(Hybrid) Content Strategist - Division for Land-Grant Engagement

The Division of Land Grant Engagement at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Content Strategist.

About the Opportunity

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Marketing/Sr. Communications Specialist, this individual will be responsible for developing and implementing unique and cutting-edge marketing and communications content to accomplish goals and priorities of the WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement and its three units - Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, WVU Extension and the WVU Center for Community Engagement. This position will be a generalist content strategist and project manager for various initiatives coordinated and executed by the Division and its units. Following our Division and WVU guidelines, the position is responsible for managing the development of digital stories and content, websites, social media, online advertisements and marketing, recruitment material, event promotion, and other programs that help promote a positive image for the Davis College, WVU Extension and the WVU Center for Community Engagement.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What you'll do:

• Execute strategic content plans to support goals.
  
• Serve as the main project manager for assigned initiatives and oversee the development of digital content collateral, including web, social media, public relations, etc.
  
• Oversee and make necessary updates and plans for the continued success of "evergreen" content.
  
• Work with others on the team to ensure all tactics are repurposed and used in ways that showcase the Division and its three units (e.g., photo, video, feature stories).
  
• Create other written communications (internal news, announcements, WVU Today press releases, etc.).
  
• Assist with the development and execution of expert pitches and feature stories.
  
• Collaborate with technology team members to create/develop and manage websites, including using various tools to maintain web accessibility, SEO, and CSS and HTML design, as well as other members of the team, including design and multimedia, as needed.
  
• Support faculty/staff through the refinement of internal and external messaging and the development of strategies to enhance public awareness, understanding and support for Division's diverse programs, including updated and managing webpages.
  
• Fully understand the Division for Land-Grant Engagement's mission/values/goals and brand.
  
• Actively represent the Division for Land-Grant Engagement Communications team in meetings, project teams, presentations, etc.
  
• Work with WVU's News staff to support, strengthen and extend the WVU and Division brands and clearly articulate the University's land-grant mission, goals and identity through the look, feel and tone of the material created.
  
• Monitor and post on social media, as needed, as well as develop/lead social media/digital content campaigns.
  
• Foster partnerships and relationships with on- and- off-campus organizations.
  
• Assist with on- and off-campus events, including State Fair, student recruitment events, Day at the Legislature, commencement and other Division events, to achieve marketing and community-building goals.
  
• Determine and implement methods to regularly measure outcomes of communications' efforts.
  
• In times of crisis and brand emergencies, assist the Director of Communications and other team members (respond to emails, monitor sentiment, and escalate issues to the director).
  
• Execute additional tasks, as needed, as assigned.
  

• Bachelor's degree in marketing or related field required
• A minimum of two (2) years experience in creating and developing content for digital communications, including web and social media.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional oral/written communication (grammar, composition, spelling) and presentation skills with superior language skills
• Experience in developing and executing engaging web content
• Demonstrated experience in interviewing, writing, editing and speaking skills, including the ability to distill and clarify ideas under a deadline
• Knowledge of news and media relations; use of various social media platforms (TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) as well as basic knowledge of data analytics; strong news and feature writing skills using AP Style, APA Style
• Demonstrated excellence in communications and marketing trends, as well as demonstrated ability to analyze data/media trends
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing situations and providing sound professional judgement on problems dealing with sensitive and sometimes confidential issues
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively communicate with administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other executives/staff at the University levels and maintain cooperative working relationships
• Ability to work under continuous time constraints and multiple deadline pressures manage priorities effectively
• Ability to uncover the essence of technical information and explain it correctly to a specific range of audiences
• Ability to operate the necessary computer software, web-based and other high-tech equipment to perform various communication duties; broad knowledge of various publishing/design programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in video and photo storytelling

• Valid driver's license

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.