Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications Planning (20%) Provide leadership direction, visioning, strategic alignment, planning, implementation and resource allocation for communications activities of the Wilder School.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive multi-year strategic internal and external communications plans that effectively inform constituencies about key initiatives and build support for the mission of the Wilder School and VCU.
• Develop and promote key messages, and plan strategic delivery to internal and external audiences leveraging existing and new media.
• Build and maintain relationships with staff, faculty, and units throughout the Wilder School and across VCU, identifying opportunities to partner with university communicators on marketing and communications priorities.
• Communications Infrastructure, Marketing, and Public Relations (40%) Act as chief communications officer for the Wilder School internally and externally, representing the School to the public, media, professional associations, and community organizations.
• Envision and create a cohesive approach across multiple high-impact Wilder School print and electronic publications, web-based media and other forms of communications; direct plan implementation to ensure consistent messaging in line with Wilder School strategies and brand.
• Research and write major press releases, announcements, speeches, award nominations, content for web and print materials, and/or talking points to be delivered by Wilder School senior leadership.
• Lead media relations for the Wilder School, including identifying and executing newsworthy pitches to local and national media; cultivate relationships with members of the media.
• Manage and oversee vendor contracts for development of print and electronic materials for marketing, events, and other needs.
• Oversee stakeholder list-building and maintaining processes and procedures to ensure high-quality, robust lists for communications purposes.
• Evaluate the impact of trends in communications and marketing on applicable activities and systems and implement necessary changes to current programs.
• Oversee execution of public events and school-wide events, including major annual events.
• Organizational Communications and Management (35%) Effectively manage the Wilder School’s Communications and External Relations unit and supervise staff, including assigning and monitoring work; providing performance evaluations; and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations.
• Oversee and have accountability for all administrative and operational activities of the unit; develop annual communications budget recommendations.
• Provide expert advice to a broad range of internal constituents including administration, faculty, and staff on the most effective and efficient methods of achieving their internal and/or external communications goals.
• Oversee events and programming geared to communicating the Wilder School’s programs and expertise and engaging external and internal stakeholders with the School.
• Foster a positive, collaborative team environment among staff by encouraging relationship building, professional growth, and respect for a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Projects and Tasks Outside of Normal Duties (5%) Other Duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or related field with demonstrated and proven experience as a communications media and public relations leader or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
• At least seven years of progressive professional communications experience and a portfolio of communications work.
• The successful candidate must have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of outreach and engagement as well as all media and channels, equally able to set proactive strategy throughout the year and quickly identify and leverage real-time events.
• Significant knowledge and understanding of communications principles, current trends in the profession, and the state of the field.
• Experience leading a small communications unit with many and diverse responsibilities. Ability to provide leadership to staff, securing their commitment to the Wilder School and Virginia Commonwealth University.
• Demonstrated skill, knowledge, and ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Strategic, innovative, and prudent utilization of fiscal resources.
• A professional demeanor and experience in handling crisis or sensitive communication.
• Highly collaborative style, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and the public.
• Proven ability to work within a fast-paced, high-charge environment.

Preferred

• Master’s Degree in Communications or related field.
• Knowledge and experience in working with national public affairs professional associations.
• Proven record of leadership at shaping communications practices at an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of familiarity with innovative marketing tools and applications technology; proficiency in graphic design software applications.

Benefits

• 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.