Communications Specialist

Summary

Enterprise Marketing and Communications is seeking to hire a Communications Specialist.

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 Communications Specialist supports the Executive Director for Executive Communications in crafting strategic communications for the university president and VCU - creating compelling, impactful remarks, talking points, video scripts, and written communications. The specialist also supports other communications initiatives and special projects. This role requires excellent writing, research, and analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines. It also requires the ability to write effectively and concisely, adapting style to suit different voices, and the ability to understand and distill complex subjects into clear talking points.

Typical Duties:

• Assist in researching and drafting speeches, remarks, talking points, and other messaging for the president and senior leadership.

• Conduct background research on various topics, ensuring speeches and messages are well-informed and aligned with organizational goals.

• Collaborate with the communications team to develop and refine messaging strategies.

• Collaborate with the social media team to ensure consistency of presidential messaging.

• Support special communications projects and initiatives as needed.

• Proofread and edit speech drafts for clarity, coherence, and consistency.

• Gather and incorporate feedback from stakeholders to improve speech content.

• Monitor current events, higher education and healthcare trends, and internal developments to ensure relevant and timely content.

• Support the Executive Director for Executive Communications in managing multiple speechwriting and messaging projects simultaneously.

• Maintain an archive of past speeches and written communications.

• Oversee content of the president's website to achieve communication goals.