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

The Division for Land-Grant Engagement at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Communications Specialist.

About the Opportunity

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:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What you'll do:

• Works with the assistant director of marketing and communications to develop and implement an overall strategic communications plan consistent with the goals and land-grant mission of the Division and its units, as well as those of WVU.
  
• Serves as storyteller and editor for various Division programs and support units, demonstrating a high level of writing, research and editing skills for an array of projects, including feature and research stories, content for recruitment publications, web/video content, social media communication, news releases, student and employee spotlights, development and alumni materials, talking points and other communication.
  
• Develops, posts and edits web content.
  
• Creates visually appealing digital communications to engage a diverse audience (photos, video, social graphics).
  
• Collaborates with recruitment and student success teams to develop content for recruitment materials and student-focused communications as well as overall recruitment marketing plans.
  
• Serves as key member of social media team to build visibility and reputation for each unit of the Division through innovative usage of social media channels.
  
• Works with others on the team to ensure all tactics are repurposed and used in ways that showcase all units within the Division (e.g., photo, video, feature stories).
  
• Works with the development team to expand alumni- and donor-related communications to improve alumni relations and foster potential donors for the Division's units.
  
• Works with WVU's News staff to support, strengthen and extend the WVU, Davis, Extension and CCE brands, and clearly articulate the University's land-grant mission, goals and identity through the look, feel and tone of the materials created.
  
• Establish benchmarks to determine metrics and ROI for improvement and effectiveness of marketing and communications tactics.
  
• Determine and implement methods to regularly measure outcomes of communications' efforts.
  
• Provides strategic communication counsel to faculty, staff and administrators to enhance the Division's units' visibility and reputation throughout the state, including working with county WVU Extension offices, while ensuring brand standards are met.
  
• Develops and delivers training to Davis, Extension and CCE faculty and staff regarding communications practices and branding.
  
• Assists, as needed, with WVU Extension, Davis, CCE and University events.
  
• Other duties, as assigned.
  

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications or related field
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in creating and developing content for digital and print communications, including social media
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in interviewing, writing, editing and speaking skills, including the ability to distill and clarify ideas under a deadline
• Exceptional oral/written communication (grammar, composition, spelling) and presentation skills with superior language skills
• Knowledge of news and media relations; use of various social media platforms (TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) as well as basic knowledge of data analytics; strong news and feature writing skills using AP Style, APA Style
• Demonstrated excellence in communications and marketing trends, as well as demonstrated ability to analyze data/media trends
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing situations and providing sound professional judgement on problems dealing with sensitive and sometimes confidential issues
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively communicate with administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other executives/staff at the University levels and maintain cooperative working relationships
• Ability to work under continuous time constraints and multiple deadline pressures manage priorities effectively
• Ability to uncover the essence of technical information and explain it correctly to specific range of audiences
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of community and diversity
• Ability to operate the necessary computer software, web-based and other high-tech equipment to perform various communication duties; broad knowledge of web and various publishing/design programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in video and photo storytelling

• Valid driver's license

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.