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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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

  • Chris and his team are absolutely excellent at what they do and they care about your business as much as you do.

    Larry Franco Jr.
    Franco’s Restaurant

  • Their attention to detail when revealing their brand strategy for our company was completely customized to our industry but more specifically, our team and our people.

    Kahla Maguire,
    Printing Concepts

  • They kept asking questions that I would never have thought to tell them in the first place to make sure everything we wanted on the website was included.

    Holly Bowers,
    ECBLA

  • The design process was smooth and collaborative, with the firm taking the time to understand our brand's essence and vision. They actively involved us in every step, carefully listening to our ideas and incorporating them into the final concept.

    Lesley Ridge Allen,
    Erie Regional Chamber of Commerce