Associate, Marketing & Press Strategy

Inspire Columbia’s Associate Program is a foundational student leadership role designed for first- and second-year students seeking hands-on operational experience within a core functional department.

As a Marketing & Press Strategy Associate, you will help execute promotional campaigns, create high-impact content, and drive audience engagement across the Midlands. Working closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications and executive leadership, you will support marketing initiatives across Inspire Columbia’s partnerships, including ScrewUp Nights, TEDxCongaree Vista, and the nonprofit itself.

Associates build practical experience in digital marketing, brand management, and multi-channel campaign execution, serving as a primary pipeline for future Directorship and executive leadership positions within the organization.

Responsibilities

Work in tandem with the Director of Marketing & Communications and fellow Associates to execute departmental priorities, including:

• Audience Targeting & Outreach: Support campaign rollouts targeted at college students, young professionals, and local creatives across the greater Columbia area.
• Creative Asset Production: Assist in drafting and designing promotional materials across digital and print mediums:
  • Social Media Content: Static graphics, short-form video reels, stories, and carousel graphics.
  • Event Collateral: Signage, printed event programs, venue banners, name badges, and flyers.
  • Recruitment Assets: Promotional materials and digital announcements for student leadership and volunteer cycles.
  • Brand Assets: Slide decks, website visuals, and promotional templates aligned with organizational brand standards.
• Social Media Management: Draft copy, schedule posts, and monitor active social channels for Inspire Columbia, ScrewUp Nights, and TEDxCongaree Vista to maintain consistent posting schedules.
• Multi-Channel Promotions: Support integrated campaigns across social media, email lists, campus flyering, and tabling to drive:
  • Speaker Applications: Outreach to uncover prospective speakers and thought leaders across the region.
  • Ticket Sales: Targeted promotional pushes across early-bird, general admission, and final-call sales phases.
  • Community Awareness: Content spotlighting community impact and milestone updates.
• Sponsorship Fulfillment: Coordinate with the Corporate Sponsorships & Partnerships team to design and deliver contracted marketing perks, including sponsor highlight posts, logo placements, and digital program features.
• Newsletter Drafting: Assist in drafting and assembling recurring email newsletters covering event announcements, speaker spotlights, and organization updates.
• Campus & Local PR Support: Draft outreach copy and help pitch campus newsletters, student media outlets, and local publications for event coverage.

Qualifications

• Enrolled as an undergraduate student (typically first- or second-year standing) at an eligible Columbia-area institution:
  • University of South Carolina, Columbia
  • Allen University
  • Benedict College
  • Columbia College
  • Columbia International University
  • Midlands Technical College
  • Newberry College
• Located in or near Columbia, SC, with the ability to attend regular in-person team meetings, work sessions, and live events.
• Authorized to volunteer for a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• Strong written communication skills, attention to visual detail, and enthusiasm for community storytelling.
• No prior professional design or marketing experience is required; familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud is a plus.