Communications Specialist

As a member of the College of Natural Resources and Environment Dean’s Office team, the Communications Specialist reports to the Assistant Dean of Business, Finance, and Administration, with a dotted line connection to the college’s Director of Communications. This position will serve our four major departments, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Sustainable Biomaterials, and Geography, with overall communications, web, social media, and graphic design needs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: (1) Content creation: writing content for newsletters, brochures, web pages, or other communications as needed at the department level; (2) Creating digital content, graphics, or photography for web or social media use as needed; (3) Developing all print and promotional materials, including flyers, banners, and promotional items for prospective students, current students, alumni, and external stakeholders; (4) Independently maintaining departmental websites by interfacing directly with our department heads and faculty to showcase departmental news, events, and important updates; and (5) Working with department heads to share news stories relevant to the departments’ work. Experience with content creation, photography, graphic design, and project management is required. A portfolio of at least four pieces of prior work must be submitted with a completed application. This portfolio can include writing, graphics, web designs, and photography.

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Graphic Design, or related field.

Demonstrated experience in website development and maintenance.

Demonstrated experience using software such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Suite.

Demonstrated experience in professional communication and ability to interact effectively with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment.

Demonstrated experience of strong writing, editing, and content creation skills.

Demonstrated experience in working independently and across cross-functional teams on multiple projects, prioritizing workloads, and establishing achievable deadlines, at times, with a quick turnaround.

Experience working in higher education.

Demonstrated experience with photography and videography.

Knowledge of University branding guidelines.

Knowledge of printing industry best practices.

Demonstrated experience using project management software.

4

Regular

Commensurate with experience

January 16, 2023

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.