Project Manager

Office of Marketing Communications, College of ACES

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Job Summary

This ACES position plays a critical role in the Office of Marketing Communications (MarCom) team. As the main point of contact between the MarCom team and department marketing liaisons, units, and centers, manages the marketing and communications project management systems, assigning work, setting priorities, deadlines, and tracking project progress and client relations end-to-end. Maintains relationships and interactions with staff across all departments/units and other key individuals responsible for the success of college and department marketing initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

Project Management

• Ensure effective use of the ClickUp project management tool, including technical support, guidance, and training for all users.

• Work closely with ACES OAP and MarCom’s marketing and creative services director to attract and communicate with students during all phases of undergraduate recruitment, including the annual communication plan with ACES OAP, campus-level Admissions, and the Office of Strategic Marketing and Branding.

• Act as the MarCom liaison to Alumni coordinator for the UIF annual communications plan.

• Distribute work to the digital marketing coordinator, marketing (writer) coordinator, marketing (brand) coordinator, and senior graphic designer for timely and successful execution.

• Manage the project intake form for new projects and change requests. • Run weekly projects meeting with the marketing team to discuss current projects and new project requests. • Build out and assign projects for all members of the MarCom team.

• Provide client service and consistent communications to project requesters.

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships as the primary point of contact for departments/units.

• Help triage any projects falling behind on timeline and communicate with departments to ensure timely delivery of all requests.

Marketing

• Collaborate with creative, marketing, and communications teams responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and producing print and electronic marketing efforts for various audiences and objectives.

• Provide consulting services to coordinate marketing strategies for academic departments and other college units.

• Work with department marketing liaisons to obtain, deliver, edit, and optimize all marketing and recruitment projects, including collaboration on marketing strategy.

• Coordinate with departments to develop marketing materials necessary for events.

• Assume additional related responsibilities to enhance the mission of the unit.

Special Projects

• Coordinate event timelines and assign duties for all college-level events, including Celebrate Food & Ag, Funk Awards, Family Academies, Senior Send Off, and Farm Progress Show.

• Coordinate project timelines and assign duties for all college-level initiatives, including large advancement campaigns and the annual report.

• Plan, coordinate, and schedule ACES bi-annual photoshoot with vendor, MarCom staff, and department/unit participants and locations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects from conception to completion.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a multi-client, multi-project environment.
• Experience in client relations and managing a broad portfolio of projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of project management systems.
• Strong attention to detail, timeliness, interpersonal skills, and teamwork.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The predetermined salary range for this position is $55,000 to $65,000.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 3, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Ehler at lehler@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID: 1031769
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu