Community Engagement & Marketing Manager
Location: CALC Institute of Technology - Alton, IL (with local travel for events)
Reports to: Campus Operations Director / School Director
Overview
Since the 1990s, CALC Institute of Technology has been a pillar of career-focused education in our community. As a family-owned institution, we are now in an exciting phase of growth and expansion. We are seeking a dynamic, multifaceted professional to serve as the heartbeat of our brand, both online and in the community.
As the Community Engagement & Marketing Manager, you will be the strategic architect behind our public presence. This unique role is a fusion of three critical disciplines: digital marketing, event-driven business development, and community activations. You will be responsible for crafting our digital narrative through social media, representing CALC at key community events to build partnerships and generate leads, and creating a vibrant atmosphere on campus. If you are a creative, results-driven professional who thrives on variety and building meaningful relationships, this is your opportunity to shape our brand's future.
What You’ll Do
Social Media & Digital Strategy:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-platform social media strategy to elevate brand visibility, engage our audience, and support enrollment goals.
- Create captivating, brand-consistent content (graphics, video, written posts) that tells the CALC story and resonates with prospective students across all programs (LPN, MA, IT, Business, etc.).
- Utilize management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer) to schedule posts, conduct social listening, and analyze performance metrics to continuously optimize strategy.
- Manage paid social advertising campaigns (e.g., Facebook/Instagram Ads) to target specific audiences and drive traffic and conversions.
- Ensure all digital content is optimized for SEO and aligns with overall marketing initiatives.
Community Events & Business Development:
- Act as CALC's ambassador at key community events including job fairs, college fairs, coalition meetings, fundraisers, and other networking opportunities.
- Proactively identify, secure, and manage partnerships and sponsorships with local organizations, high schools, and businesses to build a robust referral network.
- Plan, organize, and execute on-campus and off-campus events (e.g., Open Houses, Info Sessions, Community Workshops) from conception to completion.
- Operate a booth or table at events, professionally engaging attendees, articulating the value of our programs, and generating qualified leads.
Lead Nurturing & Collaboration:
- Meticulously nurture leads acquired from events through a structured follow-up process via email, phone, and CRM management, working them into the admissions pipeline.
- Collaborate closely with the Admissions team to ensure a seamless handoff of prospects and to align messaging and strategies.
- Work with faculty and leadership to showcase program successes and student testimonials across all marketing channels.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field preferred NOT required.
- 1-5 years of proven experience in a combination of social media management, event planning, and/or business development or sales.
- A strong portfolio showcasing expertise in content creation, graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator), and social media campaign management.
- Proven experience managing paid social media advertising campaigns.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to serve as a public representative and engaging speaker at events.
- Superior organizational and project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities (e.g., planning an event while maintaining daily social media activity).
- Must be a self-starter, highly proactive, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with video editing software for creating engaging promotional content.
- Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and CRM systems for lead tracking and nurturing.
- Existing network of contacts within the local Alton/St. Louis community or educational sector.
- Knowledge of the career college or higher education industry.
Why You’ll Love It Here
At CALC, we value versatility and creativity. This role is designed for a marketing professional who doesn’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day. You will have the unique opportunity to shape our community presence and see the direct impact of your work on our growth and student enrollment.
Our benefits include:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Ample opportunities for professional development and training.
- A collaborative, supportive, and entrepreneurial work environment within a stable, family-owned business.
- The resources and autonomy to execute your ideas and make a significant mark on our institution.
- The satisfaction of building something tangible and connecting individuals with life-changing education.
Join Us: If you are a creative, outgoing, and strategic professional who is equally comfortable analyzing metrics, designing a post, and working a room, we need you on our team. Help us grow our legacy and connect with our community like never before.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract
Pay: From $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 16 – 32 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person