Marketing and Communications Specialist

Support the execution of integrated marketing campaigns that increase awareness of IMEC programs, solutions, events, and initiatives among Illinois manufacturers and ecosystem partners. Create and manage digital content and marketing activities across websites, email marketing, social media, webinars, events, and campaigns. Assist with the development and distribution of email marketing campaigns through HubSpot, including audience segmentation, campaign setup, testing, deployment, automation, and performance reporting. Support social media strategy and execution by creating content, scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and promoting events, success stories, industry resources, and organizational initiatives across key platforms. Coordinate marketing support for webinars, workshops, conferences, and special events. Collaborate with internal subject matter experts, regional managers, technical specialists, partners, and stakeholders to develop marketing content and campaigns that support manufacturers throughout their growth journey. Create and maintain engaging content that effectively communicates the IMEC value proposition, programs, services, client success stories, and industry expertise to manufacturers and stakeholders. Design and produce a variety of marketing materials, including digital graphics, presentations, flyers, brochures, infographics, advertisements, social media assets, event collateral, and other print and digital communications using Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and other design tools. Support public relations and communications efforts by developing press releases, media materials, success stories, partner announcements, executive communications, and promotional content that highlights the impact of Illinois manufacturers and IMEC initiatives. Maintain and update the IMEC website using WordPress, including page creation, content updates, event listings, landing pages, user experience enhancements, and basic search engine optimization (SEO) best practices. Assist with customer relationship management (CRM) activities in Salesforce, including data management, campaign tracking, lead routing, reporting, audience segmentation, and maintaining data quality standards. Leverage AI-powered tools and emerging technologies to improve marketing efficiency, content development, audience targeting, campaign execution, reporting, and customer engagement. Monitor and report on marketing performance metrics, including website traffic, email engagement, social media performance, event participation, lead generation, public relations activity, and campaign effectiveness. Research manufacturing trends, industry news, funding opportunities, emerging technologies, and economic development initiatives to support content development and marketing strategy. Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying new marketing opportunities, technologies, and best practices that strengthen manufacturer engagement, organizational visibility, and overall impact. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Graphic Design, Business, or a related field. 2–5 years of experience in marketing, communications, digital marketing, public relations, event marketing, or a related role, preferably supporting B2B organizations, manufacturers, economic development organizations, professional services firms, associations, or other relationship-driven industries. Experience developing and executing integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns that leverage digital, social media, email, content, public relations, and event marketing strategies. Basic to intermediate level proficiency with marketing and design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat), Canva, HubSpot or similar marketing automation platforms, WordPress, and Salesforce CRM or comparable systems. Knowledge of website content management, search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, audience engagement strategies, and digital marketing best practices. Experience supporting webinars, conferences, workshops, trade shows, and other marketing events from promotion through post-event follow-up. Experience leveraging AI-powered tools and emerging technologies to enhance productivity, content development, audience targeting, campaign execution, research, reporting, and customer engagement. Interest in manufacturing, economic development, workforce development, business growth, or related industries preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr