Associate Director of Advancement Communications for Digital Engagement
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Job no: 534621
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Senior Vice Pres Advancement
Department: Marketing and Communications
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia, Hybrid
Categories: Advancement, Communications / Public Relations / Marketing
Reporting to the Director of Advancement Communications, the Associate Director of Advancement Communications for Digital Engagement plays a strategic role in in the creation and marketing of online content and storytelling that inspires, informs, and engages Virginia Tech alumni which consists of more than 290,000 Hokies.
Working closely with members of the centrally-based advancement marketing and communications team as well as communications professionals based in advancement units across the university (located in Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Washington DC area), the associate director will develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive digital engagement strategy leveraging our content management system to its fullest potential in order to reach alumni through compelling and relevant digital content and experiences that is updated frequently.
The associate director will work closely with the assistant director of advancement communications (content strategy) to ensure digital campaigns and creative assets are aligned with marketing and communications plans. They will also partner with the editor of Virginia Tech Magazine to bring interactive alumni storytelling to life through digital channels, creating interactive, multimedia experiences. In addition, the associate director will leverage university news and information, information on alumni events and chapter activities, advertising and marketing content, content generated by college and unit-based communicators, and photographic, video or social content to create a rich mix of news and information that appeals to university alumni and friends.
The associate director will:
- Oversee and curate compelling, interactive content to keep our online presence dynamic and engaging.
- Conceptualize and execute creative digital projects that engage alumni.
- Oversee creative services and visual storytelling functions, managing a team that includes a photographer/videographer, graphic designer, and social media manager.
- Help to develop cross-platform content campaigns that integrate web, mobile, social media, and email communications.
- Collaborate with advancement colleagues including communicators in our colleges and units to create integrated campaigns.
- Elicit and manage user engagement to maximize reader-driven content and user interaction; and analyze the performance of these efforts to constantly adapt strategies to expand our alumni and friends’ audience.
- Seamlessly manage multiple projects and deadlines – and be able to quickly pivot if initiatives under perform.
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment and will be able to work quickly on tight deadlines
- Lead the evolution of our digital presence, constantly seeking new ways to connect with our alumni community.
This position is a fun, energetic, creative role that will work across advancement and the university. The ideal candidate will have the ability to problem-solve (both individually and as part of project teams), work independently with minimal guidance, and be motivated self-starter comfortable working quickly and independently. This position is based in Blacksburg, Virginia and is a hybrid position. Candidates must submit a portfolio of work.
Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; or Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience equating to an advanced degree.
Demonstrated experience in communications or marketing, including planning, executing and evaluating comprehensive communications plans.
Strong project and time management skills, including the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing responsibilities to meet deadlines and the ability to communicate and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively with colleagues from all levels of an organization.
Demonstrated experience supervising and managing a team.
Demonstrated experience in digital content management, including content creation, editing, audience engagement, video and photo production, accessibility standards – as well as the ability to translate content across various platforms.
Proficiency in content management systems and basic HTML.
Strong writing, editing skills and visual content creation skills, including a working knowledge of Associated Press style and basic website design models.
Proficiency in the Adobe Creative suite and experience creating digital assets.
Experience with web analytics tools, as well as social media platforms and strategies.
Knowledge of Virginia Tech and/or higher education.
Experience with customer relationship management and project management systems.
Experience with photo/video production or related fields.
Website design/development including HTML, CSS, CMS (Drupal), and overall functionality, including user-authentication systems, troubleshooting, creating solutions, and testing websites.
Experience working directly with developers to implement designs.
An understanding of SEO and demonstrated experience with SEO fundamentals.
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Unable to sponsor work visas.
Will be required to work outside of regular business hours and on weekends.
Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of their work, showing communications and marketing experience.
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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
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, ethnicity or 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 Advancement Human Resources at advhr@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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Applications close: Eastern Standard Time
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