Position Summary:
The director serves as an A&P faculty member at OIRED with the assignment of developing, planning, executing, and evaluating a comprehensive communications program. In addition to day-to-day OIRED communications and public relations responsibilities, the position is called upon to provide input and content on broader international issues affecting the university as well as provide information about OIRED’s global engagement to a wide range of internal and external audiences and stakeholders. The position is also expected to contribute to the writing, editing and preparation of OIRED responses to funding opportunities.
The director reports to the Executive Director of OIRED. The position will work collaboratively with colleagues in the Office of Outreach and International Affairs (OIA) and University Relations in planning and directing a comprehensive communications program for OIRED. This includes message alignment with OIA and the university, being consistent with Virginia Tech language and branding when communicating about OIRED, and working collaboratively with relevant units to coordinate media and campus communications. The position functions as an integral member of the OIA communicator team, which meets monthly to coordinate communications work and meet the goals outlined in the OIA Vice President’s communications plan.
The director needs to be able to investigate, understand, interpret and present technical and international development information using a variety of media platforms, channels and media outlets: websites, blogs, press releases, newsletters and video, among others. The person selected for the position must be able to communicate effectively with culturally diverse international audiences as well as with an array of national and Commonwealth of Virginia constituents. In representing the work of OIRED to the university community, the Commonwealth and to the world, the director plays a significant role communicating the benefits of Virginia Tech’s global engagement.
The position will ensure that communications are informational and/or promotional using a variety of media to creatively build programmatic support for OIRED’s global engagement mission. The person selected will work with the Executive Director, OIRED, to plan and implement a communications program with a clear strategy for achieving goals and to carry out his/her duties, including providing guidance to a team of OIRED project communications staff. The director will attend OIA and University Relations meetings and trainings.
Required Qualifications:
A record of a comprehensive communications program responsibility.
Experience developing and implementing communications strategies.
Experience leading major communications programs.
Experience with effective communications principles, concepts and good practices.
Experience with a range of communications approaches, such as graphic design, visual communications, branding, marketing, advertising, electronic communications, and social networking.
Prior experience in a majority (at least two) of the following forms of communication: writing, editing and producing publications and other print media; developing and pitching news and other stories to media outlets; video production; digital communications, including web content development/management and social media applications.
Demonstrated effective leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to be self-motivated and to take initiative in originating creative communication ideas, strategies and products.
Ability to travel internationally.
Advanced degree in communications, journalism, or related field, or undergraduate degree with substantial comparable experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience in higher education international programs related work; working with international development professionals; foreign language capability (e.g., Spanish or French); and supervisory experience.
Salary: Up to a maximum budgeted amount of $68,000, depending on experience.