(Hybrid) Part-Time Communications Associate - Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Communications Associate.

About the Opportunity

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) at West Virginia University is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the team to support its internal and external communications. The successful candidate will play a key role in growing the visibility and engagement of the talent attraction and retention programs, including but not limited to First Ascent and Ascend WV, through strategic communications, digital storytelling, and community building. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys creating compelling content, experimenting with new marketing strategies, and helping build meaningful connections across West Virginia. This role supports participant recruitment, member engagement, and statewide awareness of OEDC programs through thoughtful, creative, and data-informed communications.

This is a part-time (19.5 hours/week) position with the potential for renewal based on organization needs and performance. The Communications Associate will report directly to the First Ascent Assistant Director with regular touchpoints with other OEDC team members.

What You'll Do

Content Creation

• Create engaging social media content, including graphics, photography, video and written copy
• Develop blogs, newsletters, email campaigns, and other marketing materials
• Capture content at First Ascent, Ascend, and OEDC events
• Collect and repurpose user-generated content

Social Media Management

• Manage Social media channels including First Ascent and Ascent
• Monitor trends, engagement, and platform analytics to improve performance
• Plan, schedule, and publish content across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other platforms
• Assist with paid social media campaigns

Community Engagement

• Foster an active online community through storytelling and audience engagement
• Respond to comments, messages, and shared inbox inquiries as appropriate
• Collaborate with team members to promote OEDC initiatives.

Strategy and Reporting

• Recommend and implement creative recruitment and storytelling initiatives
• Track campaign performance and provide bi-weekly analytics reports
• Identify opportunities to expand audience reach and program awareness
• Analyze First Ascent recruitment and engagement to identify opportunities and recommend future outreach strategies and program improvements

Administrative Support

• Assist with inbound program paperwork
• Maintain participant records and member files
• Communicate with program participants to ensure satisfaction in paperwork updates, program benefit processing, and member experience
• Support additional OEDC projects as assigned.

Hours per Week: 19.5

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience with the following:
  • Experience with Canva
  • Familiarity with social media scheduling and analytics tools
  • Knowledge of popular social media platforms
• Excellent written communication and storytelling skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a remote team

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Success in this role includes:
• Consistently publishing engaging, high-quality content
• Growing audience engagement and reach
• Supporting participant recruitment through marketing efforts
• Maintaining a consistent and authentic brand voice
• Collaborating effectively across OEDC programs

Expectations:

• Work remotely (and in-person as needed) for 20 hours per week
• Bring curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to test new ideas
• Receive and apply feedback in a collaborative environment
• Manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines
• Represent First Ascent and Ascend WV professionally in digital spaces

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's preferred
• Experience managing organizational social media accounts
• Experience with email marketing platforms such as HubSpot
• Experience with project management tools such as Airtable
• Interest in outdoor recreation, community development, or economic development

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.