Persistence Communications Manager (Higher Education / Student Success / Marketing Automation)

Scottsdale, AZ (Hybrid) | Full-Time | $70,000 - $86,000

About the Role

A digital learning and innovation unit within a major public research university is hiring a Persistence Communications Manager to design and deploy targeted communication campaigns that drive student retention, registration, and graduation. The unit focuses on scalable digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement, reaching national and international learners through its online programs.

This role sits within the Product and UX Technology team and focuses on building personalized, data-driven communication experiences across email, SMS, and other channels. The Communications Manager will design campaigns that simplify complex processes (like financial aid), re-engage at-risk students, celebrate milestones, connect students to career resources, and guide learners toward degree completion. The work involves heavy use of Salesforce Marketing Cloud (including Journey Builder and AMPScript), collaboration with multiple stakeholders, and continuous testing and optimization.

A strong fit for someone with deep marketing automation expertise who wants to apply those skills to mission-driven student success work. Experience with Marketing Cloud, HTML/CSS email development, and AI-assisted coding tools is highly desired. This is a hybrid position based at the organization's Scottsdale innovation center. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available.

What the Role Covers

• Developing and implementing communication flows that simplify complex processes and drive student task completion
• Creating personalized, segmented campaigns that address common student barriers and guide learners through critical deadlines
• Designing campaigns that encourage timely course registration and help students overcome obstacles to academic progress
• Implementing targeted messaging to re-engage students at risk of stopping out
• Partnering with career services and employer stakeholders to connect students to career resources and opportunities
• Developing communication flows that celebrate student milestones to foster motivation and persistence
• Partnering with the Success Center and other units to promote proactive outreach to specific student populations (near-completers, non-enrolled students, those needing support)
• Conducting tests and analysis using new technologies to determine what works in supporting student success
• Managing multiple campaigns in coordination with project leads and stakeholders, reporting results to leadership
• Delivering hyper-personalized, mass one-to-one communication experiences

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with Marketing Cloud, including Journey Builder, highly desired
• Proficiency creating mobile-responsive email communications using HTML, CSS, and AMPScript
• Willingness to adopt AI coding tools (such as Claude Code) to write, troubleshoot, and optimize AMPScript and Marketing Cloud code
• Experience with Einstein Content Selection and other AI tools within Marketing Cloud
• Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce and project management tools such as JIRA
• Experience developing, executing, and analyzing marketing campaigns using one-to-one and mass communication tactics in a higher education setting
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience analyzing campaign effectiveness and translating data into actionable insights
• Ability to thrive and re-prioritize in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud tools
• Passion for new technologies and creative, strategic thinking

Benefits

Healthcare, financial security, and retirement plans. Tuition reduction for eligible employees, dependents, and spouses. Family resources and discounts.

To Apply

• Visit Mediabistro for full details and application instructions. Applications are due by May 22, 2026. Please address in your cover letter your experience deploying mass communications using email service providers to large audiences, and a time you developed communication strategies with stakeholders and reported on performance.