Communications and Marketing Specialist IV

Overview

Department: Not specified.
Location: Non-Campus Other.
Time Type: Full time.
Worker Type: Regular.
Job Req : R108194.

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor s degree in Communications, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or a related field and six (6) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. (8 Salaried)

Position

Description:

The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub Communications and Marketing Specialist plays a strategic role in supporting Kentucky s Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub at the University of Louisville. This position combines marketing and communications expertise with data management and performance analysis to enhance the Hub s regional and national visibility, ensuring data-informed decision-making. The ideal candidate is experienced in digital marketing, content creation, and data analytics;

capable of amplifying the Hub s impact through compelling content via social media, email, and newsletters. This position is essential for promoting Hub activities, driving stakeholder engagement, and demonstrating measurable outcomes to the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the state of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and the broader defense innovation ecosystem. This is a grant funded position with funding through August 15, 2027.

Continued employment is contingent upon availability of funds.

Branding & Communications

• Work closely with DIU and the University of Louisville to develop and implement DIU-compliant marketing strategies that elevate Kentucky s OnRamp Hub s presence throughout the state and beyond.
• Design and maintain OnRamp Hub:
  Kentucky-branded materials, including newsletters, digital campaigns, and social media.
• Ensure consistent visual and messaging alignment across all Hub-related facilities and platforms.

Digital Engagement & Outreach

• Manage and grow the Hub s social media presence; track and report key engagement metrics (followers, impressions, shares, etc.).
• Coordinate with DIU s national marketing team to align campaigns and amplify regional success stories.
• Target diverse stakeholders—startups, defense contractors, academic researchers—with tailored outreach efforts.

Event Marketing

• Create and execute promotional strategies for events, including tech showcases, workshops, summits, and industry engagement sessions.
• Collaborate with program and event staff to maximize participation from the DoW, industry, academia, and other key audiences.
• Develop online informational resources easily accessible to DoW, industry, and academia.

Success Storytelling

• Identify, document, and share success narratives from Hub participants (e.g., DoD contract awards, technology maturation, venture growth).
• Support in producing case studies, press releases, and media assets in collaboration with DIU s communications team and UofL s media office.

Data Management & Analytics

• Support UofL s Sales Force engineer to develop and maintain the CRM database.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to assess performance against DIU-defined success indicators (e.g., TRL/MRL advancements, DoD contracts, startup scaling).
• Support the PM in creating accurate weekly SITREP updates, monthly performance summaries, and financial data reports to meet contractual requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the Program Manager and Ecosystem Engagement Lead to embed data collection into daily operations with minimal disruption.
• Translate data insights into communication materials and program refinements.
• Other duties as required.

• Bachelor s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in one or more of the following: digital marketing, communications, data analytics, or public relations.
• Proficiency with:
  • Web strategy and management
  • Social media content creation
  • Data analysis and visualization platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Excel, Tableau, cloud-based dashboards)
  • Content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Word Press)
• Experience working with the Department of War (DoW), federal agencies, or within defense innovation ecosystems.
• Familiarity with DoW branding and…