Marketing & Community Engagement Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging communications and marketing professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and enjoys wearing multiple hats. The ideal candidate is equal parts storyteller, relationship-builder, content creator, and project manager.The Marketing & Community Engagement Specialist will play a central role in strengthening AURP’s brand visibility, member engagement, digital presence, and event communications. This role works across strategic communications, membership engagement, event marketing, and content production to support AURP’s growing international network.This position offers broad exposure to leaders in higher education, research commercialization, entrepreneurship, innovation districts, and economic development — making it an excellent growth opportunity for someone interested in future leadership roles within associations, innovation ecosystems, higher education partnerships, or nonprofit organizations. Key Areas of Responsibility·     Brand Storytelling & Strategic Communications·     Community & Membership Engagement·     Event Marketing & Program Promotion·     Content Production & Digital Media·     Marketing Analytics & Growth Strategy ABOUT AURPFounded in 1986, the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) is a AURP is an international nonprofit organization that supports communities where innovation happens — places where universities, researchers, startups, businesses, and government partners work together to turn new ideas and discoveries into real-world solutions, companies, and jobs.AURP members are dedicated to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of vibrant research and innovation communities - creating new and higher paying jobs, contributing to regional economic growth, and the impact of moving R&D to market (think...cancer diagnostics and novel treatments, robotics and drone delivery, new building technologies for energy efficiencies, etc.). Our members include leading universities, research parks, innovation districts, startups, corporations, and economic development organizations such as Stanford, Purdue, University of Arizona, Arizona State University, UCLA, Harvard and more.We’re looking for a dynamic, creative, and highly organized Marketing & Community Engagement Specialist to join our collaborative team and help elevate AURP’s voice, member experience, and global impact these research discoveries contributed throughout the world.QUALIFICATIONSRequired1–3 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, digital media, or a related fieldBachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related disciplineExceptional written and verbal communication skillsStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlinesExperience with social media management, email marketing platforms, and digital communicationsAbility to work independently while collaborating effectively within a small team environmentStrong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workComfortable learning new technologies and adapting to changing priorities PreferredExperience working within associations, nonprofits, higher education, or mission-driven organizationsFamiliarity with membership organizations or community engagement programsExperience with event marketing and webinar platformsKnowledge of basic HTML, CMS platforms, and/or marketing automation toolsExperience with podcast, video, or multimedia productionUnderstanding of innovation ecosystems, research commercialization, entrepreneurship, or economic developmentWhy Join AURP?This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of:innovation and entrepreneurshiphigher education partnershipsresearch commercializationtechnology ecosystemseconomic developmentglobal collaboration networksYou will gain broad hands-on experience across strategic communications, event marketing, digital engagement, and membership growth while working alongside leaders shaping the future of innovation communities worldwide.Office Location & TravelU.S. citizenship requiredRemote or hybrid opportunities are available based on candidate location; Arizona resident preferredLimited travel required for conferences and events (approximately 2–3 events annually)To ApplyPlease submit:Resume with cover letterOptional writing samples, portfolio links, or examples of digital content/campaign workWe look forward to learning how your creativity, communication skills, and passion for community-building can help advance AURP’s mission.