Communications Specialist

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Admissions Communications, the Communications Specialist is responsible for the marketing and recruitment communications function for the Office of Admissions and plays a critical role in meeting recruitment and enrollment goals.

This position is a key member of a collaborative, creative admissions communications team working closely with both the Office of Admissions recruitment and operations teams. This position will help to create, manage and implement a robust, yet flexible, communications and marketing plan. The position requires a keen eye for detail, be skilled at editing and proofreading content, and have a knack for research and a love of learning. The position will utilize multimedia methods and platforms, including social media and CRM technology. The person in this role will be a collaborator and a team player, working closely with the Office of Admissions leadership team, as well as the SEMSS Student Communications team.

The ideal candidate will exhibit a talent for critical thinking and have excellent written and oral communication skills. The person in this role must be self-motivated, interested in learning about and engaging with new ideas and concepts, and will understand multichannel communications methods. This person will embrace engaging with diverse audiences and working on an urban university campus.

Core Responsibilities:

Admissions Communications (80%): Coordinate all admissions marketing and communications (e.g., print media, social media, digital marketing, direct mail, email, blog posts, website, call and text campaigns, video and photography, and other forms of communication) and create new materials consistent with VCU's brand and marketing strategy.

• Review, update, proofread, and edit content for all print publications and work with designers and colleagues in the development of revised and new print materials.

• Coordinate and create content for social media outreach and digital marketing.

• Collaborate with colleagues, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, and student employees to meet enrollment marketing and communication goals.

• Assist in the development and implementation of an annual comprehensive communications and marketing plan that supports recruitment and enrollment goals in collaboration with the Office of Admissions leadership team.

• Review internal communications data and conduct market research to develop effective and proactive strategies that adjust to shifting trends, leverage existing technologies, and engage emerging technologies to meet enrollment goals.

• Fact check, maintain and update the Admissions website and develop new content as needed.

• Manage and implement CRM communications and marketing strategies for the Office of Admissions.

Admissions Events (10%): Attend local on-campus and off-campus recruitment events and assist as needed.

Other duties (10%): Complete other duties as assigned by the Director for Admissions Communications.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Bachelor's degree in English, communications, marketing, fine arts, liberal arts, journalism, public relations, media, or a related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Exemplary communication skills with an ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.

• Experience creating, writing, editing, and proofreading content across multimedia platforms; researching and fact checking.

• Experience with a CRM system, preferably Slate.

• Understanding of the professional technical qualities, language, and culture of major social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Twitter, Facebook).

• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously with consistent accuracy, follow-through, and timely completion of projects.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to think and plan strategically and to be a solution-oriented problem solver.

• Ability to monitor the efficacy of emerging technologies and marketing trends that will engage and recruit high school students and college transfers.

• Ability to work independently with little direction as well as in teams. Collaborative work style that fosters and maintains strong relationships with a diverse group of individuals that includes both VCU stakeholders and external partners from a wide array of backgrounds, identities, ages, life experiences, and communication styles.

• Ability to recognize and protect confidential information in accordance with FERPA and exercise judgment, tact, and diplomacy in handling sensitive information and situations.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional experience in marketing or communications, especially in higher education.

• Admissions or enrollment management experience.

• Experience implementing a strategic communications plan.

• Experience successfully managing and delivering social media and digital marketing content.

• Knowledge of higher education market trends and best practices in admissions marketing and communication.

• An understanding of design techniques (e.g., graphic design, web design, videography, photography).

• Experience managing communications through Slate CRM system.

• Proficient in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Other Position Details: This position is eligible for a hybrid teleworking schedule up to 60%.

Position Number: 587790

Position Title: Communications Specialist

Department: 1446 Admissions Operations

Role Code: 13221 Specialist CM 1

Position Type: Exempt

Salary: Up to $48,500

ORP Eligible?: No

Open Date: April 29, 2024

Close Date: May 19, 2024 at 7PM