Job Opportunity: Global Change Center Coordinator, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
The Global Change Center at Virginia Tech is looking for a manager with strong science communication skills.
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.
Position Summary:
The Global Change Center (GCC) at Virginia Tech is currently recruiting a Center Coordinator. This individual will provide administrative support to meet the diverse programmatic, communications, and event management needs of the GCC, a branch of the Fralin Life Science Institute. The Center fosters interdisciplinary research and education dealing with major global change issues (e.g., pollution, invasive species, climate change, disease, habitat loss) and currently serves approximately 65 faculty from 20 academic departments across Virginia Tech. The Center’s diverse portfolio of activities includes a highly successful interdisciplinary graduate education program, seed grants for students and faculty, a variety of competitively awarded graduate and undergraduate fellowships, workshops, and a strong commitment to engagement activities, including public lectures.
The GCC Coordinator works closely with the Center’s director and the Fralin Life Science Institute’s executive leadership team, as well as the Fralin communications, graphic design, fiscal, and grants staff, to operate all aspects of the Center. The coordinator is also expected to have frequent interactions with faculty, students, other administrators, event service providers, and visiting scholars. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented and able to prioritize work and multi-task in a fast paced environment and possess excellent communication skills.
Primary responsibilities of the Global Change Center Coordinator include:
Administrative Management
- Provide prompt and enthusiastic logistical support to faculty and students on Center-related initiatives
- Manage travel logistics and agendas for visitors
- Prepare announcements and receive applications related to competitively awarded grants and fellowships
- Work with Center director on fundraising initiatives
- Develop and manage the center’s operating budget
Communications
- Organize and structure the GCC website and social media; oversee the high level public content of the website; Maintain website and social media platforms
- Maintain appropriate contact with public, university, and private officials, staff, and others; provide professional and courteous telephone and email support
- Work with communications and graphic design staff to prepare periodic electronic newsletters, event announcements, and press releases
Event Management
- Coordinate periodic Center events such as public lectures, faculty retreat, and social events to include securing venues and caterers
- Schedule periodic meetings for the Center’s advisory committee and operational committees (e.g., grants committee, admissions committee)
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business management, communications, marketing, science, or demonstrated significant experience in lieu of degree
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; WordPress (or other CMS), Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Flicker); Photoshop
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Experience with scientific communication or related communication focus
- Experience managing budgets, including purchasing and invoicing
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in business management, communications, marketing, science or related field
- Experience providing administrative support in an academic or professional office environment
- Demonstrated experience with event planning
- Experience working with academic faculty and students, particularly scientists and engineers
- Experience working with diverse staff and stakeholders
More info here: https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/81810