Communications Coordinator

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's Department of Biological Systems Engineering seeks a Communications Coordinator to develop, execute, and evaluate a comprehensive communications program supporting its vision and goals.

The role oversees the department's outward-facing communications, maintains the website and monitors screens, and produces written and visual media to highlight initiatives, student activities, and faculty achievements.

Qualifications

• Experience creating social media campaigns.
• Professional writing ability.
• Photography skills.
• Editing and updating web pages.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage outward-facing communications across media platforms.
• Maintain department website and social media channels.
• Produce and edit photos, videos, posters to highlight initiatives.
• Lead the semiannual department newsletter.
• Ensure compliance with Virginia Tech brand standards.

Skills

Social media campaigns

Professional writing

Photography

Editing web pages

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/marketing or related field

Job description

Job Description

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) seeks to hire a Communications Coordinator who, working with the guidance and support of the Department Head and Communications Team, will develop, execute, and evaluate a comprehensive communications program in support of BSE's vision and strategic goals. The Communications Coordinator’s major responsibilities will include oversight, development, and management of the structure and content of the Department’s outward-facing communications, across all media platforms, to enhance and elevate the Department’s profile among key audiences.

This position is responsible for maintaining and updating the department website, internal television monitors in Seitz Hall and HABB1 buildings, and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, others as agreed). The Communications Coordinator independently produces and edits written and visual media (e.g., photos, videos, posters, etc.) to highlight departmental initiatives and developments, student activities and accomplishments, and other items of current interest. Leads the development of the semiannual department newsletter. Ensures compliance with university brand standards in all activities involving communications, marketing, and public activities. Works closely with the department's faculty and student groups to collect and create content for electronic and print materials. Works collaboratively with communications colleagues in CALS, COE, VT News and University Relations to feature the accomplishments of the Department’s students, staff and faculty.

Required Qualifications

Experience in developing, coordinating, and implementing social media campaigns; writing professionally; photography; and editing/revising web pages.

Preferred Qualifications

BS degree in communications, marketing or a related field. Experience with scientific and/or technical writing. Experience with marketing approaches using digital and print media, experience in higher education setting.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

45,000-50,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

09/18/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Mrs. Erin Ling at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.