Marketing Coordinator - Bemidji State University

At over 300 college & universities around the country, *Chartwells Higher Education *is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you.

Job Summary

As the Marketing Coordinator with Dining Services at the Bemidji State University, you will serve as the on-site marketing leader responsible for driving the overall success of the campus dining program. This role owns and executes all marketing, promotional, engagement, and communications initiatives for the dining program.

This position requires a highly creative, strategic, and results-oriented individual with strong knowledge of Generation Z and Centennial marketing strategies. The Marketing Coordinator will develop and implement comprehensive marketing plans that increase meal plan participation, retail sales, catering revenue, and student engagement while maintaining a strong and consistent brand voice across all platforms.

This position reports directly to the Director of Dining Services, with strategic support and partnership from the District and Regional Marketing Directors.

Key ResponsibilitiesMarketing Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute an annual campus marketing plan aligned with dining and revenue goals.
• Partner with the Director of Dining Services to align marketing strategies with operational priorities and financial targets.
• Collaborate with District and Regional Marketing Directors to ensure brand consistency and strategic alignment.
• Analyze sales trends, consumer insights, market conditions, and competitor activity to inform strategy.
• Measure and report on return on investment (ROI), key performance metrics, and campaign effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain merchandising standards across all dining locations.
• Present marketing plans, campaign results, and strategic updates to campus leadership and stakeholders.

Meal Plans & Retail Sales Growth

• Lead meal plan marketing efforts, including orientation presence, tabling, promotional materials, and awareness campaigns.
• Track and analyze voluntary meal plan (VMP) revenue and implement targeted strategies to increase participation.
• Develop and execute retail sales drivers such as limited-time offers, innovation launches, beverage/snack calendars, and traffic-driving promotions.
• Collaborate with operations and culinary teams to identify revenue-generating opportunities.
• Monitor and report on sales performance and implement data-driven improvements.

Campus Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain partnerships with campus departments, student organizations, athletics, housing, and administrative teams.
• Plan, organize, and execute dining promotions, pop-ups, national brand activations, and vendor events.
• Support and participate in residential life programming and major campus events.
• Measure and evaluate student engagement initiatives to strengthen dining participation and community connection.
• Serve as a brand ambassador, promoting dining services to students, faculty, and staff.

Communications & Brand Voice

• Lead storytelling and communications strategy for campus dining.
• Manage and execute social media strategy to grow followers, increase engagement, and drive traffic.
• Maintain and update the dining website with timely, relevant content.
• Develop newsletters, press releases, digital signage content, reports, and promotional collateral.
• Ensure a consistent, compelling, and impactful brand voice across all platforms and touchpoints.
• Coordinate guest feedback and consumer research programs, analyze results, and implement service improvements.

Team & Operational Support

• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, culinary, retail, merchandising, and client relations teams.
• Support training and engagement initiatives for associates related to promotions and campaigns.
• Provide guidance to student interns, ambassadors, or engagement teams when applicable.
• Support business needs including occasional evening, late night, or weekend event coverage.
• Assist with regional or satellite campus marketing initiatives as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, Business, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum of 1-2 years of marketing experience, preferably in B2C environments; higher education experience a plus.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing marketing campaigns independently.
• Strong understanding of Gen Z marketing trends and digital engagement strategies.
• Ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent organizational, time management, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to present confidently to large groups and campus stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel).
• Experience with social media platforms and analytics tools.
• Graphic design experience using Adobe Creative Suite and/or Canva to develop digital and print marketing materials.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person