SJSU Online Content Marketing Strategist

Job Summary

The University Marketing and Communications (UMC) Marketing Team is responsible for enrollment marketing and integrated, strategic plans in support of meeting University enrollment goals, building a national brand, and diversifying revenue through SJSU Online and Professional Education, a portfolio of 50+ fully online, hybrid, and professional and continuing education (PaCE) programs for undergraduate, graduate, and adult learners.

Under the guidance of the Director of SJSU Online Marketing, the Content Marketing Strategist collaborates with marketing colleagues, “clients”, and academic partners to conceive and publish both visual and written content that connects with and converts prospective students across a variety of channels and formats including web, blogs, news and editorial articles, student profiles, email campaigns, texts, video, digital ads, and social media. The Content Marketing Strategist works to ensure all written and visual communications embody the university brand, voice, and tone. This position must thrive in cross-functional teams and exhibit excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills with an emphasis on quality, accuracy and timelines. They will also evaluate which channels are most effective by audience and ensure that marketing team colleagues are regularly updated on strategic storytelling direction. This role also serves as a Work Lead for the online marketing team, ensuring consistency and accuracy in all campaigns for SJSU Online and Professional Education.

The Content Marketing Strategist will partner with University Marketing and Communications team members including but not limited to: web/ux designer, CRM marketing strategists, multimedia designer, marketing production specialist, editorial producers and creative designers. The Marketing Strategist will also support the Director of SJSU Online Marketing in working with other University stakeholders to set up operational communications, such as Cal State Apply materials, admissions decision communications, Slate portal content for admitted students, etc.

Key Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and publish conversion-focused content for web pages, blogs, news stories, magazines, emails/texts, videos, digital ads, and other channels targeting various audiences and market segments.
• Partner with marketing colleagues to write and test innovative social media content and concepts across social channels.
• Set up automated email drip campaigns in CRM system (Slate) and serves as a final QC to ensure accuracy in all communications.
• Write and edit promotional and marketing content across digital and print channels to effectively describe and promote services and programs.
• Conduct interviews for content development and develop scripts for video and livestreams
• In partnership with the UMC web team, leverage keyword research, search engine optimization (SEO), answer engine optimization (AEO), and generative engine optimization (GEO), and use available analytics to develop creative content designed to drive traffic and build content authority.
• Measure and evaluate content and meet with partners to find content gaps, roadblocks, and optimization opportunities.
• Clarify a high volume of information into simple, intuitive, influential call to action (CTA) content that connects with targeted audiences and leads them through a sales life cycle funnel with the goal of converting them from prospective to enrolled students.
• Contribute to the development of an integrated content marketing strategic workgroup.
• Work with UMC colleagues to ensure concepts and copy tones are on brand and strategically sound.
• Proofread and edit content to ensure consistent voice, style, and quality.
• Participate in cross-functional working groups and team meetings to address complex project requests.
• Lead meetings with academic partners, recruitment teams, admissions colleagues and other divisions to ensure content is aligned across the full enrollment funnel.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of marketing, branding, communications, public relations, content strategy, and digital storytelling.
• Expert writing, editorial, journalistic, verbal, interpersonal communication, active listening, and analytical skills.
• Ability to develop compelling written and visual content—including web, blogs, news and editorial articles, student profiles, email campaigns, text messages, video, digital advertisements, and social media—that engages prospective students and supports enrollment goals.
• Ability to develop and implement marketing and communication strategies and campaigns that reflect the University’s brand, voice, and tone and produce measurable results.
• Strong story development, interviewing, fact selection, proofreading, and editorial skills, including the ability to create scripts, narrations, campaign copy, and multimedia correspondence.
• Knowledge of web content standards, usability, accessibility, search engine optimization, responsive design, blogging, email marketing automation, and related digital communication practices.
• Knowledge of marketing automation and customer relationship management platforms, such as CRM Slate, and the ability to develop newsletters, drip campaigns, landing pages, portal content, and other student communications.
• Knowledge of social media platforms, media outlets, and management tools, such as Hootsuite, and the ability to select communication channels based on audience needs, demographics, and engagement.
• Ability to use data analytics and market research to identify target audiences, evaluate channel and campaign effectiveness, develop performance reports, and refine strategies using tools such as Google Analytics, Siteimprove, and Crazy Egg.
• Ability to effectively use information systems and applications for content development, analysis, research, reporting, and project management, including content management systems, source code editors, blogging platforms, social media tools, email marketing applications, and Asana.
• Skill in using photo and video editing software, including online and desktop applications, and ability to collaborate effectively with multimedia and creative professionals.
• Advanced organizational, planning, time-management, and project-coordination skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, deadlines, and budgets in a detail-oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with marketing, communications, creative, web, enrollment, academic, and other University partners; build consensus; and effectively represent the University.

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Four (4) years of relevant experience. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in marketing, business or related field.
• Five years or more of progressively responsible and relevant experience, preferably in higher education and/or marketing.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, interviewing and presentation skills, and experience working with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated understanding of project management tools such as Asana and Google Workspace, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms such as Slate, and content distribution platforms such as Semrush, WordPress, Restream, YouTube, and Hootsuite.

Compensation

Classification: Marketing Communications Professional III 
Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,909/month - $8,393/month (Step 16 – Step 19)
CSU Salary Range: $5,877/month - $8,561/month (Step 1 – Step 20)
San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: November 5, 2026 through November 18, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

CSU Vaccination Policy

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.