WE’RE HIRING! 💎
Marketing and Social Media Coordinator
Contract Position | Approx. 25 Hours/Month (Growth Potential) | Long-Term Opportunity
UPDATE (November 9): This position has been filled! Thank you to everyone who showed interest and reached out to us!
Gem City Creative is looking for a highly organized, personable Marketing and Social Media Coordinator to support one of our key client partnerships, with opportunities to take on additional work as our agency continues to grow.
This role will serve as the day-to-day connection between Gem City Creative and the client, helping turn marketing plans into action, keep initiatives moving forward, and ensure the work being completed supports the client's larger goals.
This is a hands-on role that combines client success, marketing coordination, and execution.
We're looking for someone interested in growing with us! While this position will initially focus on one key client partnership, we're actively expanding our marketing and social media services and anticipate opportunities for additional clients, responsibilities, and hours over time.
What You'll Be Doing
Serve as the key liaison between Gem City Creative's management and the client
Ensure marketing initiatives, deadlines, and deliverables are moving forward
Attend marketing, event, and planning meetings as needed (some meetings take place during business hours)
Coordinate with the Gem City Creative team on upcoming projects and creative needs
Make website content updates
Coordinate and publish e-newsletter content
Develop and publish social media content, including writing copy, sourcing or capturing imagery, and coordinating creative assets as needed
Attend client events to capture photography, video, and other content as needed (some events take place during business hours)
Follow up on outstanding information, approvals, and next steps
Proactively identify upcoming needs, opportunities, and potential roadblocks
Monitor projects and goals to ensure marketing efforts remain aligned with the client's larger objectives
Photo and video content can be captured using a high-quality phone camera. Professional camera equipment is not required.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is organized, proactive, dependable, and great with people.
You don't need to be a graphic designer, but you should be comfortable working within an established brand and executing marketing initiatives across different platforms.
Professional photography experience isn't required either, but preference will be given to candidates who are comfortable capturing useful photos at events and creating engaging social media content, including graphics and video reels.
Experience in marketing coordination, account management, client success, communications, project management, or a similar role would be a strong fit.
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who takes ownership. Someone who doesn't just wait for the next task, but pays attention to what's happening, follows up when needed, and helps make sure plans turn into action.
We're especially interested in someone who enjoys building relationships and sees the potential to grow into a larger role as our marketing services expand.
Position Details
Independent contractor (1099) position
Approximately 20–25 hours per month initially, at $25 per hour
Hours may fluctuate based on meetings, events, and client needs
Growth opportunity: We anticipate additional hours becoming available as we expand our marketing and social media client base. While not guaranteed, our goal is to grow this into a more substantial ongoing role.
Some local, in-person availability is required for meetings, events, and photography/video
Position works closely with both the client and the Gem City Creative team
Long-term opportunity with potential for expanded responsibilities
About Gem City Creative
Gem City Creative is a strategy-first branding and design studio based in Erie, Pennsylvania. We help mission-driven brands clarify their message and elevate their visual presence.
From brand strategy and identity systems to digital design, marketing, and social media, we partner with organizations that want to stand out with purpose and show up with confidence.
As we continue expanding our services, we're building a collaborative team of creative thinkers and doers who are excited to help our clients grow.
Interested in Applying?
Please send your resume along with relevant portfolio or work samples to
Chris Schroeder at chris@gemcitycreative.com.
Examples can include social media content, graphics, video reels, photography, email campaigns, or other marketing work that helps us get a feel for your experience and capabilities.
Meet the Team
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Chris Schroeder
CEO / BRAND STRATEGIST
Hey, I’m Chris Schroeder, Founder and Senior Designer at Gem City Creative. Before launching GCC in 2021, I spent over a decade as a full-time graphic designer and illustrator at Schroeder Creations, while also running a side caricature business, Save The Doodle. I’m passionate about serving our clients and watching their brands come to life through thoughtful strategy and meaningful design. When I’m not working, you’ll find me soaking up time with my kids, slapping bass chords, reading, or diving into a new LEGO build.
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Trent Mason
SR. STRATEGIST
Hi, I’m Trent Mason, senior strategist at Gem City Creative. I’m passionate about helping organizations build clear, compelling brands—with a special focus on mission-driven work. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with clients across retail, food services, startups, higher ed, media, and manufacturing, and my work has even been recognized with a few national awards along the way. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me by the creek, fly fishing or enjoying a good book.
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MIRANDA PETERSON
DESIGN LEAD
Hello, I am Miranda Peterson, Design Lead at Gem City Creative! I graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelor’s in Graphic & Interactive Design and a minor in Printmaking. Before joining GCC, I spent six years as a freelance designer, using design and illustration to bring quality and intention to every project. I enjoy giving back to the community through volunteer work, and outside of work you’ll often find me collaging, embroidering, book-binding, or staying active with pilates and weightlifting.
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EMMA OAS
OPERATIONS AND GROWTH STRATEGIST
Hi, I’m Emma, Operations and Growth Strategist at Gem City Creative! After serving as Project Manager, I’ve transitioned into a role focused on helping our team grow and operate more efficiently. I work behind the scenes to improve our systems, streamline processes, support team training, and explore opportunities for business growth. My goal is to help GCC continue delivering an exceptional client experience while building a strong foundation for the future. Outside of work, you can find me running, practicing yoga, coaching basketball, or staying active in any way I can!
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AIDAN DAUGHENBAUGH
PROJECT MANAGER
Hi, I’m Aidan, Project Manager at Gem City Creative! I help keep projects organized, communication flowing, and everything moving smoothly from start to finish. I bring a unique background to the team, having spent nine years living and working in the Czech Republic, gaining experience in everything from hospitality and events to international business and education. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Point Park University. I love working with people and bringing all the moving pieces together to create a great client experience. Outside of work, you’ll find me cooking, working on art projects, taking long walks, or traveling. I’m a huge foodie and love discovering new cultures through food, whether it’s a hidden local gem or a Michelin-starred restaurant! -

Emily Malay
DESIGNER
Hi, I’m Emily, Junior Designer at Gem City Creative! I help bring brands to life through cohesive designs, presentations, templates, and visual materials that stay true to each brand’s identity. With four years of professional experience in graphic design and illustration, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients throughout western Pennsylvania. I especially enjoy publication design, branding, typography, and creating visual systems that are both functional and engaging. I’m always looking for ways to grow creatively and bring fresh ideas to every project. Outside of work, I have a love for history, antique design, and nostalgic aesthetics, which often inspire my creative approach and appreciation for timeless details!
Gem City Creative is a small but mighty design studio led by Founder and Senior Designer Chris Schroeder, alongside Design Lead Miranda Peterson and Junior Designer Emily Malay. Supporting the team are Senior Strategist Trent Mason and Project Manager Emma Oas, ensuring every project runs smoothly from concept through execution.
While you’ll work directly with our core team on most projects, we also collaborate with a trusted network of creative specialists for services like 3D animation, web development, and video production—allowing us to scale based on your needs.
As our capabilities continue to grow, we’ve expanded into media strategy with the addition of Target Media, our specialized media division. This allows us to not only create compelling creative, but also strategically plan and place it in front of the right audiences for maximum impact.
OUR EXPERTISE
15 Years in operation as a design agency
100+ Clients have worked with Gem City
Nationwide Presence of client work across the US
Human Centered approach that is against AI for creative use
RECENT PROJECTS
“We envision a world where the underdogs of business can stand toe-to-toe with corporate giants—armed with bold identities and compelling stories that inspire their audiences and spark real connections”
Industries We Serve
Our versatile background allows us to support a wide range of industries, helping each one elevate their brand through strong visuals and smart strategy. We’ve partnered with clients across:
Technology & SaaS
Nonprofits
Food & Hospitality
Healthcare & Wellness
Faith based organizations
Education & Training
Government & Public Sector
Retail & eCommerce
Real Estate & Home Services
Manufacturing & Industrial
Where Our Clients Are Located
Though based in Erie, Pennsylvania, Gem City Creative supports brands nationwide. We’ve helped businesses show up with confidence in:
New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, Texas, California, Nevada, and our home state of Pennsylvania