Job Description
The communications specialist is the creative vision behind some of Advancements most exciting campaigns to engage alumni and donors. This role will come up with creative assets for some of our most high profile campaigns that will exist in the digital and print spaces.
Reporting to the assistant director of advancement communications, the communications specialist will have a holistic view of Virginia Tech's digital landscape with a keen focus on ways to inform and inspire alumni and donors.
The communications specialist is a critical part of the advancement communications team but will work closely with colleagues across Advancement and the university.
This position will focus on creating and implementing visuals to drive engagement and giving, plus steward donors and alumni.
The communications specialist will:
? Create compelling visual content for social media campaigns, websites, and events and more.
? Develop and help deploy assets across social media, websites, direct mail, and more.
? Design visual identities for advancement events, including toolkits for large scale events
? Build and update website content using our content management system.
? Have strong project management skills, including the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines, and a keen attention to detail.
? Work effectively independently and with autonomy, as well collaborating as part of a team.
? Possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively with colleagues from all levels of an organization and the ability to work effectively and proactively both independently and as part of a team.
The ideal candidate will have the ability to problem-solve (both individually and as part of a project team), work independently with minimal guidance, and be a motivated self-starter comfortable with a fast-paced working environment where the work volume is high.
This position is based in Blacksburg, Virginia and has the opportunity to be a hybrid position after successful onboarding. Candidates must submit a portfolio of work demonstrating creativity and design skills.
Required Qualifications
Design portfolio that demonstrates creativity and innovation in digital and print design.
Experience with all aspects of production, including design, content development, editing, proofing, print processes, distribution, and budget management.
High proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat) and experience working with content management systems and social media management tools.
Professional experience in graphic design, advertising, communications, photography or video production, or in house agency setting, or a related setting; or equivalent experience in an academic environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, or related discipline or significant related professional experience.
Experience in higher education or nonprofits.
Experience with brand identity systems and brand expression.
Experience with motion graphics and animation for video.
Experience creating content for social media.
Experience successfully documenting, communicating, and managing a high volume of design projects with careful attention to details and deadlines
Pay Band
4
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
50,000 to 55,000
Review Date
January 24, 2025
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 communitydedicated 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 medicinecollege, Graduate School , andHonors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including theInnovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerousExtension offices andresearch centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities anduniversity shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
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, ethnicity or 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 contactAdvancement ****** regular business hours at least 5 business days prior to the event