Performance Marketing Manager

Chicago, IL (On-site)

$65K/yr – $75K/yrMid Level3+ years expFull time

Posted 3 days ago

Job Summary

Own end-to-end paid media strategy and optimization, funnel conversion improvements, and analytics-driven cross-channel campaigns to drive started and completed applications in higher education enrollment.

  • Own tracking, dashboards, and reporting on performance
  • Coordinate across paid media, lifecycle, and analytics workstreams

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Paid Acquisition & Media (60–70%) - Own strategy, execution, and ongoing optimization of paid campaigns (paid search, paid social, display/retargeting, and video) within established budget parameters
  • Build and maintain privacy-compliant, full-funnel conversion tracking — GA4, tag management, consent mode, and click-ID–based conversion imports from the CRM/enrollment system where permitted by institutional privacy policy so campaigns can be optimized to started and completed applications rather than clicks or form fills
  • Structure campaigns, audiences, and bidding strategies around down-funnel conversion events using privacy-safe targeting (search intent, geographic/demographic, contextual, and first-party retargeting rather than lookalike audiences); manage budget pacing and reallocation across channels based on cost per started and completed application
  • Run a continuous testing program across ad creative, audiences and landing pages
  • Attribute enrollments to specific channels and campaigns; integrate and reconcile data from ad platforms, external agencies, and affiliate/partner channels
  • Maintain the paid media performance dashboard (e.g., Looker Studio or Power BI) and deliver a monthly campaign performance report with insights and recommendations to the Director of Marketing
  • Funnel & Lifecycle Optimization (20–25%) - Analyze and improve conversion rates on campaign landing pages
  • Own re-engagement of started-but-incomplete applicants through paid retargeting, in coordination with the Director of Admissions
  • Evaluate email campaign and webinar/event performance as lead sources, and feed findings back into paid audience and creative strategy
  • Marketing Analytics & Campaign Coordination (10–15%) - Maintain the enrollment marketing dashboard as the team’s source of truth; interpret results and provide insight to support Director-level decision-making and cross-functional alignment

Requirements

  • 3+ years of hands-on paid media experience with direct ownership of campaign strategy, execution, and budget, not analysis or coordination alone
  • Demonstrated experience optimizing campaigns to down-funnel or offline conversion events (e.g., applications, enrollments, qualified leads), including setting up the tracking to make that possible
  • Significant experience with GA4 and tag management, including conversion configuration, dashboard maintenance, and analysis
  • Experience with data visualization and reporting tools such as Looker Studio or Power BI
  • Working knowledge of conversion rate optimization: landing page testing, funnel analysis, and drop-off diagnosis
  • Experience evaluating email nurture/retargeting sequences tied to conversion outcomes
  • Strong written, and verbal communication skills; collaborative and comfortable working cross-functionally
  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Data Analytics, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience
  • Experience working with CRM and enrollment systems such as Slate, Salesforce, or CORE Campus (or ability to learn quickly); higher education or enrollment marketing experience is a plus
  • Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
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Erikson Institute

Erikson is a leading institution of higher education that prepares professionals to address the urgent challenges facing young children, their families and communities. Our innovative programs, transformative research and impactful advocacy empower early childhood professionals to drive lasting change. Erikson strives to build an equitable future where every child thrives.

Founded in 1966
Chicago, Illinois, USA
266 employees (12 in marketing)

Salaries

Posted range

$65K/yr – $75K/yr

Taken straight from the job posting.

See all Erikson Institute salaries

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
12 (5% of company)
Median Tenure
5.2 years
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
1

Recent Ads

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
26.8K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
50.6%
Direct
40.6%
Referral
6.4%
Social
1.5%
Paid
0.8%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~266

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Performance Marketing Manager

Erikson Institute · Chicago, IL · On-site