What are the responsibilities and job description for the Digital Content Specialist position at Suffolk University?
Suffolk's Division of Communications, including its Offices of Marketing & Communications and Public Affairs, consists of storytellers, professional strategists, writers, designers, and multimedia producers offering a depth of expertise in a variety of media. We tell the story of the University across a range of audiences and media producing everything from news and feature pieces to long and short form videos, collateral and advertising, and web and social media content.
Suffolk University and its Division of Communications seeks an enterprising Digital Content Specialist to analyze and execute new digital initiatives to increase brand recognition of and user engagement with Suffolk University.
Summary of Position:
Under the direction of the Director of Digital Strategy & Integrated Content, the Digital Content Specialist will partner closely with colleagues within the Office of Marketing & Communications to analyze website analytics and user behavior to develop accurate, compelling, and dynamic content with clear calls to action.
The Specialist will work with partners in Admission, Academics, Student Life, Advancement, the schools, and other offices to recruit prospective students, engage with current students and faculty, and connect with a global alumni base. They will work directly with faculty, staff, and others to assess and address web needs, including improving current content and processes; setting up and analyzing Google Analytics reports, heat maps and A/B testing results; and assisting in the creation of new digital properties and web pages.
The Specialist will propose and implement creative new ideas and technologies for accomplishing strategic goals and engaging with Suffolk's broad audiences. They will also conduct research and data analysis that will help improve digital content as well as assisting in coming up with and executing SEO and UX strategies.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Promote Suffolk University through the creation of consistent, high-quality digital content development in support of University priorities and brand initiatives.
• Analyze and report on web traffic and UX data from Google Analytics, conduct SEO and keyword research, and leverage other analysis/testing tools like heat maps and A/B testing to assess content performance.
• Write, edit, optimize, and update new and existing web content for accuracy, clarity, consistency, grammar, style guidelines, SEO, and strategic messaging.
• Work collaboratively with fellow members in the Office of Marketing Communications and Office of Public Affairs, as well as with colleagues in departments across campus, in meeting strategic marketing, enrollment, and reputational goals.
• Provide digital content best practices, accessibility standards, technical support, and training to website authors in other university departments.
• Act as a project lead for independent research and content creation projects, under the guidance of the Director, mapping out a timeline and methodology to present defined deliverables by a specified date.
• Keep current on higher education market trends, audience preferences, best practices, and emerging technologies and platforms to keep marketing approaches relevant, competitive, and leading edge.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of related experience in marketing, journalism and/or communications; higher education is a plus.
• Exceptionally strong writing and project management skills and a demonstrated willingness to be collaborative across a number of departments/functional areas of the University.
• Previous experience with a content management system (CMS) required; prior experience with Sitecore a plus.
• Previous experience setting up reports and analyzing results with Google Analytics required; prior experience with GA4, A/B testing and heatmaps preferred.
• Previous experience with SEO tasks, including keyword research and content optimization required.
• Familiarity with tools and programs like Canva, Ceros and Adobe Creative Suites.
• Creative problem solving and ability to trouble shoot.
• Attention to detail and ability to adhere to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing multiple projects at one time, including both short and long-term efforts.
• Proven diplomacy in working with colleagues from a diverse array of backgrounds and technical abilities.
