In the evolving world of mission-focused organizations, the role of a Marketing Coordinator has become central to effective communication and engagement. Ithaka, known for its commitment to expanding access to knowledge and education, requires professionals who not only understand marketing but also align with the company’s values. This article explores what it means to be a Marketing Coordinator at Ithaka, the skills needed, the impact of the role, and how this position supports the broader organizational mission.
Understanding Ithaka’s Mission and Vision
Ithaka is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve access to knowledge through digital platforms like JSTOR, Artstor, and Portico. With a strong emphasis on research, education, and preservation of scholarly content, marketing at Ithaka isn’t about pushing sales—it’s about building awareness, engaging institutions, and supporting lifelong learning.
The Marketing Coordinator at Ithaka is tasked with translating this mission into actionable strategies across digital platforms, email campaigns, academic conferences, and more.
Core Responsibilities of a Marketing Coordinator at Ithaka
1. Campaign Planning and Execution
The Marketing Coordinator is responsible for managing and executing marketing campaigns from start to finish. These include product launches for JSTOR features, awareness campaigns about open-access initiatives, and strategic outreach to universities, libraries, and research organizations.
2. Content Development and Management
From drafting email newsletters to updating blog posts and social media content, content creation is a significant part of the role. It must reflect the brand’s tone and remain rooted in academic integrity and innovation.
3. Email and CRM Marketing
The coordinator typically uses platforms like HubSpot or Salesforce to send tailored email campaigns. They analyze open rates, A/B test subject lines, and segment audiences by region or institution type.
4. Event Support and Promotion
Ithaka participates in numerous scholarly and digital preservation conferences. The Marketing Coordinator manages event promotion, both digitally and on-site, often working closely with design and events teams.
5. Performance Analytics and Reporting
Data is critical. The coordinator uses Google Analytics and other dashboards to track campaign performance, website traffic, and engagement metrics, enabling the marketing team to pivot based on real-time insights.
Key Skills and Qualifications
To thrive in this role, a candidate typically requires:
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Strong communication skills – both written and verbal, especially for academic audiences.
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Digital marketing know-how – experience in SEO, email platforms, and basic HTML or CMS knowledge.
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Project management ability – juggling multiple campaigns and deadlines simultaneously.
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Analytical mindset – interpreting data to inform strategy.
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Mission alignment – a genuine interest in research, education, and digital equity.
Most positions also prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, and experience in non-profit or higher education sectors is a bonus.
How a Marketing Coordinator Supports Ithaka’s Broader Mission
At Ithaka, the marketing team isn’t a silo it’s integrated into nearly every department. The Marketing Coordinator helps communicate key initiatives, like expanding access to JSTOR in underrepresented regions or promoting new digital preservation tools.
They work with product managers, editorial teams, and outreach coordinators to align marketing efforts with product roadmaps and organizational goals.
The Human Side of the Role
What makes working at Ithaka unique is the people-centered culture. Marketing Coordinators are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, collaborate across teams, and contribute creative ideas—even as early-career professionals. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are deeply woven into the fabric of their operations, which means the content and campaigns also reflect a wide array of voices and needs.
Marketing Tools and Platforms Commonly Used
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Google Analytics – for website tracking and user behavior analysis.
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Salesforce / HubSpot – for managing contacts, email journeys, and lead tracking.
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Trello / Asana – for campaign planning and task delegation.
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Adobe Creative Suite – especially InDesign or Illustrator for creating digital assets.
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WordPress / Drupal – content management systems used for blog or landing page updates.
These tools enable the Marketing Coordinator to operate efficiently while aligning messaging across multiple touchpoints.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Role
Challenges:
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Maintaining engagement across academic institutions with diverse needs.
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Balancing data-driven decisions with creative storytelling.
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Coordinating across global teams in different time zones.
Opportunities:
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Working in a mission-driven environment that supports educational access.
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Career growth into roles like Marketing Manager or Product Marketing Specialist.
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Leading innovative campaigns that shape the future of digital education.
How to Become a Marketing Coordinator at Ithaka
Interested candidates should:
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Visit Ithaka’s careers page regularly for open roles.
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Build a portfolio of content, campaign reports, or digital assets.
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Understand and articulate how your experience supports educational access and open knowledge.
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Prepare to discuss metrics—be ready to talk about how your marketing efforts have improved engagement, awareness, or conversions.
Conclusion
The role of a Marketing Coordinator at Ithaka is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact in the education and research space. Through thoughtful campaigns, strategic communication, and cross-functional collaboration, coordinators help carry Ithaka’s mission forward in a digital age.
Recommendations
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Stay Updated: Follow Ithaka, JSTOR, and similar educational organizations to keep up with marketing trends in the sector.
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Grow Your Skills: Take certifications in Google Analytics, HubSpot, and digital marketing.
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Network: Attend academic and marketing conferences to connect with like-minded professionals.
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Contribute: Write blog posts or LinkedIn articles that showcase your expertise and passion for marketing and education.
FAQs
What is Ithaka known for?
Ithaka is a non-profit organization that helps the academic community use digital technologies to preserve scholarly records and advance research and teaching.
What does a Marketing Coordinator do at Ithaka?
They manage marketing campaigns, create content, support events, track analytics, and collaborate across departments to communicate the organization’s mission.
What skills are most important for this role?
Strong writing skills, project management, familiarity with digital marketing tools, and alignment with Ithaka’s mission.
Is prior non-profit or educational sector experience required?
While not mandatory, it is preferred. Passion for education and access to knowledge is highly valued.
What tools should I know before applying?
Google Analytics, HubSpot or Salesforce, CMS platforms like WordPress, and project management tools like Asana.
Call to Action (CTA)
If you’re passionate about digital innovation, education, and marketing with purpose—consider exploring marketing careers at Ithaka. Visit https://www.ithaka.org/careers or learn more at https://davidellinger.com to take your next professional step.