Assistant Vice President / Executive Director for Research Communication

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public research university is seeking an experienced Assistant Vice President / Executive Director for Research Communication to build and lead a comprehensive research communications strategy. This role is responsible for translating research and innovation narratives into compelling stories that influence policymakers and elevate the university's reputation. The ideal candidate will be a strategic storyteller, trusted advisor, and collaborative leader. Join us to shape impactful narratives that drive change.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in research communications or public affairs.
• Ability to translate complex data into impactful narratives.
• Strong advisory skills and ability to lead complex team dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead an enterprise-wide research communications strategy.
• Drive media visibility and guide high-stakes executive communications.
• Steward the complex research brand at VCU.
• Translate bold ideas, breakthrough science, and faculty excellence into compelling stories that influence policymakers, attract funding, inspire partners, and elevate VCU’s reputation.

Skills

Strategic storytelling

Collaborative leadership

Public affairs knowledge

Leadership

Job description

Overview

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a visionary communications leader to serve as Assistant Vice President / Executive Director for Research Communication—the chief architect behind the brand, voice, and global presence of VCU Research and Innovation. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Research and Innovation, this senior leader sits at the heart of the university’s research enterprise, translating bold ideas, breakthrough science, and faculty excellence into compelling stories that influence policymakers, attract funding, inspire partners, and elevate VCU’s national and global reputation.

This is a rare opportunity to build and lead an enterprise-wide research communications strategy at a top R1 public research university—driving Tier 1 media visibility, guiding high-stakes executive communications, stewarding a complex research brand, and uniting communicators across campuses. The ideal candidate is a strategic storyteller, trusted advisor, and collaborative leader who thrives in complexity and excels at turning data and discovery into impact.

If you are energized by shaping narratives that matter, leading talented teams, and amplifying research that changes lives, VCU offers a platform to make your mark at scale.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead an enterprise-wide research communications strategy across VCU Research and Innovation. • Drive Tier 1 media visibility and guide high-stakes executive communications. • Steward a complex research brand and unite communicators across campuses. • Translate bold ideas, breakthrough science, and faculty excellence into compelling stories that influence policymakers, attract funding, inspire partners, and elevate VCU’s reputation. • Serve as the chief architect behind the brand, voice, and global presence of VCU Research and Innovation.

Qualifications

• Strategic storyteller with the ability to translate data and discovery into impact. • Trusted advisor and collaborative leader who thrives in complexity. • Experience in research communications, public affairs, or related fields is preferred.

How to apply

To learn more and apply, please go to https://vcujobs.com/jobs/assistant-vice-president-executive-director-for-research-communications-mcv-main-campus-virginia-united-states