Communications Specialist - da Vinci Center

Welcome to VCU, a world unlike any other!

We combine learning, research, creativity, service and discovery with a commitment to inclusive excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 "most innovative" public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs.

Here, your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay and mission-driven work. We advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated.

The academic and experiential offerings of the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation aim to create T-shaped individuals who are anchored in a discipline and have the capacity and openness to span across disciplines. As a result, students are better prepared to engage in our increasingly global world because they have developed the skills and tools necessary to engage in difficult dialog, to disagree, to reframe failure, and make change. The da Vinci Center is committed to increasing diversity and inclusivity in entrepreneurial and technical ecosystems; recognizing that our students represent the next generation of innovators and creators.

The students, faculty, and staff that make up the da Vinci Center community aim to create a culture of curiosity in everything they do. We believe that learning happens at the intersection of curiosity and collaboration.

In support of this mission the VCU da Vinci Center has launched the Shift Retail Lab, a first of its kind multifunctional retail space where past and present VCU students can showcase their work to gain insights and test their products, services, and ideas with real world customers. Shift Retail Lab, has earned a Fast Company's Innovation by Design Award in the Learning category in 2023.

This isn't business as usual. It's innovation at work. Join us. You can be unstoppable here!

Position Summary:

The Communications Specialist will play a key role in amplifying the VCU da Vinci Center's mission and achievements. This team member will be responsible for crafting compelling narratives, developing strategic communication plans, and managing various communication channels to raise awareness and engagement with programs, students, faculty, and industry partnerships of VCU da Vinci Center and Shift Labs at VCU. This position will report to the Deputy Director and work closely with the Communications Coordinator to perform day-to-day operations.

The da Vinci Center is committed to growth and professional development of its team members and will provide opportunities to foster a culture of learning and career development.

Typical Responsibilities

• Execute on the communication strategy for the VCU da Vinci Center and Shift Labs.
• Create engaging content for various platforms, including websites, social media channels, press releases, and marketing materials. This includes: writing informative, concise, and creative copy, developing creative and visually appealing graphics (e.g., infographics, social media posts, presentations), scriptwriting and video editing for promotional content (if applicable).
• Manage media relations, pitching stories to journalists and securing coverage for the Center and Lab's initiatives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including faculty, students, industry partners, and alumni.
• Support event planning and promotion for the Center's workshops, conferences, and other initiatives.
• Track and analyze communication metrics to measure the effectiveness of campaigns.