Communications and Outreach Specialist I

 

Allendale, MI

 

Full Time

 

R103670

 

This position represents Grand Valley State University Housing and Residence Life to prospective and returning students, as well as the broader campus community through communication and outreach, with the goal of a well-informed campus community and maximized campus housing occupancy.

 

Primary Duties

 

• Facilitates the telling of the Housing and Residence Life story through social media platforms, in-person and virtual presentations, personal interactions at recruitment events and orientations, departmental publications and websites, operational communications to current and future residents as well as to campus stakeholders, etc. Occasional travel, as well as periodic evening and weekend hours required, especially during the fall and winter recruitment and re-recruitment seasons.

 

• Regularly utilizes data from University sources as catalysts for messaging that contributes to consistent recruitment and re-recruitment activity. Develop and implement methods to gain insights from our residents regarding their residential experience and enhancing messaging opportunities using these insights.

 

• Contributes significantly to Housing recruitment and re-recruitment through internal and external university department relationships, utilizing outreach opportunities. Interacts with prospective and current students to positively influence housing occupancy yield, using various communications tools and strategies.

 

• Manages housing showroom and tour operations, coordinates HRL's summer orientation preparation and participation as well as coordinating Housing's departmental participation in University recruitment events.

 

• Manages recruitment, hiring, training and supervision of student marketing team. Coordinates their work duties, access to necessary systems, payroll, etc.

 

• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

 

Salary & Benefits

 

$53,000-60,000, commensurate with experience

 

http://www.gvsu.edu/hro/benefits/executive-administrative-and-professional-staff-benefits-464.htm including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing or equivalent related experience.

 

• Experience in web design and/or website content management. Previous experience managing social media platforms in a professional setting.

 

• Ability to supervise and develop professional, support, and student staff.

 

• Previous experience in customer service, education, sales, or related field/position.

 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated effective public speaking skills and the ability to present and represent the University in a positive way to all populations.

 

• Demonstrated understanding of, commitment to, and experience with providing high-quality customer service to a community of customers.

 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.

 

• Efficiency in Excel, Microsoft Word, Power Point and other technical software.

 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

• 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, higher education or relevant work experience.

 

• Experience supervising student staff and/or young professionals.

 

• College/University admissions or housing and residence life experience, or experience working with high school and college-aged audiences.

 

• Bi-Lingual (Spanish preferred).

 

Working Conditions

 

Normal office environment. Occasional travel, as well as periodic evening and weekend hours required, especially during the fall and winter recruitment and re-recruitment seasons.

 

How to Apply:

 

Attach your cover letter and resume. You may add additional required documents here and indicate Applications missing required documents will not be considered if applicable. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact mailto:groverm@gvsu.edu. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at mailto:hro@gvsu.edu.

 

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

 

Application Deadline:

 

Application review begins October 8th, 2025. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See http://www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

 

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.

 

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6594664

 

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