Grants/Contracts Specialist - Higher Ed. jobs in Saint Louis, MO

Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (“MOHELA”) is a nationally-recognized leader in student loan servicing and higher education financing. Established in 1981, our success for more than 40 years is due to the tremendous efforts of our outstanding staff.

We are looking for a talented and passionate Communication Specialist.

We are headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri (outside of St. Louis), with an operation center in Columbia, Missouri, and an office in Washington, DC .

MOHELA offers competitive salary and a benefit package that includes paid personal and vacation time-off, insurances for medical, dental, life, short-term disability, pension (if resides in Missouri) , 401K plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 8% of salary, and tuition assistance.

General Statement of Duties:

As a member of the Communications and Marketing team, this position is responsible for helping plan and oversee communications and marketing strategies and tactics that promote Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority’s (“MOHELA”) financial services and overall contributions to higher education using an array of communication media (web, digital, print, mail). This team is accountable for creating communications to optimize MOHELA’s positive contributions among current and future higher education consumers and beneficiaries. Perform research to understand specific strengths and opportunities of MOHELA’s financial service programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Write, edit, and coordinate company internal/external communications using an array of communication media (web, digital, print, mail). Be able to consume complex information and translate it in a manner that is in plain language and understandable to individuals with limited higher education finance knowledge.
• Serve as a liaison cross-departmentally between non-technical stakeholders and technical providers (operations, IT, software vendors, etc.) to implement communications initiatives.
• Work with internal and external customers to meet shifting requirements, deadlines, and ensure customer satisfaction. Oversee communication projects from inception to implementation.
• Follow communication policies and procedures. Ensure compliance, quality controls, and brand standards. Assist with quality and timeliness of work product and user acceptance testing.
• Help leverage content management tools to publish content through a variety of media.
• Work with external vendors and internal departments including product development, web development, sales, federal contract, public relations, compliance, and legal, to ensure dissemination of accurate information that is responsive and proactive.
• Understand and help analyze target market information to identify and recommend effective communication and marketing approaches.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging trends, developments, and opportunities.
• Monitor company media, and assist with media relations as needed.
• Write proactive social media content, and monitor and respond to social media.
• Help with change management and adopt new policies, procedures, and technologies to help educate and influence internal and external audiences.
• Continually assess and review industry developments to gain ideas for additional services and support available to higher education borrowers.
• Actively participate and engage through teamwork with the Communications team.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Thorough understanding of communication strategies and practices
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Able to understand complex information and communicate it in an understandable and positive manner
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related software
• Preference for experience with content management, social media management solutions, or Adobe software

• Thorough understanding of or the ability to quickly learn about the project or product being developed

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business administration, public relations, or related field required
• Prior student loan or financial experience preferred
• At least three (3) years of experience in writing, communications, or marketing where primary work consisted of defining project scope, gathering information from subject matter experts, creating communications content, and then implementing.
• Prior experience in a professional business environment
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, organizational, human relations and time management skills
• Driven and committed to achieving goals and is result-oriented
• Ability to travel with necessary, typically <10%
• Experience with project management is preferred.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We are an EEO/AA Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

To build a diverse workforce, MOHELA encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities and veterans. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with MOHELA, please call please call 636.733.3700 x3571, TDD 7-1-1, or email hr@mohela.com