About the position
At Virginia Tech's Division of Student Affairs, we strive to make a difference every day by guiding, nurturing, and supporting students as they grow into the leaders and world-changers of today and tomorrow. We're currently searching for a Communications Specialist to join our Dining Services team in Blacksburg, VA. If you're passionate about storytelling and skilled in crafting engaging, impactful content, please keep reading. You'll be joining the Dining Services Creative Services team, a group of creative professionals dedicated to enhancing the student dining experience through various marketing and communication mediums. You'll report directly to the Senior Graphic Designer for Dining Services and work cross-collaboratively with various stakeholders. You'll work collaboratively with the Dining Services communications team and Dining Services staff to produce written content for web, social media, press releases, newsletters, and publications. You'll develop compelling narratives and strategic communication plans to promote Dining Services' initiatives and enhance the student experience. You'll ensure that all written communications reflect the excellence and innovation of our services, adhering to the university's and division's brand identity and messaging guidelines. You'll adhere to deadlines and manage your partners' expectations to deliver effective written assets. You'll manage and oversee all Dining Services' social media channels, including content creation, scheduling, monitoring, and engagement to ensure consistent and effective communication with target audiences. You'll collaborate with Student Affairs Communications to update and maintain website content using a content management system (CMS), ensuring information is current, accurate, and aligned with the university's branding and messaging guidelines. You'll maintain joint partnerships within Dining Services and the division and may serve on committees and work on teams as needed or desired.
Responsibilities
- Produce written content for web, social media, press releases, newsletters, and publications.
- Develop compelling narratives and strategic communication plans to promote Dining Services' initiatives.
- Ensure all written communications reflect the excellence and innovation of services.
- Manage and oversee all Dining Services' social media channels.
- Collaborate with Student Affairs Communications to update and maintain website content.
- Maintain joint partnerships within Dining Services and the division.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Proven experience in writing, editing, and content creation for digital and print platforms.
- Strong command of grammar, spelling, and style with demonstrated expertise in AP style guidelines.
- Knowledge of social media platforms and best practices for writing effective posts and captions.
- Familiarity with website content management systems (e.g., Adobe CMS) and newsletter tools.
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience managing communications in higher education or a similar setting.
- Proficiency with social media management tools and project management systems.
- Experience writing for promotional campaigns.
Benefits
- Salary $42,000 - $46,000/year and commensurate with experience.
- Eligible for overtime.
- Professional development opportunities.
