Department: Integrated Communications Department
Location: Jerry Sue Thornton Center
Reports To: Dir., Creative Services
Recruitment Type: External/Internal
Employment Type: Full-Time Support Staff
Union Position: Non-Union
Work Schedule: M-F 8:30am-5pm
Number of Openings: 1
Job Description:
SUMMARY
Content/SEO Specialist is a unique role that encompasses contentstrategy, brand positioning and content development. This role is responsiblefor creating and editing compelling, multi-channel content that amplifies the Collegebrand and engages and builds relationships with key audiences and stakeholders.The Content/SEO Specialist collaborates with communications and marketingmanagers, and creative and interactive team members, to ensure messages are effectivelyand consistently communicated across all platforms.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Seeks topics, conducts interviews and writes articles (e.g., success stories, features, analytical and community-focused pieces) for the College magazine, website and e-newsletters.
- Writes compelling, accurate, conversion- and results-driven and/or keyword-optimized content for a wide range of print and interactive platforms including social media posts, marketing materials, videos and more.
- Collaborates with team on the creation and execution of the College's editorial plan.
- Receives requests from the communications team and others throughout the College; collects and analyzes information about newsworthy topics to create content; evaluates news leads and topics to develop and pitch story ideas; gathers and verifies factual information; organizes materials and creates content according to AP Style standards and College Style Guide.
- Plays a key role in day-to-day operational aspects of ongoing projects, including College publications, advertising, website and blog updates, social media, tracking and reporting and issues management.
- Proofreads marketing content and materials to ensure brand alignment with College Style Guide.
- Copy edits and/or rewrites content submitted by outside departments to ensure accuracy and consistency of content, spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity and style.
- Assists with maintenance and updates of editorial style guides regarding word choice, trademarks, legal disclosures, punctuation and more.
- Collaborates with core interactive team to conduct keyword research, focusing on high-volume, targeted terms for College website.
- Performs link acquisition activities across a multitude of mediums to engage relevant, quality sites; secures links to websites and directories.
- Conducts ongoing technical SEO audits of College webpages, providing recommendations for page optimization in addition to content.
- Actively participates in reporting and analysis programs for all digital platforms.
- Maintains current awareness of SEO technology innovation, ensuring that new approaches are effectively integrated into ongoing content production; educates co-workers on best practices and overall SEO knowledge.
- Assists with Collegewide media relations strategies, which may include writing news releases.
- Performsother duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/TRAINING
- Bachelor'sdegree in English, journalism or related field
- Minimumthree years demonstrated experience in writing, editing, journalism and/orinteractive media
- Gifted visual storyteller and communicator able to writein a variety of styles
- Proven track record of producing high-quality, creativeand unique content for multiple audiences, platforms and applications
- Demonstratedexperience making sound decisions that affect a work unit or team
- Hands-on experienceidentifying tone and voice to speak authentically to distinct and diverseaudiences
- Demonstratedexperience using diverse problem-solving methods in a variety ofsituations
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
- Strongwriting and editing skills
- Workingknowledge of SEO and SEM theories, concepts and practices
- Demonstratedwillingness to learn and train other staff members
- Well-organized,detail-oriented multitasker who proactively manages their time whilejuggling multiple deadline-driven projects
- Excellentcommand of the English language, including grammar, spelling, style and diction
- Strongworking knowledge of AP Style
- Abilityto meet deadlines in a high-pressure setting
- Aptitudefor individual and collaborative work
- Stronginterpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Abilityto perform well with minimal supervision
- Demonstratedadvanced proficiency with Microsoft Word
- Demonstratedintermediate proficiency with Microsoft Outlook
- Demonstratedbasic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Demonstratedintermediate proficiency with editing in Adobe Acrobat
- Demonstratedbasic project management skills
- Abilityto confidentially and discreetly handle subject matters requiring privacyand sensitivity
- Abilityto collaborate, persuade and gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas onsignificant projects
- Abilityto develop and maintain relationships with key contacts to enhance workflow and quality
- Sensitivityto respond appropriately to the needs of a diverse population
COMPETENCIES
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Quality of Work
VERY IMPORTANT COMPETENCIES
- Collaboration/Inclusion
- Flexibility/Adaptability
- Time Utilization/Organization
IMPORTANTCOMPETENCIES
- Servant Leadership
- Results Focus
- Continuous Improvement/Innovation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATIONAND EXPERIENCE/TRAINING
- Demonstrated professional marketing/communications experience at a college or university
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
- Knowledge and background in print production
- Proficiency with web design programs
- Familiarity with website content management systems
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
(The demands described here are representative of those that must be metby an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilitiesto perform the essential functions.)
- The work is performed in a normal, professional office environment.
- The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated.
- Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the duties of the job and will perform repetitive motions with hands/fingers using a computer mouse and keyboard to type. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items such as papers, files, pamphlets, books, etc.
- Work may also requirewalking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings andconferences away from the worksite.
Special Note:
Special Instructions to Applicants: During the application process, you may be required to attach a cover letter and/or resume.It is recommended that you have these documents ready to be attached electronically to the online application.This system accepts only MS Word or PDF attachments.Any employment with the College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.
Affirmative Action Statement: Cuyahoga Community College is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a qualified and diverse workforce. Cuyahoga Community College is an equal employment/educational opportunity institution.