What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Manager, Marketing and Communications position at Oregon State University Foundation?
Description
The Marketing and Communications team at the Oregon State University Foundation creates experiences, tells stories and builds communities that inspire alumni and friends to engage with OSU and support its mission to make the world a better place. The team ensures that alumni, donors and other partners feel valued for their contributions to the university.
Comprising 20 professionals, the Marketing and Communications team is known for its creativity and strategic approach. The team manages a high volume of time-sensitive projects, including writing, design, videography, social media, web content, email marketing, event planning, the publication of an alumni magazine and other essential fundraising and engagement activities. It operates within the broader Marketing and Donor Engagement division, which also includes Annual Giving, Stewardship and Legislative Advocacy, all of which are major clients and collaborators of the marcomm team.
The Project Manager is a newly created role responsible for establishing an efficient project management system that aligns with creative agency best practices. This system will enhance collaboration, clarify roles, and streamline deadlines. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications Strategy, this role does not have direct reports but will work closely with departmental coordinators to oversee day-to-day maintenance of the project management system.
Work Location
This position is based at the OSU Foundation’s Corvallis office. The Foundation follows a hybrid work model called Core Work Days, requiring employees to be in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday unless traveling for work.
Key Partners
In addition to the marketing, communications and event planning colleagues in their home department, the Project Manager will regularly interact with the following:
The Project Manager will play a role in realizing the Marketing and Communications team’s vision of creating an environment where all OSU alumni and friends are driven to connect with the university to be a part of something bigger than themselves and to advance the promise of higher education, as well as the university’s research and outreach missions.
Specifically, success in this role will be measured by the ability to develop and maintain:
Comprehensive knowledge or understanding of:
A bachelor’s degree and at least three years of direct professional project management experience or equivalent knowledge and skills developed through related professional experience. Project management certification or equivalent formal training is preferred.
Important Organizational Notes:
Adherence to a professional code of conduct is essential at all times, ensuring the highest standards of integrity, respect, and ethical behavior in all interactions and responsibilities. Adherence to the Core Values is vital to success.
Oregon State University Foundation Core Values
The Marketing and Communications team at the Oregon State University Foundation creates experiences, tells stories and builds communities that inspire alumni and friends to engage with OSU and support its mission to make the world a better place. The team ensures that alumni, donors and other partners feel valued for their contributions to the university.
Comprising 20 professionals, the Marketing and Communications team is known for its creativity and strategic approach. The team manages a high volume of time-sensitive projects, including writing, design, videography, social media, web content, email marketing, event planning, the publication of an alumni magazine and other essential fundraising and engagement activities. It operates within the broader Marketing and Donor Engagement division, which also includes Annual Giving, Stewardship and Legislative Advocacy, all of which are major clients and collaborators of the marcomm team.
The Project Manager is a newly created role responsible for establishing an efficient project management system that aligns with creative agency best practices. This system will enhance collaboration, clarify roles, and streamline deadlines. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications Strategy, this role does not have direct reports but will work closely with departmental coordinators to oversee day-to-day maintenance of the project management system.
Work Location
This position is based at the OSU Foundation’s Corvallis office. The Foundation follows a hybrid work model called Core Work Days, requiring employees to be in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday unless traveling for work.
Key Partners
In addition to the marketing, communications and event planning colleagues in their home department, the Project Manager will regularly interact with the following:
- Internal clients (Annual Giving, Stewardship, Legislative Advocacy, Alumni Engagement, Gift Planning, Board Relations, and the Office of the President and CEO of the Foundation, etc.)
- University and Foundation collaborators (the Technology and Innovation division at the Foundation, the marketing and communications professionals at the university, etc.)
- External vendors (freelance writers, photographers, printers, mail houses, etc.)
The Project Manager will play a role in realizing the Marketing and Communications team’s vision of creating an environment where all OSU alumni and friends are driven to connect with the university to be a part of something bigger than themselves and to advance the promise of higher education, as well as the university’s research and outreach missions.
Specifically, success in this role will be measured by the ability to develop and maintain:
- Consistent, widely adopted project management protocols that support the creative process for marketing and communication deliverables, including events managed by the central events team.
- Timely and budget-conscious delivery of marketing and communications materials and experiences.
- Effective collaboration and communication between the Marketing and Communications team and internal/external stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
- Manage the intake of new projects, ensuring clear articulation of goals, negotiation of deadlines, and development of strategic briefs and production schedules.
- Oversee the project management system, which may include selecting and implementing new software solutions.
- Develop and implement project management protocols and provide staff training for consistent application.
- Track deadlines, oversee budgets and make informed adjustments while maintaining transparency with team members about project status.
- Foster strong relationships with internal and external partners, ensuring smooth project execution and accountability.
- Lead client relations and oversee quality control to ensure deliverables meet agreed-upon standards.
- Analyze workflow and project volume, generating reports to support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Standardize and oversee change management processes related to project management.
- Assist project leads with launch, status, and debrief meetings.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Comprehensive knowledge or understanding of:
- Project management best practices.
- Relationship management, including client service and engagement strategies.
- Digital and print marketing strategies, including working with vendors such as print shops and mail houses.
- Customer experience (CX) strategies that drive engagement, loyalty, and action.
- Problem-solving, attention to detail, initiative, and anticipating needs.
- Data collection, analytics, and project evaluation.
- Technology-based project management tools.
- Writing, editing, and presenting information effectively to diverse audiences.
- Incorporating feedback and maintaining version control of documents.
- Managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Exercise discretion and independent judgment in all communications.
- Work efficiently in both team-based and independent settings.
- Manage competing priorities based on team and executive needs.
- Navigate interpersonal relationships thoughtfully and work effectively with diverse individuals.
- Use project data and analytics to refine marketing strategies and measure effectiveness.
- Quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and software.
A bachelor’s degree and at least three years of direct professional project management experience or equivalent knowledge and skills developed through related professional experience. Project management certification or equivalent formal training is preferred.
Important Organizational Notes:
Adherence to a professional code of conduct is essential at all times, ensuring the highest standards of integrity, respect, and ethical behavior in all interactions and responsibilities. Adherence to the Core Values is vital to success.
Oregon State University Foundation Core Values
- Collaborative: We convene our partners to achieve solutions.
- Productive: We get the right things done.
- Respectful: We treat one another with dignity and civility.
- Bold: We aspire to transform.
- Inclusive: We nurture a culture of belonging.
- Creative: We color outside the lines.
