Director, Faculty & Research Communications

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Tuition benefits

Retirement options

Tax-deferred annuity

Employee discounts

Well-being resources

Career development

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine seeks an experienced strategic communicator to lead communications for Faculty Affairs and Research. Reporting to the internal communications director, this role partners with leadership to craft messaging that informs and engages faculty, staff and students across departments.

The position oversees messaging for policy, faculty development, and the T&R compensation plan, elevating research achievements and coordinating with the wider

Qualifications

• Five or more years of communications experience, preferably in higher education or academic medical/research settings.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills for diverse audiences and channels.
• Proven ability to handle confidential topics and mitigate risk.
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in deliverables.
• Ability to translate complex academic material into clear messaging.

Responsibilities

• Advise on messaging, timing and channel selection for internal initiatives.
• Create clear messaging for faculty, research staff and students across audiences.
• Manage multiple communications priorities and projects, including faculty compensation plans.
• Translate complex academic material into clear, actionable content.
• Identify and promote faculty/research achievements for stakeholders.
• Build relationships with faculty and research staff to understand priorities.
• Collaborate with the communications team to produce assets for faculty and research communications.
• Stay informed on trends impacting faculty and academic research to guide strategy.
• Develop and execute detailed tactical communications plans for faculty and research initiatives.
• Maintain a communications calendar for topics, events, deadlines and milestones.
• Evaluate audience engagement to continuously improve messaging.

Skills

Strategic communications

Written communications

Relationship management

Crisis communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Web CMS

Email platforms

Job description

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine seeks an experienced strategic communicator to lead communications for Faculty Affairs and Research. Reporting to the internal communications director, this role partners with leadership to craft messaging that informs and engages faculty, staff and students across departments.

The position oversees messaging for policy, faculty development, and the T&R compensation plan, elevating research achievements and coordinating with the wider