Minnesota
Posted: 17-Feb-26
Location: Northfield, Minnesota
Salary: $75,800- $78,400
Employment Type:
Organization Type:
Required Education:
Job Title: Marketing Strategist
Department: Communications
Classification: Exempt
Grade: 12
FTE/Working Schedule: 40 hours/week (1.0 FTE)
Position Overview:
The Marketing Strategist is a member of Carleton’s creative and strategic Division of Communication team, working in close collaboration with the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), which is collectively responsible for raising $40+ million annually and engaging Carleton’s 30,000 alumni.
The Marketing Strategist integrates marketing strategy with hands-on creative execution to develop and implement strategies that engage alumni, donors, and parents, support fundraising goals, and enhance Carleton’s brand and awareness as a leading national liberal arts college. Through their work, they are expected to have a deep understanding of the Carleton experience and the needs and interests of alumni and donors. They play the dual role of advocate and subject matter expert for their colleagues in the Division of Communications, as well as campus partners in DAR, bringing clarity to the work of both teams.
Reporting to the Director of Marketing Strategy, this role works closely with their Division of Communications colleagues to take projects from concept through delivery, requiring a balance of strategic thinking and strong content-creation skills. They are expected to have advanced verbal and written communications skills, be a highly creative and critical thinker, and have a clear understanding of best practices and emerging trends in marketing and communications.
Compensation:
The expected starting salary range for this position is between $75,800 and $78,400. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility.
Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:
Strategic Marketing Communications
- Partner with staff across divisions to develop annual marketing and communications strategies that align with college priorities, meet campus partners’ needs and expectations, and have clear and actionable outcomes.
- Use institutional data and research to translate high-level goals into concise, quantifiable marketing strategies and actionable communications deliverables. Analyze campaign performance and the effectiveness of various marketing tactics to optimize content and refine strategies.
- Author and approve detailed creative briefs that serve as the strategic foundation for all creative work the Division of Communications is developing in partnership with DAR.
- Set clear objectives, identify key audiences and messages, and select the right channels for marketing and communications projects, including print, web, video, email, direct mail, and social media.
- Lead project kickoffs, brainstorming sessions, and meetings, guiding creative project teams and campus partners through strategy and concept to final delivery.
Creative Content Production
- Write, review, and edit content for a wide range of new and recurring creative projects, including email marketing, printed communications, digital advertising, and social media campaigns.
- Collaborate closely with the director of design and user experience and graphic designers to establish creative direction for print and digital materials, identifying photography and illustration needs. Provide supplemental design support for campus partners, as needed, utilizing Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
- Review major deliverables from staff members and outside vendors, provide feedback, manage reviews, and deliver recommendations with rationale to campus partners.
- Partner with the visual storyteller, digital content producer, and news & social media manager to develop visual content for a variety of mediums, including social media, print materials, events, email, and the web.
Account Management
- Partner with the embedded communications manager for DAR to ensure that campus partners’ needs are being met. Maintain strong relationships and regular direct contact with offices in DAR, including staff from Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Major and Planned Giving, Milestone Reunions, and Stewardship.
- Keep apprised of the progress of projects through regular communication with colleagues in both the Division of Communications and DAR.
- Ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget, and that they adhere to Carleton’s established brand and high standards.
Additional Job Responsibilities:
- Writing and editing for other communications materials as needed.
- Continuous professional improvement and keeping up to date with best practices and emerging trends in higher education marketing and communications.
Education/Experience/Skills:
Required:
- A bachelor's degree and five or more years of professional experience in marketing or communications.
- Proven ability to shift seamlessly between high-level strategic planning and tactical content execution, such as copywriting and production oversight.
- Exceptional writing, editing and content development skills.
- Commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity, and attentiveness to inclusive marketing and communications practices.
- Attention to detail, a capacity for managing multiple projects, strong organizational skills, and an ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Ability to quickly learn and embrace digital programs and new communications tools.
- Experience working with both print and digital media.
- Experience with design tools, such as the Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
- Familiarity with email marketing platforms, such as Slate and Emma.
Preferred:
- Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting
- Experience with website tools, such as Google Analytics and WordPress is a plus, as is familiarity with HTML
- Familiarity with Asana as project management tool
Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels.
Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.
Carleton College is an AA/EEO Employer: We are committed to developing our staff to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Carleton also offers a robust suite of benefits including: A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution. Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Paid time-off, including 25 annual leave days, 8 paid holidays, and extra days at the end of the calendar year to make a continuous week off before New Year’s. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees. A dependent tuition program after six years of service.
Founded in 1866, Carleton College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of roughly 2,000 students located in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Carleton College occupies more than 1,000 scenic acres of campus, arboretum, over 100 campus buildings, and athletic fields. Located 40 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Carleton offers access to the cultural advantages of a major metropolitan area.
Education/Experience/Skills:
Required:
- A bachelor's degree and five or more years of professional experience in marketing or communications.
- Proven ability to shift seamlessly between high-level strategic planning and tactical content execution, such as copywriting and production oversight.
- Exceptional writing, editing and content development skills.
- Commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity, and attentiveness to inclusive marketing and communications practices.
- Attention to detail, a capacity for managing multiple projects, strong organizational skills, and an ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Ability to quickly learn and embrace digital programs and new communications tools.
- Experience working with both print and digital media.
- Experience with design tools, such as the Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
- Familiarity with email marketing platforms, such as Slate and Emma.
Preferred:
- Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting
- Experience with website tools, such as Google Analytics and WordPress is a plus, as is familiarity with HTML
- Familiarity with Asana as project management tool
Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels.