Okay, I've searched for Strategic Projects & Marketing Manager roles in Columbia, SC within the higher education sector, for full-time positions requiring a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of project management experience. I have found 27 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Strategic Projects & Marketing Manager (SPM) role is fundamentally designed to serve as the linchpin for managing and executing complex marketing initiatives within the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support. The candidate is expected to manage a dynamic marketing ticketing system—handling the intake, prioritization, and tracking of multi-faceted project requests that require coordination across numerous internal and external partners, including creative, digital, and communications teams. This role demands a mix of strategic foresight and hands-on project management to not only deliver quality work on time but to continuously refine processes for improved efficiency. The SPM also leads a student ambassador marketing team, which adds a layer of engagement and events coordination, emphasizing the importance of leadership and stakeholder management skills. Success here means effectively juggling competing priorities in a fast-paced university environment, maintaining strong communication with diverse teams, mitigating risks, and aligning tactical efforts with broader institutional marketing strategies. The underlying challenges will likely involve balancing evolving project scopes, navigating bureaucracy inherent in large institutions, and sustaining momentum with varying levels of project complexity and stakeholder expectations. A candidate proficient in project lifecycle management, strategic planning, risk mitigation, and collaborative leadership will thrive in this role.

Company Analysis:

The University of South Carolina is a long-established, high-impact public research university with a rich legacy and a vibrant student-focused culture. Positioned as a major education provider serving over 54,000 students across multiple campuses, it blends tradition with ongoing academic and research excellence. The institutional environment suggests a mission-driven, collaborative culture deeply rooted in supporting student success and community engagement. Given its scale and public service orientation, the workplace likely balances a formal structure with opportunities for innovation and professional growth, particularly within student affairs and academic support services. For the Strategic Projects & Marketing Manager, this means working within a complex organizational ecosystem where cross-department collaboration is essential and where the ability to navigate the unique demands of higher education marketing—the importance of campus events, student experiences, and brand reputation—is paramount. The role’s strategic alignment supports the university’s goals of enhancing the student experience and advancing institutional visibility. The work environment near the iconic Horseshoe campus also signals a vibrant, accessible, and community-integrated workplace, which a candidate must be eager to embrace to thrive and build impactful partnerships.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Tell me about a time when you had to manage multiple marketing projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure timely delivery?
• Describe a situation where you identified inefficiencies in a project management process. What steps did you take to improve it?
• Can you share an experience where you led a team—especially students or other non-professional staff—towards successful event execution or marketing initiative?
• How do you handle communication and alignment challenges when working with cross-functional teams, including external vendors and creative partners?
• Walk me through how you would set up and manage a marketing ticketing system for incoming project requests. What tools or procedures would you prioritize?
• In your experience, how do you develop strategic marketing plans tailored to different audiences, such as incoming students or campus communities?
• How would you assess and mitigate risks during the execution of a high-stakes marketing project with tight deadlines?
• Imagine you receive conflicting feedback from internal stakeholders on a marketing project scope and timeline. How would you resolve this?
• If tasked with leading a team of student ambassadors for major university events, how would you motivate and manage their contributions effectively?
• Why are you interested in working at the University of South Carolina, specifically within the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support?
• How do your personal values and professional goals align with the mission and culture of a large public research university?
• In what ways do you see your role contributing to enhancing the student experience at a university like USC?
• Can you describe how you adapt to changing priorities and fast-paced environments while maintaining project quality and team morale?
• What are some key questions you would ask to better understand current marketing challenges within our division if you were hired?
• How does the university’s commitment to research excellence and student engagement influence your approach to project management and marketing?