Careers at Virginia Tech

The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (HNFE) at Virginia Tech is hiring for the position of Communications and Marketing Coordinator to develop, implement, manage, and boost the department’s marketing strategies and digital presence.

The successful candidate will:
• Create and execute engaging and thought-provoking content that includes research on strategies to build brand recognition and tell the stories of the department’s diverse community of stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, alumni, etc.)
• Implement and manage both online and print communications
• Lead development of strategies, execution and delivery that highlights the department’s teaching, research, industry connections, student spotlights, alumni features, and more
• Help coordinate content creation for student recruitment, student and career services, and alumni engagement
• Develop relationships with alumni, retired faculty, and friends of the department
• Plan/attend department and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) events
• Lead development strategies and serve as the development liaison from HNFE to CALS
• Provide technical editing of manuscripts and proposals
• Create grant and research tables, charts, and graphs
• Create reports
• Administrative support for awards committee
• Meet regularly with the CALS Director of Communications and Marketing

This position requires someone with storytelling and strong writing skills; experience developing and designing such content for social media; experience marketing materials (brochures, posters, etc.; crafting press releases in AP Style; experience creating e-newsletter, and a biannual alumni magazine; proficiency with content management systems (CMS) for updating the HNFE website. Knowledge in Associated Press (AP) style and a deep understanding of engaging news and social media trends is essential. The successful candidate will be creative in writing and graphics, self-starting, entrepreneurial, and have the technical skills to implement communications across multiple digital platforms. Tasks require mindfulness and the ability to develop timely content. The successful candidate will also be proactive in writing and posting stories.

This position reports to the department head and will work closely with program directors and research faculty to ensure content creation and marketing strategies align with department, college, and university goals. Preference will be given to candidates with effective communication and people skills who can contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts of Virginia Tech.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Advertising, Journalism, or equivalent training & experience;
• Expertise in leading, developing and executing marketing strategies and communications;
• Familiarity with digital content strategy and management, including web content and professional/organizational social media;
• Experience working with multiple communication platforms in a professional setting;
• Demonstrated experience with writing, creating digital artwork and using photography to create innovative promotional content;
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including knowledge of AP style;
• Experience working within a brand and following a brand guide;
• Experience meeting deadlines and navigating multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational/people skills and the ability to thrive in a highly dynamic, team-based environment;
• Ability to interact with diverse faculty, staff, students, alumni, etc., as well as agency-wide programs and university offices;
• Demonstrated proficiency and ability to learn software applications such as: Adobe Creative Suite, Ensemble, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Publisher;
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to attend student, and other program-sponsored events on-campus and at off-campus locations;
• Ability to successfully coordinate projects within designated time frames;
• Strong writing, design, and editing skills;
• Ability to use web design software, content management systems, and HTML;
• Excellent organizational, planning, interpersonal, and communication abilities;
• Detail oriented;
• Ability to consistently exercise sound judgment, while creating professional relationships for communications, social media, and development projects.

• Master’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising, Journalism, or a related field;
• A can-do, how-can-I-help-you work ethic;
• A creative and entrepreneurial individual who proposes initiatives to enhance department and team success;
• Professional experience with public relations and media relations;
• Professional experience within an institution of higher education;
• Experience developing content for diverse groups that is appropriate, sensitive, and ethical;
• Photography and video experience

4

Regular

41,655 - 55,000

04/19/2024 (open until filled)

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.