Communications Manager

Job Description

Virginia Tech National Security Institute seeks a Communications Manager to lead and implement marketing and communications activities in support of the vision and strategic directions of the institute that was launched September 2021.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Education and Outreach for the institute and working closely with the Senior Director of Communications and Marketing for Research and Innovation, this position will be responsible for planning, executing, and implementing a comprehensive communications and marketing program for the National Security Institute, and align those activities with university wide communications, marketing, and branding initiatives. The Communications Manager will work closely with the National Security Institute leadership team and faculty to promote the institute’s goals to be a recognized leader in the national security field.
This work will include managing the institute’s website and social media platforms, updating and enhancing material routinely, overseeing the management, organization, and structure of the public content across all media and advancing the institute’s presence through a multimedia effort, including storytelling that highlights research discoveries, prestigious awards and accolades, and other initiatives as directed. This position also supports development of digital and print materials for on and off campus programs and initiatives, ensures compliance with university brand standards involving communications, marketing, and public activities. The selected person will need to build a team, including supervising communications interns/program assistants.

The ideal candidate will be able to write and edit content for VT News, periodic digital newsletters, annual reports, and other related materials as necessary, in collaboration with the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for Research and Innovation. The position will work closely with faculty and institute leadership to collect data and information for electronic and print materials, develop material for departmental programs including, but not limited to project activities on and off campus, support the units’ comprehensive communications, publications, and printing operations, write/designs/edit the department's related news and publications for digital and print media. This position will work collaboratively with colleagues from university relations at Virginia Tech and be integrated into the Research and Innovation team with a regular cadence of meetings to ensure the position is supported, resourced, and aligned, in effort to enhance the reputation of Virginia Tech research and build brand recognition for the institute and it’s programs.
The selected candidate must be able to attend conferences and other events on behalf of the institute and effectively communicate the vision and mission of the organization.

Based on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington, D.C., metro area, the institute aspires to be the nation's preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development, the national security institute will advance national security in pursuit of a secure America.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in communications, journalism, or related field, or a bachelor's degree with significant training and experience;
• Proven experience as a professional in today's communication fields, including evidence of strong writing and editing, interpersonal skills, presentation skills, as well as an understanding of effective graphic design and branding principles, and the use of the Internet as a medium of communication
• Skill in developing and implementing strategic communication plans, both collaboratively and independently
• Proficiency using the Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, image processing, content management systems, and social media tools
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple and competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across a wide variety of mediums to plan, produce, supervise and evaluate print and digital collateral deliverables with high levels of accuracy within established budgets and time-frames

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a professional communication position
• Experience working in a higher education setting or with a start-up/new company
• Experience working in a multicultural, scientific environment, and working with industry, scientific, and government organizations.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

60,000 - 80,000

Review Date

September 6, 2022

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the Institute's work, all applicants must be US citizens.
This position may be located in Arlington, VA or Blacksburg, VA.

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 Sue Kass at sjkass@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: August 30, 2022
Applications close: