CVPA Communications Officer

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Radford (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Radford University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts seeks a Communications Officer to lead the college's web and social media presence and support department publicity and recruitment efforts.

You will collaborate with the dean and staff on program publicity, social media, press releases, and events, while managing multiple projects with strong writing, CMS, and design skills. This exempt, 40-hour/week role offers growth in arts communications.

Qualifications

• Combination of education/training and experience in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, web design, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Arts Administration, English, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in communications, marketing, public relations, digital media, AI, or content management.
• Experience creating written, visual, and digital communications for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing websites and web content using a content management system (CMS).
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and organizational skills.
• Experience with social media platforms and social media management tools.
• Experience with graphic design software and digital content creation.
• Experience with AI
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events.
• Recommended Experience: 3-5 years of professional communications, marketing, public relations, or digital media experience, preferably in higher education, arts administration, or a cultural organization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the college's web and social media presence and maintenance.
• Assist departments with public relations and publicity, and coordinate with the dean on program publicity and events.

Skills

Communications

Public relations

Digital media

CMS management

Social media

Graphic design

AI usage

Content creation

Editing/writing

Project management

Event coordination

Job description

Title: CVPA Communications Officer

Application Review Date:10/02/2026

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

Serve as the Communications Officer for the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA). Oversee the college's web and social media presence, management and maintenance. Assist the departments' needs in public relations and publicity, work closely with the dean and dean's staff as needed on program publicity, social media, web pages, press releases, recruitment, development, and programming activities.

Required Qualifications

• A combination of education/training and experience in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, web design, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Arts Administration, English, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in communications, marketing, public relations, digital media, AI, or content management.
• Experience creating written, visual, and digital communications for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing websites and web content using a content management system (CMS).
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and organizational skills.
• Experience with social media platforms and social media management tools.
• Experience with graphic design software and digital content creation.
• Experience with AI
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events.
• Recommended Experience: 3-5 years of professional communications, marketing, public relations, or digital media experience, preferably in higher education, arts administration, or a cultural organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, arts organizations, museums, performing arts centers, nonprofit organizations, or cultural institutions.
• Experience supporting recruitment, audience development, or fundraising initiatives.
• Professional experience in photography and video production.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud products.
• Experience writing news releases, feature stories, newsletters, and marketing copy.
• Experience managing web accessibility and digital content standards.
• Experience using analytics tools to assess effectiveness of communications.
• Experience supervising student employees, interns, or support staff.
• Knowledge of visual and performing arts disciplines and arts education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong storytelling and content development abilities.
• Proficiency in graphic design, photography, videography, and digital marketing.
• Ability to develop and implement communication and promotional strategies.
• Knowledge of public relations principles and media relations practices.
• Ability to gather, analyze, organize, and disseminate information effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a creative and fast-paced environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please provide examples of your portfolio. For example, websites, graphic design, video, and or writing

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position 100% telework: No

Hours Per Week:40

Months per Year:12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status:Exempt

Work Classification:Classified Staff

Normal Work Schedule:Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm. Evenings or weekends as required.

Employee Classification: PR & Mktg Spec III

Department: Visual & Performing Arts, Coll of

Salary:$45,739 - $51,000 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Department Contact Name: Rachel Williams

Department Contact Phone:[phone]

Department Contact Email:[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.