Communications Specialist

Job Description Virginia Tech’s Advancement Division is seeking a passionate and enthusiastic communications specialist to play a key role in organizing and building content to engage with alumni. This position is a fun, fast paced role within Marketing and Communications where the ideal candidate will work with colleagues across the division and university, have a keen eye for detail, and be relentlessly organized. The specialist will build and proof engagement email marketing campaigns, including scheduling and proofing college/unit segmented messages. The specialist will also create chapter postcards, create engagement websites, work with print vendors to get estimates for projects, and pull and prepare mailing lists for direct mail. Additionally, the communications specialist will collaborate with others on alumni storytelling for VT News and Virginia Tech Magazine. The specialist will also be a key partner in the creation of content for alumni engagement events and initiatives. Reporting to the assistant director of advancement communications, the communications specialist will use Adobe and Blackbaud platforms to build and distribute email marketing campaigns to targeted audiences. The specialist also works closely with communicators across campus to schedule and edit college and unit segmented alumni and donor messages. This position is based in Blacksburg, Virginia and has the opportunity to be a hybrid position after successful onboarding. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field or equivalent training and/or work experience. Demonstrated communication, writing, and editing skills and knowledge of AP Style. Strong project management skills, including the ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Working knowledge of basic graphic design concepts. Experience working with content management systems and email marketing tools. Preferred Qualifications Higher education and/or nonprofit experience. Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe Experience Manager. Experience with customer relationship management and project management systems. Experience developing, testing, and distributing large email marketing campaigns. Pay Band 4 Overtime Status Exempt: Not eligible for overtime Appointment Type Regular Salary Information $48,000 - $52,000 Hours per week 40+ Review Date June 15th, 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, and 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 Advancement HR at View email address on click.appcast.io during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Tech Academy of Data Science