Director of Communications, FBRI

Job Description

The Director of Communications at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC will manage comprehensive integrated marketing communications efforts for the research institute, including: media relations, science writing and story development, marketing and digital strategy, social media management, donor engagement and lead generation strategies, event promotion and publicity, website development and maintenance, and internal communications – under supervision and collaboration with the Senior Communications Director for the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and the Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences and Technology.
The Director will serve as the primary story writer and editor, managing a comprehensive media relations program in collaboration with University Relations that targets regional, national, international, and trade media outlets to enhance awareness of the institute's research platform among targeted audiences, as well as academic components of the HS&T campus.
This Director will manage two personnel on the Communications Team: a Web and Communications Manager, and a Communications Associate – Photographer/Videographer. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, English, or related field or a
bachelor's degree with equivalent training and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in science or health-related discipline with experience in
technical writing and editing.
• Strong writing, editing and presentation competencies.
• Demonstrated working knowledge and understanding of effective graphic design, branding
principles, and digital communication strategies.
• Experience managing short- and long-range communications projects, such as lead
generation and digital advertising campaigns, website development and redesign projects,
comprehensive marketing strategies.
• Strong management, technical, organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills.
• Ability to be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and manage multiple and competing priorities
in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a marketing, communications and multi-media environment and in an
academic research environment.
• Web and graphic design experience.
• Experience in fundraising marketing and supporting development efforts.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Review Date

03/15/2022

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 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 Pamela Stell at pstell20@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: February 22, 2022
Applications close: