Communications Specialist

Job Description

Virginia Tech's Advancement Division is seeking a passionate and enthusiastic communications specialist to play a key role in organizing and building content to engage with alumni.

This position is a fun, fast paced role within Marketing and Communications where the ideal candidate will work with colleagues across the division and university, have a keen eye for detail, and be relentlessly organized.

The specialist will build and proof engagement email marketing campaigns, including scheduling and proofing college/unit segmented messages. The specialist will also create chapter postcards, create engagement websites, work with print vendors to get estimates for projects, and pull and prepare mailing lists for direct mail.

Additionally, the communications specialist will collaborate with others on alumni storytelling for VT News and Virginia Tech Magazine. The specialist will also be a key partner in the creation of content for alumni engagement events and initiatives.

Reporting to the assistant director of advancement communications, the communications specialist will use Adobe and Blackbaud platforms to build and distribute email marketing campaigns to targeted audiences. The specialist also works closely with communicators across campus to schedule and edit college and unit segmented alumni and donor messages.

This position is based in Blacksburg, Virginia and has the opportunity to be a hybrid position after successful onboarding.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field or equivalent training and/or work experience.

Demonstrated communication, writing, and editing skills and knowledge of AP Style.

Strong project management skills, including the ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Working knowledge of basic graphic design concepts.

Experience working with content management systems and email marketing tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Higher education and/or nonprofit experience.

Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe Experience Manager.

Experience with customer relationship management and project management systems.

Experience developing, testing, and distributing large email marketing campaigns.