Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

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Work type: Staff

Senior management: College of Science

Department: Chemistry

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Categories: Communications / Public Relations / Marketing, Research / Scientific

Job Description

The Communication Specialist provides confidential and comprehensive administrative and executive assistance to the Chair of the Department of Chemistry to ensure efficient office operations.

Creates, maintains, organizes and manages the Department of Chemistry's marketing and media efforts to include: (1) developing all recruiting materials, including flyers, banners, and promotional items, for prospective students, current students, alumni, and external stakeholders; (2) independently maintaining Chemistry's website and social media by interfacing directly with all chemistry faculty for content of news stories; (3) canvassing a variety of sources for placing possible news stories in the wider media; (4) creating digital signage postings based on available news; (5) writing new content for Chemistry's 12-16 page "Elements" newsletter (published twice a year) and editing all contributed content, which requires interacting on an independent basis with Chemistry faculty, staff, students, and alumni in the development of new stories.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business, English, communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent training and/or experience.

Experience working with content management systems and an HTML based web design.

Knowledge of best practices in social media and experience using and managing content on social media outlets.

Proficiency using software such as Microsoft Office Suite and a desktop publishing program such as Adobe Creative Suite to include InDesign, Captivate, Photoshop, and illustrator.

Excellent communication, writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with experience such as writing and editing reports, informational literature, and news articles.

A commitment to customer service and strong interpersonal skills for positive external communications and interactions with various levels of both internal and external clients.

Ability to work independently and on a team on multiple projects, often involving deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Administrative office experience in an academic or professional office setting with increasing levels of responsibility. Experience using Banner Software System or relational databases.

• Experience working in development or fundraising. Experience interacting with senior administrators and high profile individuals.

• Experience working with faculty in an academic setting. Understanding of web development tools and best practices.| Experience doing live video streaming of events.

• Experience in higher education, public relations, advertising, and/or marketing.

Pay Band

4

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

6/3/24

Additional Information

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.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Leslie Cherry-Marshall at lmcherry@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: May 23, 2024

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