"Communications Specialist - College of Health Professions"

Job Details

Advertising Summary: The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Health Professions (CHP) seeks a mid–senior level Communications Specialist to support the Director of Communications and Marketing and collaborate closely with the college’s communications team. This role plays a critical part in advancing CHP’s mission through compelling storytelling, strategic messaging, and high-quality content creation across print and digital platforms.

Unit: College of Health Professions MBU

Department: Deans Office AHP

Department Summary: The VCU College of Health Professions is a nationally recognized leader in the education of health providers and cultivates an interprofessional approach to training in the following fields: Gerontology, Health Administration, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nurse Anesthesia, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Patient Counseling, Radiation Sciences, and Rehabilitation Counseling.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Communications Specialist will focus primarily on writing-driven projects, including feature stories, website content, and digital communications that engage diverse audiences such as internal stakeholders, external partners, alumni, prospective students, community members, and peer organizations. This position requires a strong writer with excellent interviewing skills, sound editorial judgment, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

This is a hybrid position with a combination of in-person responsibilities on campus and remote work flexibility. Occasional evening or event-related work may be required.

Key Responsibilities

Content Development & Writing

• Research, write, and edit high-quality content including feature stories, profiles, news articles, web copy, email campaigns, and digital communications.
• Translate complex academic, research, and clinical information into clear, engaging, and audience-appropriate messaging.
• Conduct interviews with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and external partners to develop compelling narratives that reflect the impact of CHP.
• Ensure consistency in voice, tone, and messaging in alignment with VCU and College of Health Professions brand guidelines.
• Create website content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and engagement for key audiences.

Collaboration & Administrative Support

• Provide administrative and project support to the Director of Communications and Marketing, including coordination of writing projects and content calendars.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the communications and marketing team to support integrated campaigns and initiatives.
• Partner with departments, programs, and leadership across CHP to identify and develop strategic content opportunities.
• Collaborate with the communications team on digital storytelling initiatives, including newsletters, social media content, and multimedia projects.

Editorial & Quality Control

• Proofread and edit content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and adherence to editorial standards.
• Manage multiple deadlines and priorities while maintaining attention to detail and quality.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related writing-intensive role.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a strong portfolio of published or professional work.
• Demonstrated interviewing skills and ability to build rapport with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with digital content platforms and tools (e.g., CMS, email marketing systems, Microsoft Office or Google Workspace).
• 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, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Professional certifications related to communications, marketing, or digital media.
• Experience in higher education, health care, or academic environments.
• Familiarity with brand management, digital analytics, and content strategy.

Salary Range: $55,000+ (commensurate with experience)

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, 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.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 91322 - Open

Contact Information: Contact Name: Malorie Burkett Contact Email: mgburkett@vcu.edu