Hybrid) Senior Communications Specialist - Strategic Priorities

Job Description - (Hybrid) Senior Communications Specialist - Strategic Priorities (29918)

The Strategic Priorities Department at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Senior Communications Specialist.

As an essential member of the Strategic Priorities communications and marketing team, the Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for leading internal and external communications and marketing efforts for multiple operational units at the University, including:

• Division of Finance and Finance Operations
• Facilities Operations
• Procurement Contracting and Payment Services
• Special projects as assigned

This individual will work closely with all members of the Strategic Priorities team, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, members of Strategic Communications and Marketing, WVU leadership and administrators, and other colleagues across the University.

The Senior Communications Specialist will be heavily involved in supporting the Division of Finance and its subunits. The position will handle the planning, execution, and management of all aspects of communications strategies, plans, and messaging that support the goals and objectives of the chief financial officer and chief information officer.

The Senior Communications Specialist will serve as a primary communications development and strategy lead, planning and executing a variety of communications ranging in levels of complexity, reach, and implementation while adhering to the WVU brand and voice.

This position will serve as a lead strategist for content creation, copywriting, editing, media relations, and social media, as well as a project manager for graphic design, web development, and additional strategic support as needed.

In addition, this individual will collaborate with technical support teams and IT subject‑matter experts, serving as a bridge between the technicians who plan, administer, and support technology, and the people who use it. The role will also respond to all IT incidents, including after‑hour IT emergencies, which often require prompt responses under tight deadlines.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside of work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, care for sick family, or scheduled medical appointments)
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks

• Support high-priority operational units by strategizing, developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive communications and marketing plans and projects from beginning to end, and monitoring progress based on set goals and deadlines.
• Develop and maintain cross-functional relationships with leadership across all supporting units and Strategic Communications and Marketing to lead marketing and communication plans and related messaging that align with the division/unit goals and priorities.
• Utilize research tools, critical thinking, and strong editorial capabilities in all communications.
• Serve as an internal resource to coordinate centralized communications support from Strategic Communications and Marketing and other projects as assigned.

• Assist supporting units with the creation of internal and external messages and lead the development of strategies to stimulate public awareness, understanding, and support for projects, programs, and events.
• Determine marketing tactics that are effective in cost and impact, including internal communications, external communications, print pieces, websites, social media, and video.
• Coordinate and/or provide support for major events, campaigns, or initiatives.
• Stay current with emerging trends in marketing, web design, social media, and related fields.

• Determine and implement methods to assess the effectiveness of communications/marketing tactics and make adjustments based on results.
• Establish meaningful benchmarks to measure improvement and effectiveness.
• Provide regular reports to key…