Marketing Associate - Patron Engagement Communications Coordinator

Marketing Associate - Patron Engagement Communications Coordinator Springfield, IL, United States | 1004970 Posted on: 5/20/2026 Marketing Associate - Patron Engagement Communications Coordinator

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About UIS:

Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at Application deadline: 6/10/2026

Minimum Starting Salary:

$25.64 per hour / 7.5 hour workday

Job Summary:

The Patron Engagement Communications Coordinator supports communications and engagement efforts that strengthen relationships between the UIS Performing Arts Center, its patrons and local community. This position focuses on written, digital, and social media communications that help patrons feel informed, welcomed, and connected over time, with occasional support for the visual presentation of communications materials. Reporting to the Director of Development, the coordinator works collaboratively with the Ticket Office, Marketing, and local partners to support a thoughtful patron engagement journey, from initial ticket purchase through deeper engagement, including philanthropic involvement. This role emphasizes storytelling, coordination, and engagement support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Patron Communications & Messaging:

Leads the development and management of mass communications, including emails, newsletters, special announcements, and solicitations that inform and engage patrons and supporters. Works closely with the Director of Development on content creation and strategy. These communications focus on engagement and stewardship and do not include any aspects related to ticket sales or subscriptions. Drafts, edits, and curates content that reflects the mission, programs, and impact of the UIS Performing Arts Center. Assists with the visual layout and basic design elements of communications pieces (such as email graphics, flyers, or reports), working within established branding guidelines and in collaboration with Marketing staff as needed. Maintains mass communications calendar; ensures timely delivery of messages; coordinates with printing and mailing services; collaborates with the Marketing Manager to align ticket sales and patron engagement messaging and avoid overlap; and records key performance indicators and standard metrics.

Social Media Engagement:

Creates and schedules social media content focused on audience connection, community presence, and supporter engagement, including simple graphics or image-based posts as appropriate. Highlights behind-the-scenes activity, student involvement, donor-supported initiatives, and community partnerships. Monitors engagement metrics and shares insights with the Director of Development and relevant staff.

Community Impact Report & Content Development:

Leads the creation, production, and distribution of the annual Community Impact Report and related materials, including printing, mailing, and online posting. Gathers content from internal staff, campus partners, donors, and community stakeholders to illustrate impact, working closely with the Director of Development for content guidance and approval. Assists with editing, basic layout coordination, and online presentation of materials, ensuring all content meets quality and branding standards. Serves as the central repository for content, tracking its use in other communications, materials, or publications.

Ticket Office & Patron Pipeline Support:

Works closely with the Ticket Office to support communications that welcome and inform ticket buyers beyond the point of purchase. Assists with engagement touchpoints that encourage continued involvement, such as program awareness, donor support, and impact storytelling. Helps ensure smooth coordination and appropriate handoffs when patrons demonstrate increased interest or engagement.

Data Support & Coordination:

Maintains accurate patron communication records and preferences across ticketing and related databases. Designs, administers, and analyzes patron surveys to assess experiences, satisfaction, and interests, sharing insights with the Director of Development and relevant staff to inform communications and engagement strategies. Supports basic reporting related to communications reach, engagement, and patron feedback, excluding any reporting related to ticket sales or subscriptions.

Professional Development & Collaboration:

Builds skills and knowledge related to communications, audience engagement, and higher education or nonprofit environments. Participates in team meetings, trainings, and collaborative projects. Performs additional communications and engagement-related tasks as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field. 2. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area. 3. Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Note:

Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, or the performing arts. 2. Ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and learn new systems in a team-oriented environment. 3. Basic experience with graphic design or layout tools (such as Canva, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or similar), or an interest in developing these skills to support communications materials.