professional vs. Principal Professional) is clearly defined by years of experience, with the Principal Professional level requiring more extensive experience and potentially a Master's degree. The emphasis on analytical skills alongside creative abilities is a key differentiator for this role.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Showcase a range of marketing campaign materials, demonstrating an ability to develop integrated strategies across multiple channels (digital ads, social media content, email campaigns, print collateral).
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Include examples of graphic design work that highlight strong visual communication, brand adherence, and aesthetic appeal, specifically for marketing and recruitment purposes.
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Present case studies or examples of website content management, illustrating updates to directories, calendars, or news sections, and showcasing an understanding of user experience and information architecture.
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Demonstrate experience in creating and managing branded assets, such as templates for presentations, flyers, and email communications, emphasizing brand consistency.
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Provide examples of content created for student recruitment, including ad copy, social media posts, and email marketing, highlighting persuasive messaging and targeted outreach. Process Documentation:
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Detail the process followed in developing and executing a multi-channel marketing campaign, from initial strategy and audience segmentation to execution, measurement, and optimization.
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Illustrate the workflow for updating and maintaining website content, including content creation, review, approval, and publishing processes.
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Outline the methodology used for analyzing marketing campaign performance, including the metrics tracked, tools used, and how insights were translated into actionable improvements.
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Describe the process for collaborating with cross-functional teams or external partners (e.g., academic departments) on marketing initiatives, emphasizing communication and project management.
📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Graphic Designer and Marketing Coordinator" title, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase design skills but also evidence of marketing campaign management, content creation for recruitment, and analytical capabilities. The emphasis on "performance marketing" and "analyzing tactics and metrics" suggests a need for portfolio pieces that demonstrate measurable results.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
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Senior Professional: $60,000 - $69,000 annually (1.0 FTE)
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Principal Professional: $63,000 - $79,000 annually (1.0 FTE)
These ranges represent the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting. The actual salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the final determination of the appropriate rank.
Benefits:
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Medical Insurance: Multiple plan options available.
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Dental Insurance: Multiple plan options available.
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Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, and Vision insurance options.
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Retirement Plan: 401(a) Plan with a significant employer contribution (10% of gross pay).
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Paid Time Off: Accrual system providing generous leave.
- Vacation Days: 22 days per year (maximum accrual of 352 hours).
- Sick Days: 15 days per year (unlimited maximum accrual).
- Holiday Days: 10 days per year.
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Tuition Benefit: Access to tuition benefits on all CU campuses for employees.
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ECO Pass: Reduced rate for RTD Bus and light rail service.
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Additional Perks: Access to the CU Advantage program for various additional benefits and programs.
Working Hours:
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This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) position.
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The standard working hours are not explicitly stated but are assumed to be typical for a full-time university role, likely around 40 hours per week.
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The role is designated as Hybrid, requiring the employee to be on-site three days per week.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to the two "ranks" within the job title, indicating a structured compensation approach. The extensive benefits package, particularly the employer contribution to the 401(a) plan and generous paid time off, is a significant draw for university positions and should be highlighted.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Higher Education (Public Health)
Company Size: Large (University System)
The University of Colorado system is a vast and complex institution. The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) is a collaborative school combining expertise from three universities, making it a significant entity within the region's academic landscape. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and a broad network, but also means navigating larger organizational structures.
Founded: The Colorado School of Public Health was established in 2007. As a relatively young school within a long-standing university system, it embodies a blend of established academic tradition and modern, forward-thinking initiatives.
Team Structure:
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Operations Team: The role is part of the Central Administration for the Colorado School of Public Health. It reports to the Director of Communications and Marketing. The team structure is likely collaborative, involving close work with other communications specialists, department leads, and potentially student affairs personnel.
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Cross-functional Collaboration: This role will require significant collaboration with various departments, centers, programs, and academic leads within the ColoradoSPH, as well as with undergraduate institutions in the state and region for recruitment efforts.
Methodology:
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Data-Driven Marketing: The role emphasizes analyzing tactics and metrics to drive prospective student acquisition and growth, indicating a data-driven approach to marketing strategy and campaign evaluation.
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Integrated Communications: A focus on multi-channel marketing efforts suggests an integrated approach, ensuring consistent messaging across digital, print, and social media platforms.
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Brand Management: A key responsibility involves assisting with the design and management of ColoradoSPH branded assets, highlighting the importance of maintaining brand integrity and consistency.
Company Website: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/
📝 Enhancement Note: The collaborative nature of the Colorado School of Public Health, spanning multiple universities, presents a unique environment for operations professionals. Understanding how to navigate inter-university communication and align marketing efforts across different academic units will be key.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This position is classified as "Open Rank Communications Senior – Principal Professional." This indicates a mid-to-senior level role within the communications and marketing function.
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Senior Professional: Typically involves 2-3 years of relevant experience, contributing to established marketing and design processes.
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Principal Professional: Requires 3+ years of experience, suggesting a greater degree of autonomy, strategic input, and potentially leadership in specific projects.
Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Colorado School of Public Health. This provides a clear line of management and guidance.
Operations Impact: The role's primary impact is on prospective student acquisition and growth, which directly influences the school's enrollment numbers, reputation, and overall success. By developing effective marketing campaigns and compelling visual content, this position contributes to the school's ability to attract top talent and achieve its academic and research objectives.
Growth Opportunities:
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Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in digital marketing, performance marketing, social media strategy, and advanced graphic design techniques.
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Career Advancement: Potential to progress to higher-level communications or marketing roles within the Colorado School of Public Health or the broader University of Colorado system. This could include roles like Senior Marketing Specialist, Digital Marketing Manager, or Communications Manager.
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Leadership Potential: The "Principal Professional" rank suggests opportunities for leading specific marketing initiatives or projects, developing strategic recommendations, and potentially mentoring junior team members.
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Cross-functional Experience: Exposure to various academic departments and university-wide initiatives provides a broad understanding of higher education operations and marketing.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "Open Rank" designation is a critical aspect for career growth. Candidates should understand that initial placement and salary will depend on their experience, and there's a clear pathway for advancement within the defined ranks. The role offers a good blend of creative and analytical development, beneficial for a career in marketing operations.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid work environment. The position requires being on-site at the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO, three days per week. The remaining two days can be remote.
Office Location(s):
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Primary Location: CU Anschutz Campus, Aurora, Colorado. This is a major health sciences campus with extensive facilities.
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Derived Location: While the job posting mentions "Hybrid" and the URL points to a broader Colorado context, the derived location is Colorado Springs, Colorado. This might be an error in the source data or indicate broader recruitment reach. However, the description clearly states "CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO." For clarity, the primary work location is Aurora.
Workspace Context:
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Collaborative Environment: The role is part of a Central Administration team and requires close collaboration with the Director of Communications and Marketing, as well as faculty and staff across various departments and potentially other universities.
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Tools and Technology: Access to standard university IT infrastructure, design software, marketing platforms, and potentially analytics tools will be available. Specific tools are not detailed but will likely include Adobe Creative Suite, content management systems, and social media management tools.
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Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for focused work at home while maintaining in-person collaboration, team meetings, and strategic discussions on campus.
Work Schedule:
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Full-time (1.0 FTE).
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The hybrid arrangement offers some flexibility, balancing on-site presence with remote work days. Specific daily hours are not detailed but are typical for university administrative roles.
📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key feature, offering a balance between flexibility and in-person collaboration. The primary work location is explicitly stated as CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO, despite the derived location suggesting Colorado Springs. Candidates should clarify this discrepancy if it's a concern.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Application Submission: Candidates must submit a letter of interest, CV/Resume, and three to five professional references through the online application portal.
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Initial Screening: Applications will be screened starting immediately and continuing until
September 4, 2026.
- Potential Stages: While not explicitly detailed, a typical university hiring process might include:
- Phone/Video Screen: Initial conversation with HR or the hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and interest.
- Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their design and marketing work. This may involve a dedicated presentation or discussion.
- Skills Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study designed to evaluate design, content creation, and strategic marketing skills relevant to student recruitment.
- On-site/Virtual Interview: Interviews with the hiring manager, potential team members, and other key stakeholders to assess fit, communication skills, and strategic thinking.
- Final Selection: Decision based on overall qualifications, portfolio, interview performance, and reference checks.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Highlight Recruitment Focus: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of work specifically related to student recruitment, marketing campaigns, and visual content designed to attract prospective students.
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Demonstrate Design Versatility: Showcase a range of graphic design skills, from digital ad creation and social media graphics to brochures and presentation templates. Emphasize brand consistency and aesthetic appeal.
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Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or results from your marketing campaigns. For example, mention improvements in engagement rates, click-through rates, or lead generation attributed to your work.
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Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss your design and marketing process for key projects – how you interpret briefs, conduct research, develop concepts, and refine designs based on feedback.
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Tailor to Higher Education: If you have experience in higher education marketing, highlight it. If not, explain how your skills are transferable and how you understand the nuances of marketing to students within an academic setting.
Challenge Preparation:
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Design Challenge: Expect a task that requires creating a piece of marketing collateral (e.g., a social media ad campaign, a flyer for an open house, or a short video concept) based on a provided brief for student recruitment.
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Content Strategy: Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing content for a specific recruitment campaign, considering target audience, messaging, and channel selection.
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Analytics Discussion: Prepare to talk about how you would measure the success of marketing efforts, what KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are important for student recruitment, and how you use data to inform strategy.
📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio. Candidates should prepare to present tangible examples of their work, specifically tailored to the requirements of student recruitment marketing in higher education. The screening begins immediately, suggesting prompt application is advisable.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Graphic Design Software: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential for creating visual assets. Experience with other design tools may also be relevant.
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Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms for website content management (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) to update school websites.
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Social Media Management Tools: Experience with tools for scheduling, publishing, and monitoring social media content (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social).
Analytics & Reporting:
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Web Analytics: Proficiency with tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic, user behavior, and campaign performance.
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Marketing Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools that measure campaign ROI, track conversion rates, and provide insights into marketing effectiveness.
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Data Visualization Tools: Ability to create clear and impactful reports and dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel functions.
CRM & Automation:
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CRM Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) used in higher education for managing prospective student inquiries and pipelines would be advantageous.
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Email Marketing Platforms: Experience with platforms for creating, sending, and tracking email marketing campaigns (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or university-specific systems).
Other:
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Microsoft Office Suite: Strong proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for general office tasks, document creation, data analysis, and presentation design.
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Video Editing Software: Basic video editing skills (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or simpler tools) may be beneficial for producing promotional videos.
📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the responsibilities clearly imply a need for proficiency in industry-standard design software, web content management, social media tools, and marketing analytics platforms. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with any of these categories.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Collaboration & Partnership: The role requires working closely with various internal departments and external academic partners, emphasizing a collaborative and supportive approach to achieve shared goals.
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Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on analyzing metrics and evaluating tactics highlights a value for evidence-based strategies and continuous improvement in marketing efforts.
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Creativity & Innovation: The graphic design aspect and the need for engaging marketing content suggest a value placed on creative thinking and innovative approaches to communication.
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Commitment to Public Health Mission: As part of the Colorado School of Public Health, the team likely shares a commitment to advancing public health through education, research, and community engagement.
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Inclusivity & Diversity: The university's stated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment indicates that these values are integral to the team's operations and interactions.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates seamless collaboration with academic units, central administration, and potentially external universities to ensure cohesive marketing messages and recruitment strategies.
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Feedback-Oriented: A dynamic marketing and design environment typically thrives on constructive feedback exchange to refine creative outputs and campaign strategies.
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Knowledge Sharing: Within a university setting, there is often a culture of sharing best practices, insights, and resources to collectively enhance the institution's reach and impact.
📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances academic rigor with the dynamic needs of marketing and recruitment. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a structured, yet creative, environment, valuing both data insights and collaborative problem-solving.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Balancing Creative and Analytical Demands: The role requires excelling in both graphic design and data analysis/marketing strategy, which can be demanding.
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Navigating University Structures: Working within a large university system can involve complex approval processes and inter-departmental coordination challenges.
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Keeping Pace with Digital Trends: The digital marketing landscape evolves rapidly, requiring continuous learning and adaptation of strategies and tools.
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Measuring ROI in Higher Education: Demonstrating direct ROI for marketing efforts in student recruitment can be challenging due to long enrollment cycles and multiple influencing factors.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to enhance skills in digital marketing, SEO, campaign management, and data analytics.
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Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential to attend marketing and design conferences, or pursue certifications in areas like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or specific design software.
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Mentorship: Access to mentorship from the Director of Communications and Marketing and other senior professionals within the university system.
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Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about the broader operations and strategic goals of the Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado system.
📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach challenges such as balancing diverse responsibilities and navigating complex organizational structures. The growth opportunities highlight a strong potential for professional development within the higher education marketing field.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe your process for developing a marketing campaign specifically aimed at recruiting prospective graduate students for a public health program. What key channels would you prioritize and why?"
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"How do you balance the creative demands of graphic design with the analytical requirements of performance marketing and data analysis?"
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"Walk us through a time you used data analytics to inform or adjust a marketing strategy. What were the insights, and what was the outcome?"
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"How would you approach creating a cohesive brand identity for a new program within the Colorado School of Public Health, ensuring consistency across digital and print materials?" Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about working for the University of Colorado and the Colorado School of Public Health specifically?"
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"How do you foster an inclusive environment in your work, and how have you contributed to diversity in previous roles?"
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"Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure productivity and collaboration?"
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"How do you stay updated on the latest trends in graphic design and digital marketing?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by campaign, skill set, or project type. For this role, prioritize examples demonstrating student recruitment, digital marketing, and graphic design for educational institutions.
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Storytelling: For each project, don't just show the final product. Explain the objective, your role, the process you followed, the tools you used, and the results achieved (quantify whenever possible).
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Highlight Key Responsibilities: Ensure your presented work directly addresses the core responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as content creation for websites, social media, and print collateral; campaign development; and data analysis.
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Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and tools you used for each project and your level of expertise.
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Conciseness: Aim for a presentation that is engaging but efficient, respecting the interviewer's time.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative flair, strategic marketing acumen, and analytical capabilities. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, so candidates must be prepared to articulate the "why" and "how" behind their work, with a clear focus on measurable outcomes.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer and Marketing Coordinator position:
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Submit Application: Apply through the University of Colorado's Taleo career portal (URL provided in job posting).
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Prepare Comprehensive Application Materials:
- Letter of Interest: Clearly articulate your experience relevant to graphic design, marketing coordination, digital recruitment, and higher education. Tailor this to the specific responsibilities and preferred qualifications.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Ensure your resume highlights achievements and responsibilities related to marketing campaigns, content development, graphic design, social media management, and analytics, using keywords from the job description.
- Professional References: Have three to five professional references ready, including their contact information (name, title, organization, phone, email).
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Curate Your Portfolio:
- Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in graphic design, marketing campaign execution, and content creation for recruitment purposes.
- Prepare to discuss each project's objectives, your role, the process, the tools used, and the measurable outcomes.
- Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF link).
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Research the Colorado School of Public Health: Familiarize yourself with their programs, mission, recent news, and target audience. Understand their current marketing efforts and identify potential areas for contribution.
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Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions related to your experience, skills, and how you would approach the challenges of this role. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure a smooth and impactful delivery.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. The primary work location is Aurora, CO, despite the derived location potentially indicating Colorado Springs.
Application Requirements
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field and possess at least two to three years of professional experience in marketing and content development. Advanced knowledge of social media marketing and the ability to manage multiple digital and print projects are required.