Careers at Virginia Tech

The Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications with a strategic focus on media relations. This individual will play a pivotal role in enhancing Pamplin's visibility and reputation by developing and executing strategic communications that effectively communicate the college's leadership, research excellence, and academic innovation to diverse audiences. The Assistant Director will supervise a team of communications professionals in coordination with the Director to develop and implement the Department’s strategic communications plan. This individual will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant federal, state, and university policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities:
Media Relations:
o Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across traditional and digital media to promote Pamplin’s initiatives, faculty research, and student accomplishments. Serve as primary contact for all media inquiries.
o Ensure consistency in messaging across all communications platforms, from traditional media to digital and social media channels.
o Craft and distribute press releases, media advisories, feature stories and other media and thought leadership materials to secure positive media coverage.
o Monitor and analyze media coverage, providing reports to leadership and stakeholders on media engagement and outcomes.
Strategic Communication Planning:
o Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communications to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies that align with the college’s broader goals.
o Ensure consistency in messaging across all communications platforms, from traditional media to digital and social media channels.
o Collaborate with academic and research centers to identify compelling stories and media opportunities to that reflect Pamplin’s accomplishments.
Content Creation & Distribution:
o Lead the creation and curation of high-quality content that resonates with various audiences, including alumni, prospective students, and corporate partners, with a focus on earned media opportunities. Assets include: feature articles, blog posts, social media updates, and video scripts, with a focus on amplifying media coverage.
o Oversee editorial content, ensuring accuracy, alignment with brand guidelines, and effectiveness in reaching target audiences.
o Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students, to identify compelling stories that promote the college’s achievements and initiatives. Work closely with digital team to amplify media coverage across social media, web, and email marketing channels.
o Assist in the production of multi-media content, including video scripts, podcasts, and infographics, to support storytelling initiatives.
Event Promotion & Crisis Communication:
o Support the promotion of high-visibility events, ensuring media presence and coverage.
o Manage on-site media relations at college events, coordinating interviews and photo opportunities with faculty, staff, and distinguished guests, including alumni.
Analytics & Reporting:
o Monitor and assess the effectiveness of media relations and communication strategies through KPIs and metrics.
o Provide actionable insights and recommendations for future improvements based on data analysis.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Professional experience in media relations, public relations, or a related communications role.
• Demonstrated success in pitching and securing media coverage across various platforms.
• Proven strength in written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling narratives and press materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and build relationships with external partners.
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools and digital platforms for managing and tracking media outreach efforts.

• Experience in higher education.
• Proficiency in content strategy, experience with digital marketing, including social media management is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Restricted

70,000-77,000

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

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.

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