Development Coordinator for Board Relations and Communications

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 benefit, 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. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Welcome to Virginia Commonwealth University (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. Together, we can be unstoppable.

The mission of VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is to maximize philanthropic support by engaging stakeholders with our institution working in partnership with all VCU schools, programs and campuses as one development and alumni relations community and implementing the best practices and efficient strategies to achieve a comprehensive development program. 

As part of DAR, the Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations (MPAR) team operates within a dynamic and collaborative environment that reflects the complexity of our institution. We are a highly matrixed organization, where success is driven by strategic partnerships, shared goals, mission-focus and the ability to navigate multiple reporting lines.

The Development Coordinator is a professional position in MPAR whose primary functions are donor and volunteer relations, event planning, assistance with communications to alumni and donors, and project and administrative support. This position will support the Communications and Board Relations units within the Office of Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations and provide assistance in general office operations, donor and volunteer relations, stewardship, communications, meeting and event support and calendar management.

Responsibilities:

 Provide general administrative and project assistance as needed, including but not limited to:

• Provide calendar, event and meeting support, including coordination for internal and external constituents, including board meetings and team meetings;
• Assist with board relations and communications projects, including preparing newsletters for board volunteers;
• Assist in reviewing database reports, submit database help desk tickets and update university alumni and donor databases;
• Help schedule 1:1 meetings with donors and volunteers, and develop written correspondence; 
• Assist with the development of the alumni magazine and production of collateral material as well as ensure updated versions are available for the team;
• Track story coverage and alert teammates to pertinent news;
• Review the performance of email newsletters;
• Assist with website updates;
• Manage mailing lists with exceptional attention to detail;
• Monitor office email accounts and respond to constituent inquiries 
• Actively participate in and support Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations events as assigned, including attending and supporting after-hours and weekend special events, as necessary;
• Plan, coordinate and prioritize multiple projects, ensuring work is completed accurately and within deadlines;
• Set high standards, exhibit a positive attitude, and show exemplary work ethic. 
• Oversee and maintain project records using Office project management software;
• Oversee regular communication to and program management of the Massey Ambassador Program;
• Oversee implementation and stewardship of the VCUHS Service Excellence Award Program;
• Determine matters that require the attention of others and refer and escalate as needed; 
• Maintain confidentiality; 
• Determine appropriate responses to sensitive and complex issues; 
• Think strategically, anticipate necessary actions, and provide support materials independently;
• Anticipate project needs and discern priorities within budget and deadline;
• Understand university financial and cash handling policies, including PCI compliance, internal controls and procurement; 
• Participate in financial systems training and manage a corporate purchasing card requiring monthly reconciliation. 

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited university in communications or a related field or equivalent work experience
• Previous experience in a fast-paced, highly complex environment or role. 
• Experience solving problems, prioritizing tasks, responding to questions, and making decisions independently while also functioning as a team player. 
• Experience developing and writing professional communications as well as exceptional oral communications skills and phone etiquette.
• Database management and reporting skills (preferably with Blackbaud products) as well as experience managing mailing lists with exceptional attention to detail. 
• Experience with Google Office Suite, MS Office Suite.
• Ability to travel with an automobile.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a university professional at VCU.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

• Graduate degree in a related field. 
• Three years of experience in a fast-paced, highly complex environment or role. 
• Experience in volunteer and donor management, events and fundraising,particularly in an institution of higher education and/or medical environment
• Experience in development office administration. 
• Experience in developing and/or reviewing communications copy for a lay audience.
• Experience with Blackbaud, Canva and Adobe products as well as project management software, Mailchimp, Terminalfour or similar communications platforms.
• Experience with travel and procurement software.
• Experience overseeing and reconciling a purchasing card in accordance with university compliance standards.

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume for consideration. 

Izzy Kane
irkane@vcu.edu