Communications Specialist

$50,000 - $55,000/Yr

State of Virginia - Blacksburg, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Blacksburg, VA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.