Communications Manager

Job Description

The NSF Center for Community Empowering Pandemic Prediction and Prevention from Atoms to Societies (COMPASS Center) at Virginia Tech has an aspirational vision: a world where we can accurately foresee pandemics and minimize their impact. The Center invites applications for a Communications Manager.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of the COMPASS Center, the Communications Manager will plan, execute, and evaluate a variety of communications initiatives, projects, and platforms on behalf of the center that strategically align with the broader goals of the University. The manager will develop an annual work plan in consultation with the supervisor and in close collaboration with the Project Manager of the COMPASS Center and the Director of Communications and Marketing for the College of Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Serve as producer and editor of newsletters and stories that highlight COMPASS Center and PPP DA research and other activities.
• Participate in Center and DA activities.
• Direct, execute, and evaluate the Center’s and DA’s social media and website strategy.
• Oversee other digital and print forms of communication (including photography and videography).
• Participate in events and activities at the center and DA level, and in some cases, at the department and college level.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to produce and edit clear, error-free written content, as evidenced by professional writing samples or prior work experience.
• Experience interviewing and eliciting information from subject matter experts to support strategic organizational communication.
• Experience working with communication platforms in a professional setting.
• Experience meeting deadlines and navigating multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to work occasionally in the evening or at a weekend event.
• Able and willing to travel occasionally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Demonstrated organizational/interpersonal skills, creativity, flexibility, self-motivation, and the ability to thrive in a team setting based on prior experience or submitted materials.
• Proven history of work with digital content strategy and management, including content management systems and other web platforms as well as professional/organizational social media management.
• Experience with developing promotional materials.
• Experience with visual communication mediums, such as photography, videography, and/or graphic design.
• Experience in a higher education, independent school, or non-profit environment.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Band 5
Overtime Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type: Restricted
Salary Information: $27-$30/hour
Hours per week: Less than 29h/wk. average
Review Date: May 27, 2026

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 conducts more than $650 million in research annually. 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.