Presidential Communications Specialist

Presidential Communications Specialist
Enterprise Marketing and Communications

As Virginia Commonwealth University’s integrated communications expert, we leverage the power of our institutional knowledge and the depth and diversity of our talent to deliver results that align with VCU and VCU Health's strategic goals. We understand that VCU is not like the rest. In a world of the common, we are the uncommon. We are unlike any other.

The Opportunity

As a member of the Executive Communications team, the principal responsibilities of this position are to handle all aspects of the president's correspondence program (letters, emails, notifications, and similar), updating the president's and VCU Board of Visitors' websites, as well as handling daily and ongoing special projects. The position will primarily communicate and articulate information clearly to external and internal audiences for the President's Office..

This position provides support to the Office of the Executive Communications and Office of the President by providing accurate and timely information that is used in day-to-day office communications operations. This position also handles urgent and sensitive information on a daily basis while maintaining strict office confidentiality.

The Office of Executive Communications, in the Division of Enterprise Marketing & Communications, is responsible for developing and leading a strategic communications plan for the VCU president and supports key executives with institutional brand-building opportunities that engage internal and external audiences by aligning communications and marketing strategies that 10advance the President's vision and priorities and 2/ strengthen the institution's brand. The office works closely in alignment with the Office of the President, primarily through the Senior Advisor to the President.

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s generous benefits package that includes: competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), tuition waiver, partner discounts, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here .

Minimum Hiring Standards:

- Extensive experience interacting frequently with internal and external clients

- Demonstrated ability to provide accuracy, timeliness, and a professional demeanor at all times, while being able to consistently prioritize and multi-task

- Ability to thrive in an extremely fast-paced environment and handle assignments efficiently, accurately and in a timely manner

- Someone who possesses a diverse and adaptive writing skill set and can convey tone and personality seamlessly

- Advanced experience in editing, researching, and fact-finding

- Exceptional attention to detail, adaptability, and a sense of urgency

- Experience demonstrating and utilizing confidentiality and judgment

- Ability to serve as advisor as needed, providing input in solving complex problems

- Ability to see the big picture while being adept at developing and managing details

- Strong organizational and computer skills, including database and list management

- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Hiring Standards:

- Experience writing for the highest executives in an organization and writing for a variety of university and/or health system audiences including students, parents, alumni, professors, guests, patients, and the general public - Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, Business Administration or a related field; or 5+ years relevant experience in executive communications or related field

- Active membership in professional communications associations