Marketing Specialist with an emphasis on Graphic Design

IMEC is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Marketing Specialist with strong graphic design expertise to develop engaging digital and print materials that drive marketing impact. The ideal candidate will be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) and experienced in managing web content through WordPress.

In this role, you will leverage your design skills to create compelling visuals for campaigns, events, and communications while also supporting marketing initiatives through audience segmentation, data-driven campaigns, and lead generation. You’ll collaborate across teams to maintain brand consistency, produce high-quality materials, and ensure marketing efforts effectively reach key audiences in Illinois manufacturing.

Summary /Purpose:

The Marketing Specialist supports IMEC’s strategic marketing efforts by developing, executing, and monitoring programs across print, digital, and in-person channels. This role drives audience engagement, generates project leads, and enhances IMEC’s market presence while providing graphic design and web management expertise.

Essential Responsibilities:

REGIONAL MARKETING SUPPORT

• Support graphic design and website content updates for events and campaigns
• Coordinate event marketing for workshops and seminars, including list management, promotion, tracking, and evaluation. (Experience with virtual and in-person event planning preferred.)
• Manage fulfillment center to ensure sales and delivery teams have up-to-date materials.
• Prepare press releases, regional publicity updates, and post-project congratulatory announcements.
• Provide marketing, sales, and event support to field offices.

LEAD GENERATION AND BRAND MANAGEMENT

• Ensure brand consistency across all external communications, including collateral, presentations, proposals, and web content.
• Manage website content and WordPress functionality to ensure timely, engaging digital presence.
• Execute outbound marketing campaigns using HubSpot and provide inside sales support for inbound leads.
• Leverage HubSpot, Salesforce, and data sources for customer segmentation to optimize engagement.
• Align marketing efforts with audience insights and business goals.
• Oversee marketing communications, including email, website content, success stories, events, sales letters, and paid advertising.
• Develop sales materials and specialized publications (e.g., success stories and campaign documents).
• Support web marketing initiatives and explore digital engagement opportunities.
• Track inbound leads from the IMEC website and coordinate follow-ups with the sales team.

RESEARCH AND DATABASE MANAGEMENT

• Monitor industry trends that affect companies in IMEC's targeted industries (metal fabricators, food, printing, etc.). Communicate those trends to IMEC's marketing department and field staff.
• Develop industry reports and conduct targeted research for IMEC.
• Identify promotional and advertising opportunities in industry publications.
• Track IMEC media mentions, partners, and manufacturers, sharing relevant updates internally.
• Maintain and update CRM records, mailing lists, and specialized contact lists (e.g., media, partners, legislators).

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT

• Assist with internal communication, employee relations, and team training.
• Support legislative relations and service development initiatives.
• Provide administrative and project support to the Marketing Manager.

Additional Requirements/Qualifications

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Experience with customer segmentation, data analysis, and CRM tools for targeted marketing.

• Experience creating professional graphics and managing website content in WordPress.

• Strong writing, research, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with print production, media buying, and brand management.
• Proficiency in event marketing and campaign execution.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) for digital and print content creation.

• Experience with Google Analytics, Google Ads, and digital advertising strategies.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Creative Suite.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience with marketing automation tools (HubSpot, Salesforce, etc.).
• Knowledge of digital marketing strategies and customer engagement techniques.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment:

Hybrid/Remote work environment and standard hours with extended hours and weekend work as required. This position requires the ability to travel periodically to attend internal and external meetings, events, conferences, and client meetings. Applicants for this position must have access to reliable transportation to ensure timely attendance at both internal and external meetings, events, conferences, and client meetings as required by the job responsibilities. The ability to commute to various locations for meetings is essential for effective collaboration and participation in team activities.

Language Skills:

Must be able to communicate effectively with community organizations, public stakeholders, third-party resources, client personnel and employees at all organizational levels and to develop effective working relationships with staff and a network of technical resources.

Reasoning Ability:

Individual must be a team player with the ability to exercise independent, sound judgment and discretion; be able to plan; be well organized; work well under pressure; take initiative and be flexible and cooperative.

Physical Demands:

Position requires the ability to sit for long periods at a computer terminal. Some walking, standing, and bending are required.

Please submit an electronic application, including (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) the names and contact information for three references. The University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Bradley University conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. IMEC and its Subrecipient organizations, including Bradley University, SIU, NIU, and UIC are EOE/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran Employers.

About IMEC

IMEC is a team of improvement specialists dedicated to providing manufacturers in Illinois with the tools and techniques to excel and compete globally. The experienced hands-on team at IMEC works closely with its clients to plan critical business improvements in all areas of their organization from: Leading their Company, Planning for Success, Growing their Business, Improving their Operations, Focusing on their People, and Deciding with Data.

With more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only plan and strategize, but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements. In fact, IMEC assists more than 2,500 companies each year with successful business improvement projects.

As a result, IMEC has demonstrated a return on investment that exceeds 19:1. This is made possible as organizations become more effective and efficient.

IMEC team members enjoy their jobs because of the challenge in working with a variety of organizations in a broad range of industries. They also gain satisfaction from providing assistance and advisement to help organizations succeed in a demanding marketplace. Click HERE to learn more about IMEC.