Marketing and Communications Director (Hybrid)- Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources,

The West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design is looking for an experienced marketer and communicator. This position is critical to the successful engagement of potential and current students, faculty, staff, alumni and other key constituencies of the College. Candidates should understand and have experience in implementing the latest trends in marketing and communication and be ready to build and execute marketing and communications plans to help grow and strengthen the College’s engagement, including those related to research.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays ( staff holiday calendar )
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
• 18 sick days per year
  (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits (this position is a benefits-eligible non-classified staff position)
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information ? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

What you'll do:

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications plan consistent with the goals of the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and West Virginia University. Works in tandem with the University Relations team to develop the plan and ensures consistency in branding, messaging and marketing.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of targeted communication and projects to reach specific audiences in programming and other outreach including print and electronic communication (web, social media).
• Oversee the public relations/media relations strategies, including policies/procedures, responses and other actions related to this area.
• Develop and oversee feature stories, press releases, web communication and social media strategies to distribute stories and news to various outlets.
• Develop and execute a crisis communications plan for the organization. Provide strategic counsel to leaders, designates spokesperson(s) and, when needed, serves as primary spokesperson and provides media relations oversight. Works alongside University Relations Communications to coordinate materials, as needed.
• Develop and implement social media strategy for the College’s social media sites.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the College for local, state and national/international media. In conjunction with University Relations, selects appropriate representatives to respond to internal/external communications requests. Prepares talking points for leaders as it pertains to College news/events.
• Prepare speeches, opinion pieces, blogs and other communication for the dean.
• Working in collaboration with University Relations, ensure that the College’s marketing and communications plan and products are periodically assessed for effectiveness and are in compliance with branding guidelines and standards.
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and identifies strategic opportunities to utilize marketing and communications trends for the College.
• Develop monthly and yearly marketing reports to show how tactics are meeting Association and University goals.
• Supervise full-time staff and student workers, as necessary, to ensure the goals and objectives of the communications plans are met.
• Represent the College at events, programs and activities as assigned.

Qualifications :

A bachelor’s degree is required in journalism, marketing, public relations, communication, education administration or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Master’s degree is preferred.

A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a field related to public relations, communications or marketing.

• Demonstrated knowledge in the field of journalism, communications and/or public relations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in writing and communication to a variety of groups/audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to create, compose and edit the content, structure and format of a range of written materials.
• Demonstrated ability to write speeches, prepare informational publications, news releases and other public information tools.
• Demonstrated ability to use independent judgement and to gather, manage and impart information to various internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage an organization’s social media presence.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate special events.
• Demonstrated ability to speak in public before large audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to gather data, compile and verify information and prepare reports for review.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and carry out assignments without detailed instruction.
• Demonstrated skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgement, tact and diplomacy in interactions with others including issues that may be sensitive in nature.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer including use of word processing, graphic design, desktop publishing, multimedia, social media, database and spreadsheet software applications.
• Knowledge of University communications standards, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of printing processes and requirements.
• Knowledge of context management systems.
• Knowledge of budget processes and fiscal management.

A valid driver’s license is required for travel to Alumni Association and University events and for regularly scheduled appointments that will occur on the University’s campus.

At West Virginia University, we pride ourselves on a tireless endeavor for achievement. We are home to some of the most passionate, innovative minds in the country who push their limits for the sake of progress, constantly moving the world forward. Our students, faculty and staff make this institution one of the best out there, and we are proud to stand as one voice, one university, one WVU. Find out more about your opportunities as a Mountaineer at https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/ .

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.