Communications Specialist

About Roanoke College

Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society’s most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we’re building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today’s students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon. Learn about the College's new strategic plan, Imagine Roanoke: A Strategic Plan for Roanoke College and the 21st Century Learner.

Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

The Position

We are seeking a talented, creative and organized content creator to join our productive, collaborative team. This role will be responsible for conceptualizing, creating/producing, editing, managing, and distributing written, digital and multimedia content across various internal and external platforms. Strong writing and editing skills are required – and technical skills are strongly preferred – to support branding, marketing, communications and promotional efforts through the production of print and web articles, social media posts and videos, scripts, marketing copy, press releases and more.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify mission-targeted content ideas through research, source-building and collaboration, and take on content projects as assigned.
• Create, edit, proof, publish or otherwise distribute content to key audiences through both internal and external communications channels. Content will include print and web articles, news releases, marketing copy, video scripts, social media posts and more.
• Manage social media calendar/schedule on an ongoing basis, coordinating ideas and execution plans with fellow team members.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions with fellow team members and student workers to conceive of creative, engaging social media video and post ideas that advance strategic goals.
• Shoot, edit and post vertical social media videos in collaboration with team members and students.
• Shoot or gather photos for social media posts.
• Regularly assist magazine editor in planning content and writing articles for two annual issues.
• Complete website copywriting projects under the direction of the Director of Digital Communication.
• Occasionally assist with public relations and media events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, graphic design, video production, a related field or equivalent experience.
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills, with the ability to deliver content under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital content strategies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook. Experience editing vertical videos for social media a plus.
• Ability to occasionally work evening events and weekends