Associate Director for Faculty and Research Communications

About the role

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. This position is located in the Dean's Office - Web & Communications unit of the School of Medicine. Reporting to the director for internal communications as part of the award‑winning communications team, the role will serve as a trusted partner to faculty and research leadership to develop and execute communications strategies that inform, engage and connect key audiences across the School of Medicine.

Responsibilities

• Partner with faculty and research leadership to advise on messaging, timing and channel selection for internal initiatives
• Create clear, concise and timely messaging to T&R and clinical faculty, research staff and students, tailoring delivery strategies across communications channels and audiences to ensure effectiveness
• Manage multiple communications priorities and projects simultaneously (including the school’s T&R faculty compensation plan), balancing short‑term requests with longer‑term communications goals
• Translate complex academic material (e.g., related to faculty, research, school/university policies and procedures) into clear and effective content for its respective audiences
• Identify and promote faculty/research achievements and honors for both internal and external stakeholders
• Build relationships with the school’s faculty and research staff to better understand their work and communication priorities
• Collaborate with the school’s communication team to produce compelling, effective deliverables and creative assets related to faculty and research communications
• Stay informed on local and national trends impacting faculty and academic/scientific research (emerging policy changes, community priorities and concerns, etc.) to guide communications strategy
• Develop and execute detailed tactical communications plans for faculty and research initiatives as identified with school leadership
• Create and maintain a communications calendar for faculty and research related topics, initiatives, events, key deadlines and recurring milestones
• Evaluate audience engagement across internal channels to continuously improve message delivery
• Communications and marketing professionals will collaborate closely with VCU Enterprise Marketing and Communications to align content, storytelling and brand positioning with institutional priorities and standards

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong understanding of faculty culture, and academic or scientific research environments
• At least five (5) years of communications experience, preferably within higher education, an academic medical center or a research organization
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education, professional training and experience
• Exceptional communications and writing skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences and channels
• Proven ability to handle confidential or sensitive topics, anticipating and mitigating potential risk
• Outstanding attention to detail and commitment to thoroughness
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex academic and scientific material into clear and actionable messaging
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, with experience managing multiple collaborative projects while adhering to deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, higher education administration or a related field
• More than five years of communications experience (with progressive responsibilities) directly supporting academic medicine, scientific research or complex health system environments
• Experience writing, editing or managing internal communications specifically for faculty or research audiences and leadership
• Experience in science writing
• Familiarity with digital communication tools, including email platforms, Adobe Creative Suite and web content management systems
• Experience navigating organizational change, crisis communications or sensitive institutional policy updates

Pay

$88,300 - $123,500

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Schedule

Hybrid - (minimum of 1 day in the office per week with other days each week as needed)