Communications Specialist - Dining Services Marketing

Job Description

When was the last time you changed the world?

At Virginia Tech’s Division of Student Affairs, we strive to make a difference every day by

guiding, nurturing, and supporting students as they grow into the leaders and world-changers of today and tomorrow.

We’re currently searching for a Communications Specialist to join our Dining Services team in Blacksburg, VA. If you’re passionate about storytelling and skilled in crafting engaging,

impactful content, please keep reading.

Here’s what you need to know about the role:

• You’ll be joining the Dining Services Creative Services team, a group of creative
  
  

professionals dedicated to enhancing the student dining experience through various

marketing and communication mediums. You’ll report directly to the Senior Graphic Designer for Dining Services and work cross-collaboratively with various stakeholders.

• You’ll work collaboratively with the Dining Services communications team and Dining
  
  

Services staff to produce written content for web, social media, press releases, newsletters,

and publications.

• You’ll develop compelling narratives and strategic communication plans to promote Dining Services’ initiatives and enhance the student experience. You’ll ensure that all written communications reflect the excellence and innovation of our services, adhering to the university’s and division’s brand identity and messaging guidelines.
• You’ll adhere to deadlines and manage your partners’ expectations to deliver effective
  
  

written assets. You’ll manage and oversee all Dining Services’ social media channels, including content creation, scheduling, monitoring, and engagement to ensure consistent and effective communication with target audiences.

• You’ll collaborate with Student Affairs Communications to update and maintain website
  
  

content using a content management system (CMS), ensuring information is current,

accurate, and aligned with the university’s branding and messaging guidelines.

• You’ll maintain joint partnerships within Dining Services and the division and may serve on committees and work on teams as needed or desired.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Proven experience in writing, editing, and content creation for digital and print platforms.
• Strong command of grammar, spelling, and style with demonstrated expertise in AP style guidelines.
• Knowledge of social media platforms and best practices for writing effective posts and captions.
• Familiarity with website content management systems (e.g., Adobe CMS) and newsletter tools.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with website content management systems (e.g., Adobe CMS) and newsletter
  
  

tools

• Experience managing communications in higher education or a similar setting.
• Proficiency with social media management tools and project management systems.
• Experience writing for promotional campaigns
  
  

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Salary $42,000 - $46,000/year and commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

April 1, 2025

Additional Information

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

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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 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.

For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education at 540-231-2010 or Virginia Tech, 220 Gilbert Street, Suite 5200, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Carolyn Hanneman at carolynh18@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

About Student Affairs

Student Affairs at Virginia Tech fosters a community where each student creates a customized experience to meet their goals. Building on our motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence . We seek candidates who adopt and practice our Principles of Community , which are fundamental to our ongoing efforts to increase access and inclusion and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth. We are actively seeking people to join our community and help us prepare leaders for the world. Our people in Student Affairs are committed to student well-being and assuring that all students Experience VT by demonstrating, supporting, and operationalizing our Aspirations for Student Learning . If you are someone dedicated to ensuring student success, then we want you to consider being a part of our team!

About Dining Services

Virginia Tech has built a reputation for outstanding dining. Our dining program stays at the leading edge of national trends.

Customers report high overall satisfaction and appreciate the variety of dining options available on campus. Recent customer comments such as “I brag about our food service to my friends and family” illustrate that the Virginia Tech students share our pride in the dining program.

• Dining Services serves approximately 7.5 million meals per year.
• Total on-campus sales of $71.2 million annually
• Current national brand annual gross sales of over $9.5 million
• Largest single employer on campus, employing over 2,200 people.
• Approximately 19,000 dining plan holders with debit-style plans that can be used in any of the dining centers.