Communications Coordinator - Dept. of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Position Summary:

This part-time position will support communications for ongoing projects and lab functions under the primary supervision of the lab Director, Dr. Jessica LaRose. Working across numerous ongoing studies, this position will be responsible for day-to-day coordination of all media content. Duties include but are not limited to: serving as Content Management System (CMS) administrator for lab and study websites, writing blog posts and content for lab website, managing social media accounts, designing and editing graphics and videos to support participant recruitment and retention, and creating lay data dissemination products. It is anticipated that this position will range from 5-10 hours per week on average.

Core Responsibilities:

1.) Website Administration

• Serve as a CMS administrator and routinely update lab website
• Create and manage content for study specific public facing websites
• Ensure that all website content aligns with VCU brand standards and security requirements where relevant
• Write blog posts for lab website

2.) Social Media

• Serve as the social media administrator for lab social media accounts
• Ensure compliance with VCU social media standards and guidelines
• Create lab accounts and build a following on LinkedIn and BlueSky (and other relevant platforms that may arise)
• Create and manage weekly content across platforms

3.) Content Development for Recruitment and Retention

• Design and edit graphics, flyers, emails, and videos to support participant recruitment
• Design and edit graphics, flyers, emails, and videos to support participant retention over time
• Ensure that all participant facing materials comply with IRB approved language and align with VCU brand guidelines

4.) Lay Data Dissemination

• Create infographics and related products to report on key study findings
• Develop lay summaries of academic articles published by the lab

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• BA/BS with a degree in communications, journalism or related field
• At least 1 year related work experience
• Exceptional writing skills, with an emphasis on writing for web and social media
• Strong editing skills and excellent attention to detail
• Graphic design skills and experience using Adobe Creative Suite and Canva
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines as part of a fast-paced research team
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge and experience working with a website CMS
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals across a broad spectrum of socioeconomic background and lived experiences
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment and commitment to do so as a hourly employee at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of HTML and Java script
• Previous experience managing website and social media within the context of research and/or higher education

The School of Public Health continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.