Commonwealth of VA Careers is hiring: Visual Media Specialist in Blacksburg

Overview

The Visual Media Specialist is a creative contributor who helps shape the stories and visuals that connect prospective students and families with the university. This entry-level position in the Strategic Enrollment Marketing and Communications unit (SEMC) supports the Enrollment Management division through engaging content creation—particularly visual and multimedia storytelling—to drive recruitment, yield, and retention. The position reports to the SEMC director, works daily with the SEMC team. The Visual Media Specialist also works collaboratively with leadership and employees in each of the Enrollment Management units.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and edit multimedia content (graphics, photography, and video) for division websites and social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.


• Capture and edit photos and video at events and for student features or day-in-the-life segments.


• Participate in social media planning and scheduling with Enrollment Management units, ensuring content aligns with the academic calendar and major events.


• Monitor content performance across platforms and suggest strategies to optimize engagement.


• Collaborate with internal teams (writers, designers, admissions counselors, and student ambassadors) to develop authentic, student-centered messaging.


• Maintain organized digital asset libraries and adhere to Virginia Tech branding and accessibility standards.


• Support the development of marketing materials—brochures, postcards, presentations, and web assets—that reflect brand consistency and support enrollment goals.


• Support the design and execution of email campaigns, including layout, imagery, and basic copywriting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, multimedia, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).


• Demonstrated experience with social media content creation, including short-form video production (e.g., Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts).


• Proficiency in design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and/or Canva.


• Experience with basic video editing software (e.g., Premiere Pro, Final Cut, CapCut).


• Experience with professional video and photography equipment.


• Strong visual storytelling skills with attention to detail and brand alignment.


• Ability to manage multiple creative projects with overlapping deadlines.


• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, student affairs, or youth-focused marketing.


• Familiarity with web content management systems (e.g., Ensemble, WordPress, Drupal).


• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design principles.


• Understanding of enrollment marketing strategy and audience segmentation.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

45,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

August 28, 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 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 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.

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