Project Assistant, Project Gabriel

The VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence (IE) is seeking a highly motivated Project Assistant to support the Project Director in the implementation of Project Gabriel, a university initiative dedicated to researching, acknowledging, and addressing VCU's historical ties to slavery. This position will play a key role in supporting research teams, engaging with community stakeholders, supporting reconciliation strategies, and coordinating public outreach efforts, with a focus on the legacy of Gabriel Prosser, a prominent enslaved Richmond man who led a rebellion against slavery.

Key Responsibilities:

Research/Administrative:

• Assist with overseeing historical research teams investigating VCU's historical connections to slavery, including identifying enslaved individuals associated with the institution.

• Support the compilation of reports.

• Record meeting minutes and keep records of invitations and attendees for all related events.

• Manage Project Gabriel Google Drive; curate and organize files and documents.

• Assist with managing the Project Director's calendar and schedule meetings as requested.

Community Engagement:
• Support the community liaison with building partnerships with local community organizations and descendants of enslaved individuals connected to VCU.
• Assist with facilitating public forums and dialogues to share research findings and collect community input.
• Assist with the development of community-centered initiatives aimed at reconciliation and healing.

Reconciliation Strategy Development:
• Assist with developing actionable plans to address the legacy of enslavement at VCU, including potential reparations, memorialization, and curriculum adjustments.
• Consult with diverse stakeholders to ensure equitable and inclusive implementation of reconciliation strategies.

Public Outreach and Communications:
• Support public relations efforts to transparently communicate Project Gabriel's findings and initiatives to the VCU community and broader public.
• Assist with developing educational materials and programming to raise awareness of the history of slavery in Virginia and VCU's role.

The responsibilities may vary depending on the specific needs of the project at the time of hiring.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 1 - 2 years of experience in working as a project assistant, community programming, relations, public relations, or a related role.

• Experience in project coordination.

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and engage effectively with diverse communities.

• Strong communication skills, including public speaking and presentation development.

• Commitment to social justice and addressing historical injustices related to enslavement.

• Demonstrated interest and experience in advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Social Work, or a related field.

• Previous research experience.

Work Schedule:

• Hybrid work schedule available.
• This position may involve occasional travel to community events and meetings.
• 20 hours a week commitment. Flexible working hours may be required, especially for evening or weekend events.

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

“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.”