Marketing Specialist

This position works remotely, requiring a telecommuting agreement and adherence to the UCSC Telecommuting/Remote Work Guidelines. The employee shall be available in a full-time capacity during assigned telecommuting work hours (specific hours to be discussed with supervisor). While telecommuting/remote working, the employee is responsible for ensuring a worksite environment suitable for accomplishing their regular job duties during scheduled hours of work and, if applicable, arranging for dependent care just as they would if they were working at the regular UCSC worksite.

NO VISA SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 03-05-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is a public agency supported by 12 (states and territories). Through the work of thousands of educators, Smarter Balanced created an online assessment system aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), as well as tools for educators to improve teaching and learning. Smarter Balanced is housed at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Silicon Valley Extension.

Our work is guided by the belief that a high-quality assessment system can provide information and tools for teachers and schools to improve instruction and help students succeed, regardless of disability, language, or subgroup. We involve experienced educators, researchers, state and local policymakers, and community groups working together in a transparent and consensus-driven process.

UCSC Extension provides professional training that reflects the academic rigor of the University of California and the hands-on, roll-up-your-shirtsleeves practicality of Silicon Valley culture. Developed with guidance from key industry leaders and academic experts, our certificate programs match the economic demand of your industry, from engineering to business, education to bioscience. The University of California reviews and approves UCSC Extension courses and programs for academic content, merit, and instructor qualifications. Many of our courses may be applied toward degree programs or may be eligible for professional certificates and licenses.

More information can be found at https://smarterbalanced.org

JOB SUMMARY

Leveraging expertise as a seasoned, experienced marketing and business development professional, this role performs the full range of marketing and communication activities. This includes coordinating events and developing and implementing promotional strategies, and materials specifically designed to generate qualified leads, nurture prospective clients, and support the sales pipeline for the organization, public, and/or consortium programs or products. The specialist applies a deep understanding of industry practices, organizational policies, and procedures to resolve a wide range of complex issues and proactively identify new growth avenues and market opportunities.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $88,830 - $95,250/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Remote

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 007552 (MARKETING SPEC 3) - Grade 22

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

65% - Content Creation

• Develop promotional materials and products, specifically designed to generate leads, foster key partnerships, and increase and/or maintain Smarter Balanced market share.
• Coordinate the design, production, and distribution of marketing and sales enablement collateral, including but not limited to websites and web content, press releases, advertisements, catalogs, brochures, flyers, signage, audiovisual presentations, displays, graphics, and design in proposals and exhibits, ensuring they effectively support the business development and sales pipeline.
• Under limited supervision and in coordination with other Smarter Balanced staff as appropriate, research, write, and edit material for a variety of internal and external publications, including business proposals, presentations, thought leadership pieces, and sales collateral, to support business development objectives and client acquisition.
• As an editor, ensure clarity, organization, accuracy, style, accessibility, and quality of written work.
• Ensure appropriate and consistent use of organizational and/or department logos, emblems, and brand standards across all marketing materials and platforms.
• Create, develop, produce, and coordinate public events, marketing and outreach initiatives, including identifying, pitching, and securing high-value sponsorships and strategic partnerships that align with business development and membership retention goals.
• Identify specific communications needs and develops the content and process to enhance organizational effectiveness in market engagement, partner relations, and prospective client communication.
• Executes comprehensive communications efforts, including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications.

35% - Process Development and Implementation

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and independently work with external business development partners, marketing professionals, and key industry contacts (e.g. potential clients, strategic alliances, media partners) to achieve marketing objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with external companies and organizations to identify and develop new business opportunities, drive market penetration, and foster long-term revenue growth through partnerships and direct engagement.
• Research and analyze new and innovative business development strategies. Develop implementation proposals to capitalize on new growth opportunities and optimize existing revenue channels.
• Coordinate advertising placement, media buys, and publication schedules to ensure timely and effective outreach, optimize lead generation, and support key business development and membership retention campaigns.
• Research, analyze, monitor, and evaluate marketing and business development initiatives to assess the ROI of marketing efforts. Prepare and present reports and recommendations to the administration, identifying new marketing opportunities in support of business development, and maintain current members.
• Administer assigned marketing and business development budgets, ensuring expenditures align with budget goals and institutional policies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Demonstrable experience in contributing to lead generation, pipeline development, and achievement of business growth objectives.
• Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and the mostappropriateand effective applications.
• Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.
• Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.
• Strong understanding of the sales cycle, customer journey, and marketing's role in supporting sales enablement and conversion.
• Proficient skills in using CRM systems and sales/marketing analytics tools to track, report, and optimize business development efforts.
• Solid verbal, interpersonal communications, activelistening, and political acumen skills.
• Solid written skills required for creating effective marketing content.
• Particularly skilled in persuasive communication, negotiation, and relationship building for external stakeholders, potential clients, and partners.
• Ability to articulate the organization's unique value proposition to diverse external audiences and potential partners to drive engagement and secure commitments.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, qualify, and cultivate business opportunities and potential strategic partners.
• Ability to conduct market analysis, identify target segments, and develop tailored strategies for market entry and expansion.
• Ability to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.
• Experience ensuring that organizational practices, services, and behaviors support and promote collaboration among staff.
• Experience planning and providing deliverables that meet the terms of a contract.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education and / or health sciences.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• This is a fully remote position, and the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to travel nationally.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.