Marketing & Communications Specialist

Desired Start Date: As soon as possible
Must be able to travel to Rochester Campus location until the Buffalo Campus is operational.

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POSITION SUMMARY
The Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Buffalo Campus Center serves as the on-site communications lead for Golisano Institute’s Buffalo campus center, managing local marketing and communications efforts from renovation to opening in Fall 2026 and beyond.

This position is part of an integrated marketing and communications team led by the chief marketing officer, working closely with leadership, faculty, and staff at Golisano Institute’s Buffalo campus center. The role requires a strong writer and strategic communicator who can operate independently while staying deeply connected to the Rochester-based team’s goals, brand standards, and culture.
Initially, this person will be expected to spend time in Rochester and Buffalo to participate in team meetings, learn internal processes, and fully understand the Institute’s voice and values. They will serve as the “on-the-ground communicator” in Buffalo. The ideal candidate is a proactive, trusted partner who ensures consistent messaging, local visibility, and authentic storytelling that connects the institute to the Western New York community while driving awareness and enrollment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications and Writing - 40%
· Contribute to and craft Buffalo-specific stories that highlight renovation progress, partnerships, and community engagement to strengthen the institute’s presence in Western New York.
· Provide writing and editorial support for content and social media initiatives, ensuring alignment with the institute’s brand voice and content strategy.
· Collaborate with Rochester-based senior writer and content specialist to adapt messaging for local audiences.
Digital, Data, and Media Coordination - 20%
· Partner with the Rochester-based marketing team as well as the institute’s public-relations (PR) and media partners to develop and localize paid, earned, and owned campaigns for the Buffalo market.
· Collaborate with the digital team to plan and support website development, as well as social media and advertising campaigns.
· Monitor performance data to support optimization of content for engagement and lead generation.
· Use data analytics to evaluate campaign performance, community sentiment, and enrollment impact, providing regular insights and reports to the integrated marketing team.
· Identify and amplify local content opportunities that align with the institute’s recruitment cycle.
Cross-Campus Collaboration - 20%
· Act as a connector for marketing strategies and initiatives between Buffalo and Rochester, ensuring real-time communication and shared priorities.
· Participate in Rochester-based meetings and strategy sessions to maintain alignment and team culture.
· Provide Buffalo-market perspective to inform institute-wide campaigns and communications planning.
· Working closely across departments within Rochester-based teams, including but not limited to admissions, career services, partnerships, academics, student affairs.
· Be responsible for ensuring brand consistency of Golisano Institute’s Buffalo presence.
· Take on other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor’s degree in communications, PR, marketing, or a related field
· Exceptional writing and editing skills with a strong portfolio of work
· Experience working with or managing relationships with media and PR agencies
· Strong understanding of digital and social media storytelling
· Ability to manage multiple projects independently while maintaining alignment with team strategy
· Familiarity with Associated Press (AP) style and foundational search engine optimization (SEO) principles
· Deep knowledge of the Buffalo area; established local relationships strongly preferred
· Ability to travel to Rochester regularly, particularly during the first year, to collaborate with the core marketing team

EXPERIENCE
· 5–7 years of experience in communications, marketing, or media relations, ideally in higher education, nonprofit, or community-based organizations

EXCEPTIONAL SKILLS
· Versatile “marcomm generalist” with strong writing skills and strategic communications instincts
· Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
· Strong leadership skills and ability to communicate with both internal and external audiences and partners
· Excellent relationship-builder and communicator that is able to represent the institute professionally in the community.
· Highly organized and able to balance storytelling, project management, and media coordination
· Collaborative team player who values alignment, shared purpose, and a unified brand voice.
· Embodies Golisano Institute’s values and brand essence: We lead. xsgimln Business follows.