Marketing & Communications Manager, NSF Carolinas Grid Engine

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all marketing and communications functions for the Carolinas Grid Engine, building the initiative’s brand, voice, and national visibility as it moves from federal award into execution.
• Develop, lead, and execute the Engine’s integrated marketing and communications strategy in support of research translation, workforce development, ecosystem growth, and partner engagement objectives.
• Establish and steward the Engine’s brand identity, messaging architecture, voice, and visual standards across all channels and partner touchpoints.
• Build audience-specific communications strategies for distinct stakeholder groups including utilities, manufacturers and industry partners, startups and entrepreneurs, universities and technical colleges, workforce and community organizations, economic development agencies, policymakers, and the general public.
• Develop and manage the annual marketing and communications plan, editorial calendar, and campaign roadmap aligned to Engine milestones and NSF reporting periods.
• Establish key performance indicators for marketing and communications activity; track, analyze, and report on performance to Engine leadership.
• Serve as owner and primary manager of the carolinasgridengine.com website, including content strategy, information architecture, editorial calendar, publishing, and ongoing maintenance.
• Plan and manage website updates, enhancements, and redesign efforts; coordinate with web developers, designers, and vendors as needed.
• Ensure the website meets accessibility standards, brand requirements, search optimization best practices, and applicable university and federal guidelines.
• Manage the Engine’s social media presence and channel strategy, including content development, publishing, community engagement, and performance monitoring.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressive professional experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, including experience owning strategy and execution.
• Or, a combination of education and experience.

Preferred

• HubSpot certifications (Marketing Hub, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, or equivalent).
• Experience with web accessibility standards and search engine optimization.
• Experience with video production, photography, or multimedia content development.
• Familiarity with federal sponsor acknowledgment and communications requirements, including NSF guidelines.
• Experience supporting multi-organization coalitions, consortia, or public-private partnerships.
• Working proficiency with design and production tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or comparable platforms.