Communications Manager

Job Description

Virginia Tech’s Department of Computer Science (CS) seeks outstanding candidates for the position of Communications Manager. The Communications Manager generates content designed to promote the activities of CS faculty, staff, students, alumni, and strategic partners to internal and external constituencies across a variety of media platforms.

Reporting to the Director of Administrative Operations for CS and the Director of Communications and Marketing for the COE, this position develops an annual work plan in consultation with CS and the COE and is evaluated using the success metrics articulated within that plan.

In coordination with the CS Event and Marketing Specialist, the CS Alumni Relations Manager, and the CS Strategic Partnership Manager, the CS Communications Manager plans, executes, and evaluates a unified communication plan that strategically aligns the advancement and recruitment goals of the department, the College of Engineering (COE), and the University with the ongoing promotion of people, research, and activities within the department.

This position guides and edits all outward-facing content to ensure clarity and consistency of messaging as well as adherence to brand guidelines, university policies and procedures, and accessibility standards.

The CS Communications Manager identifies newsworthy subjects across the department and drafts original feature-length articles; featurettes/spotlights; social media posts; website copy; print media copy; newsletters; and other materials designed to highlight productivity, innovation, and impact.

The ideal candidate is skilled in the processes of inquiry, research, interviewing, and storytelling and is able to effectively translate technical contributions in order to promote the department’s significant contributions by highlighting real and potential impacts on communities and society. Further, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in writing and editing as well as demonstrated experience in several communications skillsets, including but not limited to writing for a variety of platforms and occasions, website development and maintenance, videography and photography, enrollment marketing, media relations, and/or graphic design. This position will also be able to navigate multiple and competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

This position must be able to consistently communicate in a highly professional manner with faculty, staff, students, and administrators across the department, college, and university, as well as with alumni, strategic/corporate partners, and other constituencies.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, or related field.

Strong written communication skills, including editing and copywriting.

Demonstrated success in prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and navigating multiple projects simultaneously.

Experience working with communication platforms in a professional setting.

Familiarity with digital content strategy and management, including content management systems and other web platforms, as well as professional/organizational social media management.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a range of constituents.

Excellent oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or related field.

Experience in translational science writing for lay audiences.

Experience writing and editing news articles, informational literature, and various reports.

Experience with visual communication mediums (photography, videography, graphic design, etc.).

Experience in a higher education, military, or non-profit environment.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$60,000 - $70,000

Review Date

April 10, 2023

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 Joan Watson at jmwatson@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: March 27, 2023
Applications close: