Communications Specialist Jobs

Position Primary Purpose and General Duties:
The Communications Specialist is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, distribution, and analysis of brand strategy for all areas of University Student Commons and Activities (USC&A) and other units within student affairs, in alignment with and in support of the university’s mission, vision, and strategic goals, to advance the reputation and overall brand of USC&A and other student affairs units. Responsible for coordinating and overseeing web management, departmental publications, electronic media systems, social media strategy and implementation, recruiting efforts for the student marketing team, the coordination of all departmental social media accounts and communications support for RamsConnect. This position reports to the Director of Communications and Marketing.

Typical Education and Experience:
One (1) to three (3) years of professional experience in marketing, with proven skills, knowledge and ability. Ability to work effectively and independently with internal and external constituencies and with professionals of varied disciplines to accomplish tasks and projects.
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or business management.
Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and other graphic design software.
Professional working experience in web design/development and knowledge of web content management systems such as WordPress.
Demonstrated experience managing and executing across multiple marketing channels and campaigns with evidence of impact and return on investment; ability to articulate how past experience with marketing has influenced target audience behavior and driven choice or actions desired; highly developed skills in communications writing and editing.
Highly collaborative and creative style with experience developing and implementing marketing strategies successfully; background that demonstrates relationship-building, consensus-building, flexibility and a track record for leading both strategic and tactical marketing efforts.
Experience and working knowledge of organic and paid social media advertising strategies and techniques across various social media platforms.
Demonstrated computer competency with common and specialized production software suites, such as photo editing software, email marketing platforms, social media monitoring and tracking suites and analytics reporting software.
Supervisory experience and effective project planning and project management skills are required along with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
Self-starter, able to work independently; experience creating, developing and implementing new initiatives.
Metrics-driven and results-oriented with demonstrated assessment and analytical skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, as is the ability to listen with the skill to gather critical, accurate information.
Experience working in and/or with large-scale organizations that utilize processes to review and approve ideas and enterprise solutions to deliver services.
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Ability to brainstorm, synthesize multiple concepts and think strategically and creatively.
Perform successfully in a fast-paced, intellectually intense and service-oriented environment. Willing and able to adjust to changing demands and shifting priorities.

Preferred Hiring Standards:
Master’s degree in communications, or business management.
Knowledge of AP style.
Knowledge of best practices for printed publications.
Familiarity with web accessibility standards.
Experience in a higher education setting.
Knowledge of department goals, operations, personnel, functions, services, facilities, and programs.
Knowledge of student development, student learning outcomes, and assessment.

University Slotting: Communications Specialist 1 13221N
State role code: 29073