(Hybrid) Communications Specialist - Division for Land-Grant Engagement

West Virginia University - Morgantown, WV

Full-time - Entry Level

Morgantown, WV

Educational Services

About the position

West Virginia University's Division for Land-Grant Engagement is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Communications Specialist. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications/Sr. Communications Specialist, this individual will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic, creative content and stories to promote the units within the Division for Land-Grant Engagement (WVU Extension, the Davis College and the Center for Community Engagement), their activities, and people to internal and external audiences. The communications specialist's responsibilities include high-level writing, in-depth research and strong editorial capabilities to produce news releases, recruitment marketing materials and plans, media pitches and advisories, feature articles, social media campaigns/posts, and internal/external communications. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in storytelling strategies and adept at producing effective multimedia content, including text, video and photography. This communications professional will be expected to work independently and as a part of a team in a collaborative and deadline-driven environment. We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including a 37.5 hour work week, 13 paid holidays, 24 annual leave days per year or more based on years of service, and 18 sick days per year. The university also provides a range of health insurance options, a 401(a) retirement savings plan with a 6% employee contribution match, and wellness programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an overall strategic communications plan consistent with the goals and land-grant mission of the Division and its units.
• Serve as storyteller and editor for various Division programs, demonstrating high-level writing, research, and editing skills for an array of projects.
• Develop, post, and edit web content.
• Create visually appealing digital communications to engage a diverse audience.
• Collaborate with recruitment and student success teams to develop content for recruitment materials and student-focused communications.
• Serve as a key member of the social media team to build visibility and reputation for each unit of the Division.
• Work with others on the team to ensure all tactics are repurposed and used effectively.
• Work with the development team to expand alumni- and donor-related communications.
• Support, strengthen, and extend the WVU, Davis, Extension, and CCE brands through effective communication materials.
• Establish benchmarks to determine metrics and ROI for marketing and communications tactics.
• Provide strategic communication counsel to faculty, staff, and administrators to enhance visibility and reputation.
• Develop and deliver training regarding communications practices and branding.
• Assist with WVU Extension, Davis, CCE, and University events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in creating and developing content for digital and print communications, including social media.
• Experience in video and photo storytelling preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.

Benefits

• 37.5 hour work week
• 13 paid holidays
• 24 annual leave days per year
• 18 sick days per year
• Range of health insurance options
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match
• Wellness programs