Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT-serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.

Position Summary:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT-serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence (http://inclusive.vt.edu/). We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.
The individual in this position will work directly with staff members at University Relations and with the Office for Inclusion and Diversity. The Public Affairs and Communications Director assures that efforts are aligned with advancement initiatives, including university-wide communications, marketing and branding. The successful candidate will have strong conceptual skills and will come ready to help Virginia Tech tell its compelling story of inclusion, diversity and strategic plans for the future to those both inside and outside of the university. The individual must have a strong understanding of effective visual communication design and branding principles; the use of the Internet as a medium of connection; and ability to manage multiple and competing priorities in a dynamic environment. The individual will design and support engagement and outreach initiatives and events associated with strategic initiatives. Position Summary: In partnership with University Relations and Office for Inclusion and Diversity ( OID ), the Public Relations and Communications Director works in the development of a creative communication strategy that increases OID's visibility and maximizes the impact of the Office's educational programs and strategic initiatives to internal and external audiences. This is achieved through the creation and dissemination of print and digital materials including web and social-media content, a regular newsletter, videos, photographs and other formats. The Public Relations and Communications Director is also responsible for the planning, execution, communication, and management of OID's signature and emergent events. This position is responsible for the effective communication of diversity and inclusion efforts at Virginia Tech.

Required Qualifications:
-Master's degree in communications, journalism or related field and related years of experience OR Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or related field and significant experience and or training that may equate to an advanced degree.
-Excellent communication skills for a wide range of audiences.
-Demonstrated ability to represent and incorporate diverse constituencies and perspectives in all forms of communication;
-An established record of inclusive leadership.
-Proven experience working with underrepresented populations and communities and communicating about issues of diversity and inclusion.
-Evidenced project management skills, determining priorities, attention to detail, accuracy and timeliness.
-Strong skills using technology in the workplace; familiarity with content management systems, web platforms, social media competencies.
-Strong writing and public presentation skills, including photography, image editing and video production.
-Demonstrated understanding of developing and emerging communications technologies and platforms.
-Ability to work collaboratively.
-Experience with the MS Office Suite, website development, and graphic design strongly preferred
-Experience organizing medium and large-scale events.
-Experience developing and implementing communication plans, leveraging digital communications channels and social media, and producing press releases and other promotional materials preferred.
-Experience working with a variety of creative communications, data analytics, e-mail management, and web content management software platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in a higher education environment.



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