Research Communications Manager Jobs in Virginia

Communications Manager
Job no: 537392
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Electrical and ComputerEngineering
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Communications / Public Relations / Marketing
Job Description
Reporting to the Head of the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Director of Marketing and Communications for the College of Engineering, the Communications Manager serves as the department's strategic communications and marketing leader. The position plans, executes, and evaluates a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the department's mission while aligning with the broader advancement (development, alumni relations, communications) and recruitment goals of the college and university. The manager develops an annual work plan in consultation with both supervisors and is evaluated against the success of that plan.
The Communications Manager develops and executes integrated communications, marketing, branding, and engagement strategies that elevate the department's visibility, reputation, and impact. The position serves as the department's primary communications advisor, supports executive communications, and develops compelling storytelling that advances priorities related to research reputation, student and faculty recruitment, alumni engagement, industry partnerships, and advancement.
The Communications Manager supervises the department's Digital Marketing Coordinator, providing leadership, coaching, performance management, and strategic direction to ensure digital communications, website management, and content production align with departmental, college, and university priorities. This individual serves as a member of both the department leadership team and the College of Engineering communications team.
Working within the advancement model, the Communications Manager ensures communications support the strategic priorities of the department, college, and university while adhering to Virginia Tech brand standards, editorial guidelines, accessibility requirements, and university policies.
Required Qualifications
-Master's degree in Communications (or a related field) or a Bachelor's degree in communications (or related field) with equivalent experience.
-Demonstrated work history of effective written communication, including editing and copywriting.
-Experience with developing promotional materials.
-Experience working with multiple communication platforms in a professional setting, including managing social media.
-Demonstrated work history of managing complex, multiple priorities with deadlines, requiring organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
-Master's degree in Communications (or related field).
-Experience with digital content strategy and management, including content management systems and other web platforms.
-Experience with visual communication mediums, such as photography, videography, and/or graphic design.
-Experience in higher education or non-profit environment.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
68,000 - 73,000 Commensurate with Experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
September 8, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
A cover letter is required as part of the application materials
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
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.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cole Tankersley at cpt19@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: August 20, 2026
Applications close:
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