(Hybrid) Senior Manager of Development and Communications - Institute for Community and Rural Health

The Institute for Community and Rural Health at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Senior Manager of Development and Communications

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a highly experienced professional to lead strategic marketing and communications efforts while supporting research development and grant writing, with a specific focus on food systems and USDA-funded initiatives. This senior-level role is ideal for someone with deep expertise in research communications, federal grant strategy, and stakeholder engagement in the agricultural and food systems space.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
* 37.5-hour work week
* 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
* 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
* 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
* WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
* 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
* Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Strategic Marketing & Communications
  - Develop and implement integrated marketing and communications strategies that elevate the visibility of food systems research and community impact.
  - Create compelling content to promote USDA-funded projects, faculty research, and institutional initiatives across digital and print platforms.
  - Manage brand consistency and messaging across all outreach channels.
  - Lead media relations and public engagement efforts related to food systems and agricultural research.
  - Analyze communication metrics and refine strategies to optimize reach and effectiveness.
  

• Research Development & Grant Strategy
  - Collaborate with faculty and research teams to identify USDA and other federal funding opportunities aligned with food systems, agriculture, nutrition, and rural development.
  - Lead the development and submission of complex grant proposals, including multi-institutional and interdisciplinary projects.
  - Provide expert-level editing and strategic input on research narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation.
  - Maintain a grants calendar and ensure compliance with submission deadlines and reporting requirements.
  - Support the development of concept papers, white papers, and strategic initiatives focused on food systems innovation and sustainability.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Institutional Advancement
  - Cultivate relationships with USDA program officers, community partners, and external collaborators.
  - Organize and promote symposia, workshops, and public-facing events that highlight food systems research and community engagement.
  - Serve as a liaison between research teams and institutional leadership to communicate impact, funding needs, and strategic priorities.
  - Contribute to institutional planning efforts related to food systems research growth and visibility.
  
  

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field. Master's degree preferred in Communications, Public Administration, Agricultural Sciences, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in marketing, communications, and grant writing, with experience in a research or academic setting.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated success in securing USDA and other federal funding.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and strategic communication skills.
• Proficiency in digital marketing platforms, research administration tools, and CRM systems.

• Strong leadership, project management, and interpersonal skills.

  Preferred Qualifications

• Deep understanding of USDA grant mechanisms (e.g., AFRI, NIFA, SARE).
• Experience with food systems research, rural development, or agricultural innovation.
• Familiarity with research compliance, budgeting, and institutional review processes.
• Knowledge of research impact metrics and evaluation frameworks.
• Graphic design, multimedia production, or data visualization skills a plus.
  

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.