Communications Manager, Virginia Tech's Academy of Data Science

Job Description

The Academy of Data Science, embedded within the College of Science at Virginia Tech, was created in 2020 to serve as a hub for data science at the university. We are looking for someone who can help build awareness of the growing Academy of Data Science, so we need someone who can find a good story and knows how to tell it.

The Communications Manager must have a strong background in writing and editing as well as demonstrated experience in several communications skill sets. This position will work closely with the College of Science communications team, and at the same time work as a one-person news bureau, covering the “beat” of data science. The Communications Manager work may include writing for a variety of platforms and occasions, social media management, updating the Academy website, videography and photography.

Communication manager reports jointly to the director of the Academy of Data Science and the College’s Senior Director of Communications. The manager will coordinate data science communications work between Blacksburg, Va., and the Washington, D.C. area, and occasional travel will be required.

Specific work responsibilities may include: Highlighting Academy events and milestones; producing newsletters, email communications; managing social media accounts, websites, and other digital and print forms of communication; and capturing or coordinating visual assets through photography and videography.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field
• Strong written communication skills, including editing and copy writing
• Familiarity with content management systems and other web platforms as well as professional/organizational social media management
• Experience meeting deadlines and navigating multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational/interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in a team setting
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, and travel periodically as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with visual communication mediums, such as photography, videography, and/or graphic design
  • Working knowledge of InDesign and/or Photoshop
  • Working knowledge of HTML and CSS
• Experience in a higher education, independent school, or non-profit environment.
  • Experience in scientific communications or a science background is a plus

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

February 2, 2022

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 veteran 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 Teresa Price at tfprice@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: January 11, 2022
Applications close: