Assistant Director of Communications & Creative Media

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Job Code Communications Generalist 1 Recruitment Pool All Applicants Posting Number req7232 Unit Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Rel Department Medical Philanthropy & Alumni Relations Department Website Link support.vcu.edu Location VCU Address 1016 E Clay Street, Richmond, VA 23284 USA Duties & Responsibilities

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. To explore our benefits further, please visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/. 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.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Communications & Creative Media will join the Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations Events team and work to support fundraising and engagement goals. The ideal candidate is passionate about philanthropy, skilled in storytelling, design and strategic communications and seeking the chance to make a meaningful impact.

As a vital member of the Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations (MPAR) team, within DAR, you will shape the narrative and visual identity of high-profile events supporting VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, VCU Health, and the VCU School of Medicine. Responsibilities include developing compelling messaging, implementing innovative communication strategies and utilizing creative tools to elevate event branding and promotion to enhance donor engagement and to drive fundraising success through fundraising events and peer-to-peer platforms, helping advance the mission of transforming lives through philanthropy.

Key Responsibilities

Event Communication Strategy:

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans to promote philanthropic and fundraising events, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Write and edit engaging content for event-related materials, including email campaigns, printed collateral, invitations, news releases, social media posts, articles, impact reports and websites.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with fundraising objectives.
  
  
  

Design And Creative Support

• Use design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) to create visually appealing promotional and supporting materials, such as programs, signage, digital and print ads and digital graphics that resonate with donors and reflect VCU and Medical Philanthropy brands supporters.
• Collaborate with on-campus marketing and communications teams, including Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Alumni Relations and VCU Health Systems, to ensure branding consistency across all event assets.
• Assist in creation of video or other multimedia projects to enhance storytelling and donor impact.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with media partners for both event coverage and event sponsorships with the goal of creating promotional opportunities for interviews, magazine ads and story interviews.
  
  
  

Event Coordination

• Draft event scripts, run-of-show documents and briefing materials tailored for philanthropic audiences, including donors and sponsors.
• Provide live event coverage, including social media updates, photography and audience engagement.
• Attend and provide coverage of after-hours and weekend special events, as necessary.
  
  
  

Fundraising And Donor Engagement

• Work closely with frontline fundraisers to integrate donor-centric messaging into event communications.
• Develop materials that highlight the impact of donor contributions and encourage ongoing support.
• Assist in donor stewardship efforts, including personalized thank-you messages and follow-up communications.
  
  
  

Performance Analysis

• Track the performance of event communications and marketing, using analytics to optimize future strategies.
• Prepare post-event reports summarizing communications outcomes, donor engagement metrics, and fundraising impact.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management or a related field.
• Three years or more of professional experience in communications, event management or a related role, preferably within the nonprofit or philanthropic sector.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign
• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills and familiarity with AP Style.
• Strong project management skills and ability to juggle multiple deadlines.
• Experience using social media platforms, email marketing tools and analytics software (e.g., Google Analytics, Mailchimp).
• Interest in philanthropy and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact through fundraising initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years or more of experience in communications or event management in an academic medical center or higher education (Research I) setting or similar complex environments.
• Experience with printing and mailing vendors.
• Proficiency with web design software.
• Strong ability to self-manage and handle multiple tasks.
  
  
  

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Writing samples and/or links to portfolios are preferred, but not required.

FLSA University Employee Job FTE 1 Exemption Status Exempt Restricted Position No E-Class UF - University Employee FT Job Category University Employee ORP Eligible No Salary Range $65,000-$70,000 Compensation Type Salaried Target Hire Date 6/2/2025 Contact Information for Candidates

Izzy Kane

irkane@vcu.edu

Documents Needed to Apply A resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Writing samples and/or links to portfolios are preferred, but not required.