Communications Specialist

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Specialist will drive internal communications, public relations strategy, and news writing for the Division of Information Technology. The specialist will develop and implement communications plans to inform stakeholders; elevate priority areas of impact in research, service, and technology development; and collaborate with units and working groups to identify and craft messages for both internal and external audiences. Skill in uncovering and crafting compelling stories and sharing the social benefits of complex technological advancements are important in this role. The specialist will work to enhance and evaluate the division’s web presence and marketing efforts, direct social media efforts, and maintain content on multiple communications platforms. Reporting to the Director of Communications for the Division of IT, the specialist will oversee division websites and create content that communicates our vision and achievements in service to Virginia Tech. The ability to collaborate responsively and build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders, departmental partners, and clients is very important in this role. The ability to provide creative direction and constructive feedback on projects is essential. The specialist will establish and maintain a calendar of regular updates and notices; support the development of the Division’s annual reports; manage social media accounts; help plan and support university-wide initiatives including conferences, workshops, and seminars; and support the leadership team, service owners, and others with their public-facing communications. In addition, the specialist will work to align messaging with our strategic plan and core values, as well as university branding and strategic objectives. A strong commitment to producing timely, accurate, and engaging content is key. Applicants should include three examples of work that demonstrate writing skills and showcase a diverse portfolio of video, photo, design, or social media content.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communication, Public Relations, or a related field; or a combination of education, training, and experience that equates to a Bachelor's degree
Experience working with organizations to enhance their communication efforts
Exceptional skill in producing accurate, versatile, and high-quality writing
Organization, creativity, flexibility, and self-motivation
Demonstrated experience as a professional communicator applying both skills and theory
Working knowledge and experience with a web content management system
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
Demonstrated skill in working effectively in a team environment
Excellent research and interview skills
The ability to optimize content for various channels and audiences

Nice To Haves

Specialized working knowledge in social media management, SEO and analytics, video or audio program development, photography or photo editing, creative direction of graphic design projects, and/or marketing

Responsibilities

Develop and implement communications plans to inform stakeholders.
Elevate priority areas of impact in research, service, and technology development.
Collaborate with units and working groups to identify and craft messages for both internal and external audiences.
Enhance and evaluate the division’s web presence and marketing efforts.
Direct social media efforts.
Maintain content on multiple communications platforms.
Oversee division websites and create content that communicates our vision and achievements.
Establish and maintain a calendar of regular updates and notices.
Support the development of the Division’s annual reports.
Manage social media accounts.
Help plan and support university-wide initiatives including conferences, workshops, and seminars.
Support the leadership team, service owners, and others with their public-facing communications.
Align messaging with our strategic plan and core values, as well as university branding and strategic objectives.