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, build engagement websites, work with print vendors to obtain 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.

• 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.
• Keystone attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of basic graphic design concepts.
• Experience working with content management systems and email marketing tools.

• 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.

4

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Regular

$48,000 - $52,000

40+

June 15th, 2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Advancement HR at advhr during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.