Project Specialist

Position Overview:

The individual in this position is responsible for print buying and management, which includes development of project specifications, bid procurement, vendor selection, production troubleshooting, fulfillment management, quality review of delivered materials and invoice approval and processing. In addition, the individual in this position serves as a project manager for print projects (collateral, displays, banners, etc.) for the Office of Marketing and Communication (OMC) and for Marquette University departments. In this capacity, the individual is responsible for creating job tickets, setting schedules and managing project workflow to ensure deadlines are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Print buying: request bids, negotiate best pricing and develop and maintain vendor relationships following best practices in conjunction with Marquette’s Purchasing Department. This individual also will coordinate print production and fulfillment; attend press checks as needed; manage mailing lists; keep current onUSPSmailing standards; serve as the primary contact with the mail house for all fulfillment needs; and maintain sample files and route samples to appropriate parties as needed. In addition, project strategic counsel to University Partners regarding best marketing options that meet creative and fiscal objectives. Coordinate vendor payment with various departments and with OMC’s Director of Administrative Services.

2. Project management: lead/manage print projects on behalf of university partners. Develop and execute marketing briefs that drive project needs for university campaigns & initiatives. Act as a liaison between internal and university partners.

3. Traffic management: maintain communication with project teams and university partners to ensure that deadlines are met and projects flow smoothly. Key job elements include schedule and timeline creation; day-to-day communication with key partners about project specifics; assessing new project requests; and apprising internal and external teams of changes, delays or additions to projects. Will also maintain a master schedule of projects through the department’s online project management system.

4. Quality control: lead the development and implementation of best practices in printing, bidding, postage/mail house services and other project-related information. This individual will maintain the quality standards and consistency of printed pieces and assist in ensuring that the university’s brand and editorial style guidelines are followed.

5. Online project management system: along with other key administrators of the system, this individual will train users, help develop workflow efficiencies and manage project workflow.

6. This position comes with the support of a student intern and/or contract employee. This individual must be able to effectively delegate specific responsibilities to create workflow efficiencies.

7. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field required. 
• 3-5 years of experience in print buying/project management/project planning experience in an agency, educational or corporate setting is required. 
• Highly organized, motivated and detail-oriented and has the ability to manage multiple projects and needs while meeting deadlines and following best practices. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and written and verbal communication skills required.
• Negotiate with vendors for competitive bids. 
• Counsel and lead as needed, assess requests and make recommendations on strategy and implementation, considering immediate needs and long-term impact of decisions. 
• Excellent leadership and people skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, project management, time management skills, and desire to work in team-oriented environment essential. 
• Possess a knowledge of project scheduling Possess a knowledge of budgeting, bidding processes and print production (digital, offset and Web printing). 
• Able to anticipate and resolve problems. 
• Familiar with Mac-based graphic production as it relates to printer needs. 
• Work independently and with a team. 
• Familiarity with Marquette University or an academic environment in general. 
• Knowledge of and willingness to support Marquette’s Catholic, Jesuit mission.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with project management software a plus 
• Experience working in higher education, or for marketing/advertising agency is preferred.

It is the policy of Marquette University to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.

Marquette University offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 403(b), paid vacation and sick time, and tuition remission.