Marketing and Communications Specialist

MUST RESIDE IN ILLINOIS *Field-based work environment with work conducted from a home office when not onsite at client facilities *Periodic travel throughout the state to attend internal and external meetings, events, conferences, and client meetings. *Work authorization required. IMEC is unable to sponsor visas for this role. The Marketing & Communications Specialist supports the execution of the IMEC strategic marketing plan, specifically through developing, executing, and monitoring marketing programs across a variety of channels including print, online and in-person.  The Marketing Specialist develops and implements strategies and tactics to influence the IMEC target audience, generate project leads, and increase market penetration. Key Responsibilities Marketing Campaigns & Engagement 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 to increase awareness, strengthen brand visibility, and support lead generation efforts. 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, including registration pages, promotional campaigns, attendee communications, presentation assets, event logistics, and post-event follow-up activities. 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. Content, Communications & Brand Support brand consistency across all marketing channels and materials while ensuring alignment with IMEC messaging, visual standards, and strategic priorities. 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. Marketing Operations & Analytics 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. Education & Experience 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. Skills & Attributes Strong graphic design, visual communication, content creation, writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to develop compelling marketing, public relations, and executive communications materials. Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret marketing performance metrics, generate insights, and make data-informed recommendations. Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across teams, departments, clients, and external partners. Self-motivated, adaptable, and curious, with a commitment to continuous learning and exploring new marketing tools, technologies, and best practices. Competencies The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following high-index competencies essential to success in this role: Communication: Listens actively, shares information clearly and honestly, and communicates effectively through both oral and written communication. Personal Effectiveness: Directs and regulates oneself in the workplace to deliver meaningful results for clients, stakeholders, and the organization. Demonstrates agility by adjusting approach to achieve the best possible outcome. Learning: Demonstrates an inquisitive and inquiring mind. Actively pursues personal learning and supports the learning of others. Innovative Thinking: Creates and implements innovative ideas through critical thinking, curiosity and experimentation. Strategic Thinking: Aligns tactics to organizational mission, impacts, and strategic objectives. Work Environment Hybrid/Remote work environment and standard hours with extended hours and weekend work as required. This position requires the ability to travel periodically to attend internal and external meetings, events, conferences, and client meetings. Applicants for this position must have access to reliable transportation to ensure timely attendance at both internal and external meetings, events, conferences, and client meetings as required by the job responsibilities. The ability to commute to various locations for meetings is essential for effective collaboration and participation in team activities. Requires driving, sitting for extended periods, and working in facilities that may not be ADA accessible. Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S without Sponsorship. Please submit an electronic application, including (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) the names and contact information for three references.  IMEC, University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Bradley University conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. About IMEC: IMEC is a team of improvement specialists dedicated to providing manufacturers in Illinois with the tools and techniques to excel and compete globally. The experienced hands-on team at IMEC works closely with its clients to plan critical business improvements in all areas of their organization from: Leading their Company, Planning for Success, Growing their Business, Improving their Operations, Focusing on their People, and Deciding with Data. With more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only plan and strategize but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements. In fact, IMEC assists more than 2,500 companies each year with successful business improvement projects. As a result, IMEC has demonstrated a return on investment that exceeds 19:1 . This is made possible as organizations become more effective and efficient. IMEC team members enjoy their jobs because of the challenge of working with a variety of organizations in a broad range of industries. They also gain satisfaction from providing assistance and advisement to help organizations succeed in a demanding marketplace.  Click HERE to learn more about IMEC. IMEC and its Subrecipient organizations, including Bradley University, SIU, NIU, and UIC are EOE/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran Employers.