Digital Marketing Specialist

Salary: $61,351.47 - $86,622.54 Annually
Location : McHenry County College - 8900 Northwest Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL
Job Type: Staff - Full-Time
Job Number:
Division: Institutional Advancement
Department: Marketing & Creative Services
Opening Date: 04/30/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: STA
Target Hire Rate: $64,963.74 - $72,181.93
Pay Grade: STA

Workweek

40 hours | Flexible schedule to meet department needs, which may include evenings and weekends
Position Summary

The Digital Marketing Specialist will play a key role in enhancing the online presence and reputation of McHenry County College through current and emerging digital marketing strategies. This position involves developing, implementing, and optimizing digital marketing campaigns to attract prospective students, engage current students, and promote community programs. This Specialist must have a strong understanding of social media, digital marketing trends, analytics, and paid digital advertising.

The ideal candidate will be collaborative, creative, and strategic in working with colleagues across the campus to tell engaging stories that reflect MCC's mission and impact.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Create and execute comprehensive digital marketing strategies to increase enrollment and brand awareness.
• Develop and manage a college wide social media strategy, including ownership of content calendars for MCC's official channels and future emerging platforms.
• Create, schedule, publish, and amplify high-performing content.
• Support college wide social media efforts in other departments as a collaborative partner who ensures consistent brand voice and adherence to institutional guidelines, best practices and accessibility requirements.
• Serve as a college wide connector, bringing siloed stories into a unified narrative that aligns with MCC's mission and values
• Assist in monitoring online brand reputation and community engagement.
• Collaborate with Executive Director and the Digital Services Team to improve marketing results based on analytics, track digital traffic, and evaluate effectiveness of calls to action.
• Support paid advertising campaigns across platforms such as Google Ads, Meta Business, and other digital channels, ensuring effective targeting and budget management.
• Work closely with academic departments and Student Affairs to highlight programs and events through digital channels.
• Keep current in digital marketing trends, tools, and best practices, making recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Assume additional duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of experience in digital marketing, with specific expertise in social media and paid digital advertising
• Proven experience with social media marketing, content management systems, SEO and SEM

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
• Proficiency with short-form videos for social engagement
• Understanding of digital accessibility requirements, especially use of photo alt text and video captions

Skills and Specifications:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in social media management tools, email marketing platforms and digital marketing tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Tag Manager, etc.)
• Ability to grow with the technology and philosophical directions implemented by the College
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of editorial judgment and mission-driven storytelling
• Understanding of balancing multiple audiences and stakeholders
• Creative mindset with strong problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to work effectively independently and with a team
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Commitment to and respect for diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion
• Understanding of and commitment to the College mission, vision, values, and goals

Equal Employment Opportunity

McHenry County College declares and reaffirms a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. The College will make all decisions regarding admission, employment, participation in educational programs, or activities, without discrimination on grounds of race, color, creed or religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, physical or mental disabilities, military status, sexual orientation, gender-related identity, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge from military service, or other factors prohibited by law.

Decisions regarding employment include hiring, promotion, termination, wages or salaries, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. MCC is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible college community.

To request reasonable accommodation to participate in any aspect of the…