Job Description

Introduction

Barnes & Noble College is a retail partner for nearly 800 colleges and universities nationwide. We offer a retail environment like no other – uniquely focused on delivering essential educational content, tools, and merchandise within a dynamic retail environment on campuses of higher education. Our teams interact directly with our customers including students, faculty, administration, alumni, and the general public to provide outstanding customer service to sell or rent books, general merchandise, and an array of products and services for an academic community.

We are seeking a Marketing & Events Specialist to join our Barnes & Noble College retail store team at Rutgers University! In this role, you will execute the store’s localized marketing strategy across social media and campus events, manage project timelines, and ensure campaigns launch on schedule. You will also build and oversee a student ambassador program, plan campus events, maintain partner communications, and evaluate campaign performance through reporting and updates. The ideal candidate is organized, creative, and collaborative, working closely with university partners and internal stakeholders to strengthen the campus store’s connection to the Rutgers community.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison for Rutgers University Administration, the Campus Store, and the Barnes & Noble College Marketing Team, managing localized in-store and online marketing campaigns.
• Collaborate with university and campus store teams to develop content strategies aligned with university branding guidelines, and manage partner objectives, timelines, and communications with all stakeholders.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate marketing programs and campus-wide events, including cross-promotions with university offices, athletics, housing, and student organizations.
• Oversee all campus store social media channels and maintain a comprehensive content calendar with promotions, project highlights, behind-the-scenes, and student-generated content.
• Recruit, onboard, and train student ambassadors to support merchandise, events, and campus initiatives.
• Partner with Barnes & Noble College and Fanatics merchandising and marketing teams to identify opportunities, track campaign performance, evaluate ROI, and optimize strategy.
• Manage marketing budget and expenses in coordination with the Manager, Partner Success.

Note: While the internal title for this position is Department Manager, the role is functionally equivalent to that of a Marketing & Events Specialist.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field.

• Experience in event planning, social media, and marketing campaigns.

• Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships with a client-first mindset.

• Self-motivated, strategic thinker who can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and presentation.

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and meeting deadlines; minimal travel required (~5%).

The hiring rate for this position is $20.00 - $25.00 / hour.

COVID-19 Considerations:

Our stores comply with all applicable federal, state and local requirements and/or recommendations regarding social distancing and sanitizing. In accordance with individual campus requirements, positions may require confirmation of vaccination. The use of face masks throughout the day and while on campus may also be expected or required.

EEO Statement

Barnes & Noble College is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.