(Hybrid) Communications Specialist - Strategic Communications and Marketing

The Strategic Communications and Marketing Department at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Communications Specialist.

About the Opportunity

As an essential member of the Strategic Priorities communications and marketing team, the communications strategist is responsible for supporting internal and external communications and marketing efforts in support of multiple high-priority units at the University, including:

• Board of Governors
• Brand and Trademark Licensing + Partnerships
• Economic Innovation + Rare Earth Elements
• Erickson Alumni Center
• Facilities Operations
• Finance
• Focus Forward
• General Counsel
• Government Relations and Collaboration
• Office of Innovation and Commercialization
• Office of the President
• Strategic Communications and Marketing
• Talent and Culture
• University Police and Clery Act
• WVU College of Law
• WVU Cyber + Cyber-Resilience Resource Center
• Special Projects as Assigned

This individual will work closely with all members of the Strategic Priorities team along with members of Strategic Communications and Marketing and units across the University.

The communications specialist will support the needs of Strategic Priorities marketing and communications, including but not limited to creating content for creative materials, press releases, websites, and HTML emails; writing and posting social media content; event planning and support; and assisting all Strategic Priorities projects and initiatives.

The communications specialist will help support, plan, and execute a variety of Strategic Priorities communications tactics while adhering to the WVU brand.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The communications specialist will play an essential role in promoting the University to statewide and regional leaders, WVU administrators, students, faculty, staff, and the general public through supporting the University's Strategic Priorities team and other relevant divisions/units.

This position requires daily use of a computer, keyboard, printer, and other audio-video equipment. The operation of the equipment requires above-average levels of finger/hand dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and average or better visual acuity. Positions in this class are non-supervisory. At times, this role receives instruction on duties to be performed but may also work with teams autonomously. Work may be reviewed by the supervisor depending on the task.

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

• Draft marketing materials, website content, email newsletters, social media posts, press releases, articles, scripts, and talking points while adhering to the WVU writing styles and brand guidelines.
• Manage and create content, including copywriting and basic visual asset creation, for platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Support the creation of marketing tactics that are effective in both cost and impact, including internal communications, external communications, print pieces, websites, social media, and video.
• Coordinate and/or provide support for major events, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Stay current with emerging trends in marketing, web design, social media, etc.
• Work with Strategic Priorities colleagues to support, strengthen, and extend the WVU brand and clearly articulate the mission, goals, and identity of the University through the look, feel, and tone of communications.
• Support project planning and help coordinate execution from start to finish, monitoring progress and deadlines with guidance from senior staff.
• Utilize research tools, critical thinking, and strong editorial capabilities in all communications.
• Participate in department meetings and other project meetings as required.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of related work experience.
• 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

• Exceptional written communications skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast paced environment.
• Basic understanding of marketing goals, tracking, and analytics.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and learn new tools or strategies quickly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to occasionally support time sensitive tasks outside normal working hours.

• Skilled proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Physical/Work Demands: This position is hybrid, and the incumbent will be required to be in the office at least 3 days a week. Job may require lifting objects up to 30 pounds. Regular office setting requiring sitting, walking, and standing are common. On occasion, the incumbent may be required to reach high or low places for lifting office equipment.

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.