Outreach and Communications Associate

24966 

Description

The West Virginia Water Research Institute at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for an Outreach and Communications Associate.

About the Opportunity

The incumbent will assist the Brownfields Education & Outreach Manager with Northern WV Brownfields Assistance Center and WV Water Research Institute (WVWRI) outreach activities. This includes conference organization and coordination, developing outreach materials, drafting/editing press releases and white papers, and assisting with tasks and activities associated with research projects. 
            
Provides program, as well as direct internal and external client support services, independently responding to inquiries, using organization policies and procedures to resolve matters of low to moderate complexity. Responsibilities require some judgment, resourcefulness, and originality, but diverse guidelines and precedents are usually available to apply or adapt to the circumstances. Work effort has considerable impact on client services, programs, and project image, with potential legal liabilities. 

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

What You’ll Do

Responsibilities are functional in nature and performed under general supervision. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Assists with the organization and coordination of conferences; investigates and reserves venues, develops agenda, handles registration processes and event logistics.
• Develops outreach materials related to programs, projects, and other initiatives, including website content, brochures, flyers, announcements, fact sheets, newsletters, posters, etc.
• Supports the writing, editing, and distribution of press releases, white papers, articles, and other documents.
• Supports research for grant applications, outreach practices, and white papers.
• Coordinates logistics for advisory groups on key topics, including scheduling meetings, securing meeting spaces, and taking meeting notes.
• Works with Education & Outreach Manager to disburse information to reach target audiences such as list serves, newspapers, websites, social media, and others.
• Attends events serving as liaison with event facility personnel to ensure rooms have proper equipment (laptops, projectors, microphones, laser pointers, flip charts, etc.), that refreshments and meals are served as ordered, and that charges are correct for services rendered.
• Follows up events with appropriate correspondence, event notification maintenance, additional required follow-up, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, English, Journalism, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six months to one year of experience in public relations, outreach and/or event planning.
• Strong writing abilities
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Community outreach experience, such as interacting with a wide variety of individuals such as community stakeholders, nonprofit leaders, state and federal agency personnel, and others.
• Familiarity with similar event management software, email marketing services, website management, and social media management.
• Experience scheduling, coordinating, and facilitating online events/meetings, such as webinar series and virtual conferences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Maintains skills in, or knowledge of, professional principles, legal and/or reporting requirements affecting area of responsibility.  
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and engage via written, oral, and visual media.
• Excellent organizational skills for recordkeeping of project documents, files, and reporting deadlines.
• Ability to communicate with people outside the organization, represent the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. 
• Flexibility in working with diverse personalities.
• Exceptional communication skills including a high proficiency in English grammar, composition, and verbal communication.
• High proficiency with computer software including MS Office suite and online resources, including contact management and website design. 
• Ability to organize and implement multiple, complex projects and events. 
• Ability to keep projects and events on schedule and within budget to meet deadlines.
• Ability to plan work activities and independently maintain progress.
• Ability to understand contracts and ascertain whether they meet project/event objectives.
• Ability to negotiate best rates with facilities and vendors to achieve goals and objectives of promotional projects and events.
• Ability to interface with university staff, advisory committee members, and outside vendors on project tasks, budgets, and schedules.
• Proactive outreach skills for contacting potential speakers, trainers, and moderators for events.
• Ability to work independently with minimal managerial oversight.
• Ability to think independently, use good judgment to make decisions, and find creative solutions to problems.
• Ability to travel independently via car, air, or public transportation to scheduled events.

Requirements 

Valid driver’s license

About Research Corporation 

About Research Corporation

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University.  We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

Job Posting: Sep 4, 2024

Posting Classification: Research Corporation

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Schedule: Full-time