Communications Manager

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg seeks a Communications Manager within the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to lead strategic communications and marketing. The role plans, executes, and evaluates a comprehensive strategy aligned with college and university goals to raise visibility and impact.

You will supervise the Digital Marketing Coordinator, craft compelling storytelling on research, recruitment, and alumni engagement, and ensure brand standards, accessibility, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications (or related field) or Bachelor's degree with equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to write clearly, edit, and copywrite.
• Experience creating promotional materials.
• Experience across multiple communication platforms, including social media.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with deadlines and strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communications, marketing, branding, and engagement strategies to raise visibility and impact.
• Advise on executive communications and storytelling to advance priorities in research, recruitment, and alumni engagement.
• Lead and coach the Digital Marketing Coordinator, aligning digital content with priorities and policies.
• Collaborate with department, college, and university teams to follow brand standards and accessibility guidelines.

Skills

Copywriting

Promotional materials

Social media management

Project management

Education

Master's in Communications

Bachelor's in Communications

Equivalent experience

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Director of Marketing and Communications for the College of Engineering, the Communications Manager serves as the department's strategic communications and marketing leader. The position plans, executes, and evaluates a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the department's mission while aligning with the broader advancement (development, alumni relations, communications) and recruitment goals of the college and university. The manager develops an annual work plan in consultation with both supervisors and is evaluated against the success of that plan.

The Communications Manager develops and executes integrated communications, marketing, branding, and engagement strategies that elevate the department's visibility, reputation, and impact. The position serves as the department's primary communications advisor, supports executive communications, and develops compelling storytelling that advances priorities related to research reputation, student and faculty recruitment, alumni engagement, industry partnerships, and advancement.

The Communications Manager supervises the department's Digital Marketing Coordinator, providing leadership, coaching, performance management, and strategic direction to ensure digital communications, website management, and content production align with departmental, college, and university priorities. This individual serves as a member of both the department leadership team and the College of Engineering communications team.

Working within the advancement model, the Communications Manager ensures communications support the strategic priorities of the department, college, and university while adhering to Virginia Tech brand standards, editorial guidelines, accessibility requirements, and university policies.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications (or a related field) or a Bachelor's degree in communications (or related field) with equivalent experience.


• Demonstrated work history of effective written communication, including editing and copywriting.


• Experience with developing promotional materials.


• Experience working with multiple communication platforms in a professional setting, including managing social media.


• Demonstrated work history of managing complex, multiple priorities with deadlines, requiring organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications (or related field).


• Experience with digital content strategy and management, including content management systems and other web platforms.


• Experience with visual communication mediums, such as photography, videography, and/or graphic design.


• Experience in higher education or non-profit environment.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

68,000 - 73,000 Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

September 8, 2026

Additional Information

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

A cover letter is required as part of the application materials

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 Cole Tankersley at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.