Job Description

Summary

The Communications Specialist supports the Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity (CEIO) by leading strategic communications, storytelling, and brand alignment across the ODU College Partnership Lab School Network and Innovation Lab. This position is responsible for developing and executing internal and external communications that elevate the visibility, impact, and coherence of CEIO initiatives, ensuring alignment with university priorities, grant requirements, and partner engagement efforts. This position is located inHampton, VA. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead development and execution of CEIO communications strategy, including messaging frameworks aligned to ODU priorities, lab school network identity, and external stakeholder engagement.
• Create, edit, and disseminate high-quality written content (weekly mailers, reports, briefs, website content, grant narratives, and leadership communications).
• Manage digital presence (website, newsletters, and communication platforms), ensuring accessibility compliance, consistency, and alignment with ODU branding.
•  Coordinate communications across lab schools, CEIO initiatives, and partners to ensure accurate, timely, and unified messaging (including VDOE, divisions, and higher education partners).
• Capture and elevate storytelling from lab schools and Innovation Lab (educator features, student experiences, signature projects, events).
• Support event communications (Innovation Summit, educator convenings, workshops), including materials, promotion, and post-event follow-up.
• Assist with visual materials (presentations, one-pagers, reports) and coordination with design support as needed.

Education and/or training:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Education, or related field.

Level and type ofexperience

1 year of experience in communications, marketing, or related field, preferably in education, higher education, or nonprofit settings.

Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for diverse audiences
• Ability to translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling messaging
• Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines
• Knowledge of digital communication platforms (web, email, content systems)
• Strong organizational and collaboration skills
• Attention to detail and alignment with brand and compliance expectations
• Basic design skills (Canva, Adobe, or similar)

Other:

This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

Please visit ODU Research Foundation website at http://researchfoundation.odu.edu; click on the employment tab and follow the link for position #26-019.  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled

The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.

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