Public Relations Coordinator - Massey

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.

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Mission

To improve the lives of all Virginians by delivering cutting-edge cancer care through patient-centered prevention and treatment; high-impact, innovative research; community input and engagement; and education and training of the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran’s period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

Benefits At a Glance

Continuing education and professional development for undergraduate and graduate tuition in addition to mandatory fees (except the transition student fee) for a maximum of six credits per semester;

28 University Leave Days, 12 State Holidays, and 2 Enhanced Community Service Leave Days;

Medical, Dental and Vision Health Benefits to meet the needs of employees and their eligible family members from the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as optional FSA; 

Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and other retirement saving options;

Parental and Caregiver Leave, Short Term Disability (STD), Disability Insurance, Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program;

Professional development opportunities encouraged and offered for employees as part of annual career development, e.g. certifications, seminars, courses, annual conferences, mentorship, etc.

Job Description

The Public Relations Coordinator for VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center plays a vital role in promoting the cancer center’s achievements, clinical services and research initiatives to internal and external audiences. This individual is responsible for developing strategic communications, crafting compelling narratives, writing press releases and creating digital and print content across various platforms. The position supports departmental goals by coordinating and executing public relations campaigns, ensuring clear communication of research efforts, advancements in clinical care and educational initiatives at the cancer center. Reporting to the public relations manager in the Office of Public Relations and Marketing Communications, this role will work closely with team members across the cancer center, health system and university to enhance public relations efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the creation of various communications, including newsletters, news center articles, press releases, mass emails, etc.
• Cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with key representatives, community leaders, members of the media, researchers, providers and administration
• Provide public relations guidance for a variety of audiences, including Massey researchers, research administration, providers and clinical staff
• Write talking points and provide representation at internal and external events as needed
• Identify media coverage opportunities and secure placements for appropriate medium (print/online, radio and/or broadcast coverage)
• Arrange and develop content for live and recorded interviews with Massey experts for television and radio; craft talking points for various interview opportunities
• Develop and maintain relationships with press and media contacts while also helping to foster relationships between providers and researchers and press/media contacts
• Respond to media requests and reporter inquiries
• Analyze the impact of publicity strategies or campaigns and offer adjustments as applicable
• Collaborate with marketing professionals across the cancer center and university to produce content
• Curate and maintain targeted media lists
• Assist with routine data collection regarding public relations metrics and media coverage; including daily, monthly and yearly monitoring and reporting out
• Proactively monitor news and issue developments to identify media coverage opportunities

Minimum hiring standards:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in English, marketing, communications, public relations, or related area, or equivalent professional training and experience
• 3-5 years professional experience in a public relations or communications role, with a focus on content creation and contributions to strategic planning
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to produce engaging and clear content across multiple platforms, and demonstrated experience using AP Style
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and departments
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse staff environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
• Proven ability to think ahead, problem solve, engage proactively and take initiative
• Strong analytical skill set, capable of analyzing and reacting to results-oriented data
• Ability to work effective independently and in collaboration with a team
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule, in-person multiple days per week

Preferred hiring standards:

• Familiarity with working in an academic or health system setting
• Some proficiency with web CMS software
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact
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Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Please note VCU is not able to provide ongoing visa sponsorship for this position.

Massey Cancer Center
Masseyhr@vcu.edu