(Hybrid) Public Relations Specialist - Washington Center for Civics, Culture, and Statesmanship

The Washington Center for Civics, Culture and Statesmanship at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Public Relations Specialist.

About the Opportunity

The Public Relations Specialist serves as the top PR staffer in a small functional unit and is charged with the development and implementation of comprehensive PR programs/initiatives. The PR Specialist for the Washington Center demonstrates a strong level of content strategy and passion for video creation with a savvy knowledge of social media monitoring, posting and engagement on a variety of platforms. This position will be responsible for monitoring our social media accounts, creating engaging storytelling through video and photo content, monitoring social media trends, analyzing data and metrics for the Washington Center.

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 or more based on years of service (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

• Research, edits, designs, prepares and distributes various videographic products: e.g., YouTube recordings of lectures, speeches, and debates; reels for various social-media platforms; etc.
• Markets and participates in on-campus and off campus special events.
• Administers the collection of event information for distribution to participants and clientele.
• Evaluates and analyzes each event; ensures established objectives and needs are met.
• Collects and analyzes information about newsworthy University events.
• Designs, writes and oversees the production of web-based promotional materials for special events.
• Identify ways to build the visibility of the Washington Center and enhance its reputation through innovative use of social media platforms.
• Work closely and collaboratively with members of the Washington Center colleagues as well as social media managers and partners across campus engaging with them regularly and always looking for opportunities to collaborate; to work as an extended team on key projects and initiatives.
• Daily posting/management/engagement on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, etc.
• Manage a social media calendar and content management system, scheduling posts and collaborating with colleagues to ensure a timely flow of communications that meet Center goals.
• This role involves shooting, editing, and managing multimedia content alongside crafting written posts that align with the Center's established social media strategy to enhance its visibility and reputation across platforms.
• Create high-quality, visual storytelling content. Ideating, shooting and executing short and long form video and photo projects.
• Actively engage on social media accounts and monitor messages and comments; to build the visibility of Center initiatives, enhance reputation as well as audience and partner relationships and engagement.
• Attend Center events to capture live content (video and photo), and promptly edit and post material to engage the Center's audience.
• Track analytics on social media channels, informing decision-making about the creation and use of digital content on regular basis with monthly reporting.
• Demonstrate excellence of all popular social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, etc.
• Demonstrate ability to strategically create videos from ideation to execution that can live long form on YouTube and flow into other marketing channels such as websites, ads, social media channels like Reels, TikTok and YouTube shorts.
• Interviewing, editing, videography, photography and public speaking skills.
• Provide strong customer service and professional communication skills across platforms.
• Performs related duties as assigned or as directed.

• Bachelor's degree.
• A minimum of two (2) years of directly related experience, original social-media production and social-media accounts that evidence positive effects on publicity.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of communications principles, media, and marketing techniques and operations.
• Knowledge of journalism principles and techniques
• Knowledge of editorial and ethical standards for the research and development of journalistic articles and/or presentations
• Knowledge of and appreciation for the academic mission of a major research, land-grant institution.
• Knowledge of the mission and communications priorities of WVU.
• Skill in the use of journalistic and web research methods and techniques.
• Skill in the operation of personal computers including the use of electronic mail, word processing, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing.
• Skill in the areas of creative writing and editing.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
• Ability to create communications that are responsible to the needs of the organization and special events.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely to a diverse community utilizing advanced verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to speak before large groups
• Ability to work independently and carry out assignments without detailed instruction.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and deal tactfully with a variety of media professionals.

Licenses/Certifications

• 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.