Marketing Specialist

Permanent, Full Time (1.0 FTE), starting as soon as possible

One of our core values at St. Michaels University School is respect. With this in mind, we acknowledge that our school rests in the heart of Straits Salish territory, a living culture with its own rites, ceremonies, and unfolding history. We honour the Esquimalt, Songhees, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples – whose homelands we share and whom we recognize as our neighbours.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Marketing Specialist is a strategic and creative executor of St. Michaels University School’s (SMUS) paid marketing initiatives that cover multiple campaigns including student recruitment, fundraising and external programs.

This role will focus on brand and reputation marketing through strategic paid campaigns, ensuring SMUS is positioned as a leader in independent education both domestically and internationally. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in paid digital marketing, with expertise in platforms such as Meta (Facebook & Instagram), Spotify, TikTok, YouTube and Google Ads. Additionally, this role will be support the fulfillment of any paid print and digital advertising commitments.

Work Schedule:

Department hours of work are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday.
This position is in a shared office environment, in-person at the 3400 Richmond Road campus location.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations:

Strategic Marketing Planning & Execution

Develop and execute paid marketing strategies that support student recruitment, retention, and fundraising efforts.
Collaborate with the Admissions, Advancement and External Programs departments to create targeted campaigns that resonate with prospective students, families, and donors.
Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and audience insights to refine marketing approaches.
Ensure brand consistency and reputation management across all paid advertising efforts.
Provide campaign reports and analytics to measure success and provide recommendations for future campaigns.
 

Digital Marketing and Advertising including Paid Media

Plan, execute, and optimize paid media campaigns across platforms including Meta, Google Ads (Search & Display), YouTube, Spotify, and TikTok.
Strategize budget allocation, bidding strategies, and campaign performance to maximize return on investment.
Conduct A/B testing and audience segmentation to improve engagement and conversion rates. 
Design and create the user experience journey and support website content design and updating for campaign landing pages or e-mail campaigns or forms.
 

Print Advertising & Media Buying

Facilitate the fulfillment of any paid print advertising commitments (example interviews for advertorials, meeting deadline submissions, confirming specs and any research on advertising audiences to support the campaign).
Work with external publications and media outlets to ensure SMUS messaging aligns with brand positioning.
Market research on print advertising opportunities and audiences to support the Director with any adjustments to the department’s advertising strategy.
 

Website Management & User Experience

Oversee website strategy to ensure an optimal user experience that drives engagement and conversions.
Implement Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices to enhance search engine rankings and organic traffic to SMUS’s website.
Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team, Information Technology and external website contractors to ensure website content is optimized for user experience and lead generation.
 

Analytics & Performance Tracking

Use data analytics tools (Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite, etc.) to measure campaign performance and provide actionable insights.
Develop regular reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and present findings to internal stakeholders.
Adjust strategies based on data insights to continuously improve marketing effectiveness.
 

The successful candidate will have the following skills, background and interest:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, or a related field.
3-5 years of experience in paid marketing, with a strong background in digital advertising, reporting and analytics.
Hands-on experience with advertising platforms such as Google Ads, Meta Business Suite, TikTok Ads Manager, and Spotify Ad Studio.
Competency in SEO strategies, Google Analytics, and marketing automation tools.
Strong understanding of websites and user experience best practices to improve engagement and conversions.
Strong project management and analytical skills.
Experience with paid print advertising and media buying considered an asset.
Experience in education or related industry considered an asset.
Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
Experience in education, non-profits, or fundraising marketing is a plus.
 

Pay Range: 

Annual pay range: $75,000 – $85,000

Criminal Record Check:

Must pass and maintain a clear Solicitor General criminal record check for the purpose of working with children.

Application Details:

Please apply by 2:00 pm Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

About St. Michaels University School:

Located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, St. Michaels University School (SMUS) is a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 day and boarding school with a global reputation for academic excellence.

Our students from over 30 countries all over the world have opportunities in academics, athletics, arts, leadership, service and outdoor education, and are inspired by an extraordinary staff committed to character growth and preparing students for what lies ahead in life. The school’s Mission shapes these endeavours: Our school seeks the excellence in all of us, with passion and compassion. We are a community shaped by the pursuit of truth and goodness, providing outstanding preparation for life.

At St. Michaels University School, we seek to employ and empower individuals who wish to forge impactful relationships and careers that place our students at the centre. We firmly believe that expanding our diversity while adjusting our practice will lead to becoming the community we envision – a place where staff and students share a sense that they fully belong.