Communications and Marketing Coordinator

The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (HNFE) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is hiring for the position of Communications and Marketing Coordinator to develop, implement, manage, and boost the department’s marketing strategies and digital presence.

The successful candidate will:
• create and execute engaging and thought-provoking content that includes research on strategies to build brand recognition and tell the stories of the department’s diverse community of stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, alumni, etc.)
• implement and manage both online and print communications
• lead development of strategies, execution and delivery that highlights the department’s teaching, research, industry connections, student spotlights, alumni features, and more
• help coordinate content creation for student recruitment, student and career services, and alumni engagement
• develop relationships with alumni, retired faculty, and friends of the department;
• plan/attend department and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) events;
• lead development strategies and serve as the development liaison from HNFE to CALS
• provide technical editing of manuscripts and proposals
• create grant and research tables, charts, and graphs
• create reports
• administrative support for awards committee
• meet regularly with the CALS Director of Communications and Marketing

This position requires someone with story-telling and expert writing skills, and experience developing and designing such content for social media, marketing materials (brochures, posters, etc.), contributed articles, press releases, e-newsletter, biannual alumni magazine, and website. Knowledge in Associated Press (AP) style and a deep understanding of engaging news and social media trends is essential. The successful candidate will be creative in writing and graphics, self-starting, entrepreneurial, and have the technical skills to implement communications across multiple digital platforms. Tasks require mindfulness and the ability to develop timely content. The successful candidate will also be proactive in writing and posting stories.

This position reports to the department head and will work closely with program directors and research faculty to ensure content creation and marketing strategies align with department, college, and university goals. Preference will be given to candidates with effective communication and people skills who can contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts of Virginia Tech .