Job Description

Job Description

Advancement is seeking an assistant director of advancement communications to join an energetic and fast paced team at the center of Virginia Tech’s work to grow Hokie engagement and giving.

An essential member of the Advancement Communications Team, the ideal candidate is passionate about telling Virginia Tech’s story, ready to collaborate to engage alumni and donors, and will be relentlessly organized.

Thie assistant director will:
- Be responsible for partnering with the director of advancement communications to create and execute complex communication and marketing plans, and evaluate their effectiveness
- Seamlessly manage multiple projects and deadlines – and be able to quickly pivot if initiatives under perform.
- Help in editing copy and provide feedback on creative for engagement campaigns
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment and will be able to work quickly on tight deadlines
- Identify target audiences, and develop and implement strategic communications plans to accomplish specific goals
- Work effectively and proactively both independently and as part of a team
- Work in a complex, research university setting and to communicate complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner

This position is a fun, energetic, creative role that will work across Advancement teams. Reporting to the director of advancement communications, the ideal candidate will have the ability to problem-solve (both individually and as part of a project team), work independently with minimal guidance, and be a motivated self-starter comfortable working quickly and independently.

This position is based in Blacksburg, Virginia and is a hybrid position requiring an on-campus presence four days a week.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree and extensive experience, or master's degree, in English, communications, journalism, or a related field

- Prior experience writing professionally with evidence of progressive experience in the writing/communications field.

- Demonstrated experience in communications or marketing, including planning, executing and evaluating comprehensive communications plans.

- Excellent communication, writing, and editing skills across a variety of mediums, including but not limited to storytelling and marketing copywriting.

- Knowledge of AP Style and experience editing fundraising, marketing, and/or news copy.

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

- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively with colleagues from all levels of an organization

- All applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their work, showing communications and marketing experience.

Preferred Qualifications

- Higher education and/or fundraising writing experience.

- Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe Experience Manager.

- Graphic design skills and experience with brand management.

- Experience with customer relationship management and project management systems.

- Experience supervising and managing a team.

- Experience working with vendors on print and other projects.