Communications Specialist

Location WVSOM Main Campus, Lewisburg, WV Job Description Summary Under the supervision of the Associate Vice President for Government and External Relations / Chief Communications Officer, the Communications Specialist provides hands-on support for institutional communications, outreach, and external engagement initiatives that advance WVSOM's visibility, reputation, and mission. This position is responsible for executing approved communications activities across digital, print, and event-based platforms and serves as a functional backup to the Social Media Specialist. The Communications Specialist works collaboratively with Government and External Relations, Marketing, the President's Office, and other campus partners to ensure consistent messaging, timely information sharing, and effective support during routine operations, high-visibility periods, and emerging situations. This position will be a full-time, non-classified position with full state benefits and is exempt from FLSA provisions regarding overtime. Minimum base salary is $45,000 commensurate with education and experience. Not all activities of this position occur within the confines of an 8:00-4:30 schedule and may require evening and weekend scheduling. This position has been designated as essential. This means that when WVSOM is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in such positions may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover and continue operations at WVSOM. The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. Minimum Education Bachelor's Skills Required Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, social media, graphic design, public relations, journalism, political science, or a closely related field. Minimum of two (2) years demonstrated experience or equivalent coursework in communications, social media, design, marketing, or related support functions. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with design and social media tools preferred. Ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and follow established processes. Experience in higher education, government, or public-sector environments preferred but not required. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant professional experience may be considered. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of communications practices, public relations, media support, and stakeholder engagement. Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and changing priorities in a collaborative environment. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality in high-visibility or sensitive situations. Working knowledge of branding, messaging consistency, and digital communication practices. Familiarity with social media platforms, basic photography and video capture, and digital engagement tools. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with content management or social media tools preferred. Duties and Responsibilities Coordination and Support Provide day-to-day coordination and operational support for Government and External Relations and Communications initiatives. Assist with organizing workflows, schedules, and timelines for communications, outreach, and engagement projects. Support collaboration among Communications, Government Relations, Marketing, the President's Office, and other departments to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent information sharing. Communications and Messaging Support Draft, format, schedule, and distribute approved communications materials, including announcements, leadership messages, digital content, and outreach communications. Maintain communications calendars and coordinate content distribution across multiple platforms and channels. Ensure all communications adhere to institutional messaging guidelines, brand standards, tone, and style conventions. Media and Outreach Support Assist with media relations activities, including preparation of press materials, coordination of interviews or site visits, and tracking media inquiries. Monitor media coverage and outreach activity and compile basic reports or summaries for internal use. Support day-to-day efforts to promote institutional stories, initiatives, and achievements through digital and print channels. Crisis and High-Visibility Communications Support Assist with monitoring information flow during high-visibility periods, legislative sessions, or emerging situations. Support execution of crisis or sensitive communications under leadership direction while maintaining confidentiality, accuracy, and professionalism. Government and External Relations Assistance Assist with coordination of meetings, outreach activities, and engagement with government agencies, community organizations, and external partners. Help track partnership activities, sponsorships, and engagement opportunities. Support identification and coordination of outreach or promotional opportunities aligned with institutional goals. Social Media and Digital Engagement Serve as a backup to the Social Media Specialist by assisting with maintenance of institutional and leadership social media accounts in accordance with established procedures and standards. Schedule posts, monitor engagement, and assist with responding to comments or messages as appropriate. Attend campus and external events to capture photographs and video for digital storytelling and social media use. Provide continuity of social media operations during the absence of the Social Media Specialist or during peak workload periods. Events and External Engagement Support planning and coordination of campus, community, legislative, and external events, including logistics, materials preparation, scheduling, and on-site support. Assist with identifying and coordinating promotional opportunities such as leadership speaking engagements, advertisements, sponsorships, and association involvement. Administrative and Operational Support Maintain organized records and documentation related to communications, media activity, events, and outreach. Assist with monitoring outreach activities and compiling basic metrics or summaries. Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental operations and evolving institutional needs.