Communications Manager

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg seeks a Communications Manager to lead the department's strategic communications and marketing efforts, align with college and university goals, and develop an annual plan with measurable outcomes.

The role oversees integrated communications, branding, and engagement to raise visibility for research, recruitment, alumni relations, and industry partnerships, while guiding the Digital Marketing Coordinator and collaborating with the College of Engineering communications

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communications, marketing, branding, and engagement strategies.
• Supervise the department's Digital Marketing Coordinator and align digital communications with priorities.
• Serve as the department's primary communications advisor and support executive communications.

Skills

Written communication

Promotional materials

Social media management

Project management

Education

Master's in Communications

Bachelor's in Communications

Tools

Content Management Systems

Web platforms

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of the Bradley Department of Electrical andComputer Engineering and the Director of Marketing andCommunications for the College of Engineering, the CommunicationsManager serves as the department's strategic communications andmarketing leader. The position plans, executes, and evaluates a comprehensive communications strategy that advances thedepartment's mission while aligning with the broader advancement(development, alumni relations, communications) and recruitmentgoals of the college and university. The manager develops an annualwork plan in consultation with both supervisors and is evaluatedagainst the success of that plan.

The Communications Manager develops and executes integratedcommunications, marketing, branding, and engagement strategies thatelevate the department's visibility, reputation, and impact. Theposition serves as the department's primary communications advisor,supports executive communications, and develops compellingstorytelling that advances priorities related to researchreputation, student and faculty recruitment, alumni engagement,industry partnerships, and advancement.

The Communications Manager supervises the department's DigitalMarketing Coordinator, providing leadership, coaching, performance management, and strategic direction to ensure digitalcommunications, website management, and content production alignwith departmental, college, and university priorities. Thisindividual serves as a member of both the department leadershipteam and the College of Engineering communications team.

Working within the advancement model, the Communications Managerensures communications support the strategic priorities of thedepartment, college, and university while adhering to Virginia Techbrand standards, editorial guidelines, accessibility requirements,and university policies.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications (or a related field) or aBachelor's degree in communications (or related field) withequivalent experience.
• Demonstrated work history of effective written communication,including editing and copywriting.
• Experience with developing promotional materials.
• Experience working with multiple communication platforms in aprofessional setting, including managing social media.
• Demonstrated work history of managing complex, multiple prioritieswith deadlines, requiring organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications (or related field).
• Experience with digital content strategy and management, includingcontent 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 criminalconviction check.

A cover letter is required as part of the applicationmaterials

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking ahands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to beleaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institutionthat enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout theworld, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, andcreativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverseenrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, andprofessional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presenceacross Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C.area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sitesin Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes . A leading global research institution,Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in researchannually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professionaldevelopment opportunities and university shared governance . These valuablecontributions to university shared governance provide importantrepresentation and perspective, along with opportunities for uniqueand impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, orapplicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (includingpregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, geneticinformation, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation,race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, orotherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquireabout, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensationof other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protectedby law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire anaccommodation, please contact Cole Tankersley at [e-mail] regular business hours at least 10 business days prior tothe event.