Communications Manager

Company: Virginia Tech
Location: Blacksburg
Posted on: December 31, 2025

Job Description:

The Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) Communications Manager leads a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates the university brand and priorities while emphasizing the institute by raising awareness of its capabilities and strengths to internal university stakeholders and to external local, regional, national, and global audiences. Reporting to the ICTAS Director for Finance, Administration, and Facilities and the Office of Research and Innovation’s Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, this position will manage strategic communications for the institute. The highly skilled manager will have experience and depth of knowledge of a comprehensive communications program, developing strategies and deploying them across platforms with diverse groups of stakeholders to internal and external audiences. This role is ideal for a creative professional who has strong writing and media relations skills and is a critical thinker who can work both independently and within a team. The manager collaborates with internal stakeholders including faculty, campus communicators, ICTAS leadership, the Office of Research and Innovation, and central Marketing and Communications in addition to external audiences including media; industry, government, and non-profit partners; alumni, and faculty and communicators at peer institutions. Experience in managing a diverse communications portfolio which includes key responsibilities related to: developing and implementing communication and amplification plans; writing a variety of content including stories, press releases, executive talking points, and website content that is consistent and on brand serving as a media relations liaison pitching faculty experts, writing media advisories while working with the central media relations and research and innovation teams;. The role requires knowledge of digital and print content strategies and management including professional graphic design, social media, accessibility standards, and photography and videography. The manager will supervise and mentor a marketing and communications specialist in the development of print and digital content including marketing materials, social media, web content, event marketing collateral and other products as needed to ensure content is consistent with the university brand and priorities. The manager supports a healthy work environment and strives to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct to exemplify the Virginia Tech Principles of Community and support the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). About the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science One of the eight research institutes at Virginia Tech, Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) accelerates research with faculty who work in various disciplines, providing unique capabilities, seed funding, shared facilities, and student and faculty support, transforming ideas into impact. As one of Virginia Tech’s four investment institutes, ICTAS connects researchers across six colleges to address society’s most pressing challenges. ICTAS researchers’ work spans biomedical engineering, biomechanics, biomaterials, nanotechnology, materials science, drone technologies, and advanced air mobility — fields shaping the future of health, security, and sustainable innovation that impacts policy, economic growth, and workforce development. ICTAS builds partnerships with peer faculty, industry, and government that drive discovery and position Virginia Tech as a global leader in technology and applied science. Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field. - Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for general audiences; proficiency in AP style and storytelling. - Experience in media relations and executive communications, including developing talking points and digital presentations. - Proven ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. - Demonstrated supervisory experience and strong organizational and interpersonal skills. - Experience working with industry and government partners. - Familiarity with digital content strategy, content management systems, social media, graphic design, branding principles, and mixed media (photo/video). - Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, and related tools. - Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. - Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. Preferred Qualifications - Master’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field. Overtime Status Exempt: Not eligible for overtime Appointment Type Regular Salary Information Starting at 75,000; commensurate with experience Hours per week 40 Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. Position is hybrid with a weekly on-campus presence, and will require the completion of a telework agreement in accordance with Policy 4325, Alternative Work Site and Telework Policy. The hybrid work schedule will be confirmed following an onsite training period. 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.

Keywords: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg , Communications Manager, PR / Public Relations , Blacksburg, Virginia