Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.VAI is recruiting a
Digital Marketing Associate to assist with executing marketing strategies for our organization's family of websites and philanthropic outreach (forms and email marketing). This associate will be responsible for creating various registration and sponsorship forms, philanthropic outreach via email marketing, and managing day-to-day website updates. Our ideal team member is someone who can adhere to process, while always working to improve day-to-day operations.
About the role:As part of the Communications & Marketing team, you will support a wide variety of initiatives that advance the Institute's mission. Adhering to all email best practices and guidelines, you will help ensure philanthropic and mission-based marketing efforts are optimized, meet engagement KPI targets, and reach the right person, at the right time, with the right message. You will work closely with our Digital Media Strategist to manage website content, aid search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, improve user experience and help maximize the digital marketing acquisition process.Ideally, we would like to meet self-starters who know how to make a mission come alive, while remaining focused on details and deadlines. We're looking for a team member who can hit the ground running. The best candidates also will possess an innate curiosity, the ability to integrate big-picture strategy in specific project components, strong written and oral communication, and a keen eye for design and detail.
Our expectations of you:- Assist in overseeing the email production process and creating every email and form, ensuring flawless execution.
- Ensure email messages are properly constructed, are 100% compliant and adhere to industry best practices.
- Ensure the design and layouts of emails are optimized, user and mobile-friendly.
- Build web pages and manage content updates within our CMS (WordPress).
- Manage content publishing within structured workflow to maximize the quality of the site user experience, content display, links and metatags.
- Create QA guidelines and process documentation to improve team effectiveness.
- Possess HTML coding knowledge for email communications and ability to design and/or edit simple graphics.
- Collect and analyze data to monitor and improve the effectiveness of communications by compiling digital analytics (SEM, emails, website, social properties).
- Proofread key messaging in and out of email templates.
- Ensure consistency of information across various platforms.
The qualifications you'll bring:- Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations or related field.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- 2-3 years of professional email marketing experience with a medium or large organization managing sophisticated email marketing campaigns and automation workflows.
- 2-3 years of experience with CRM platforms (VAI utilizes Mailchimp).
- 1-2 years of professional experience with WordPress (CMS).
- Intermediate knowledge of SEO and SEM.
- Proficient in utilizing best practices for integrated campaigns and digital marketing analytical tools (i.e. Google Analytics, SEMrush).
- Stellar organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects daily.
- Nimble, creative problem-solving and the ability to work independently as part of a team.
- Adaptable work style and willingness to change gears quickly when needed.
- Strong proofreading skills.
- High-level attention to detail.
- Interest in continuing learning and growth in the communications and marketing field.
- Non-profit or mission-driven organizational experience preferred.
On any given day, you might be involved in:- Updating the Institute's web properties, including numerous laboratory sites.
- Create and monitor a wide variety of email marketing campaigns.
- Creating donation, registration and other forms for the website and social platforms.
- Assist in developing and implementing the digital marketing strategy to promote the company's websites, email campaigns and other web-based resources.
- Implement SEO and SEM strategies.
What you'll receive:- An endless supply of interesting projects.
- Highly collaborative and supportive teammates.
- A fantastic benefits package, including medical, vision, dental, matching 401k retirement, vacation, paid time off, paid holidays and free parking. All on day one!
How to Apply: If you possess these attributes and enjoy working with motivated and driven people, we welcome speaking with you and encourage you to apply today!
- An up-to-date Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter outlining your interest in the position and goals
- Portfolio samples or link to your portfolio
- A list of 2-3 individuals who have agreed to act as references, along with their contact details. Please ensure to include at least one supervisor.
Please contact ...@vai.org with questions or if you have any difficulty with the application process.
About Van Andel Institute Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute's scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K-12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.VAI is committed to achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.
About Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It's fun affordable and family-friendly. Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.