Communications Director

Position Information

University Code 13911 University Title Administrator, Communications University Job Family Communications ORP Eligible Yes For more information on ORP, visit: Retirement Plans
Recruitment Pool All Applicants Recruitment Type Job Series Scope of Search National Working Title Communications Director Position Number 592280 Is this employee on a H1B Visa? No Position Type Staff Job Status Full-Time FLSA Indicator Exempt Employee Group Executive & Senior Level Leadership Department School Of Dentistry Organizational Overview

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities

The primary mission of the School of Dentistry is to educate practitioners of dentistry capable of meeting the general oral health care needs of the communities they serve. Integral parts of the mission are research and other scholarly activity, patient care, and leadership in dental education and organized dentistry, and collaboration and participation with other units within Virginia Commonwealth University ( VCU ) and VCU Health System.

In support of the above, we enthusiastically seek candidates for our Communications Director role. Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

– Increasing and maintaining the School of Dentistry’s visibility and profile within the VCU and VCU Health System communities, the Greater Richmond area and the Commonwealth of Virginia

– Increasing and maintaining the School’s visibility and engagement through local, regional and national oral health and dental communities such as the Virginia Dental Association ( VDA ), the American Dental Association ( ADA ), the American Dental Education Association ( ADEA ), the American Association of Endodontists ( AAE ), the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association ( VDHA ), the American Dental Hygienists Association ( ADHA ) and other related industry and specialty organizations and councils, as well as within overall health, wellness, and health education communities where appropriate

– Developing and implementing the School’s communications strategies in support of goals and in line with the VCU Strategic Plan: Quest 2025 (complementary to VCU Dental Care and the School’s Advancement strategies)

– Determining, evaluating and reporting the effectiveness and efficiency of the School’s communications programming

- Communicating regularly with the VCU Dental Care marketing and Continuing Education offices, as well as the Advancement / Alumni Relations Office

- Auditing the School’s website, promotional and digital content for adherence to VCU brand standards, AP Style, and overall message consistency in accordance with the Dean’s mission and vision. Will also monitor the School’s social media accounts for VCU Brand and ADA compliance (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and alumni Facebook and Instagram)

- Serving as an advisor regarding the attitudes, perceptions, criticisms, and reactions to the School of Dentistry’s initiatives and actions, as well as crisis situations

- Establishing the Dean’s “voice” and platform through blog posts, guest articles, speeches, bullet points, and event remarks

-Writing articles, messages and news releases regarding staff and faculty awards and recognition, school news, student success, and research highlights, for varied internal and external audiences and outlets

-Working with student body leadership to discover student story ideas for VCU News, the VDA and additional internal and external outlets

- Developing a communications plan for each internal department’s implementation

- Liaising with VCU University Relations and related consultants and approved licensees on behalf of internal clients for projects requiring skilled production expertise such as imprinted items, banners, web development, event planning, photography, video, research, branding, and related production work

- Liaising with staff, faculty, students and IT regarding VCU and School brand adherence for all printed and published items including internal and external presentations, research posters, signage, wearables, imprintables, etc.

- Producing the schoolwide Word of Mouth eNewsletter

- Working with VCU Public Affairs and external media to field questions and provide story ideas and resources positioning the School of Dentistry as the oral health leader in Virginia and a source of general and specialty experts in the field of dental education and oral health research

- Compiling and managing a multi-media schoolwide editorial calendar

- Carrying out special initiatives of the Dean including faculty and staff engagement events, philanthropic endeavors, teambuilding, and multi-cultural sensitivity

- Analyzing metrics (activity, reach, engagement, impact) to evaluate and report the effectiveness of communications

-Adhering to confidentiality parameters at all times

- Maintaining HIPPA, FERPA and ADA requirements in all communications

Minimum Hiring Standards

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations or related communications discipline, or demonstrated equivalent experience

• Experience in brand journalism and reporting in a health care and/or academic setting

• Ability to manage tight deadlines and multiple projects simultaneously

• Knowledge of Google, Microsoft Office, WordPress, MailChimp

• Proven ability to establish relationships with media outlets and to identify, hone and pitch story ideas including related milestones and announcements worthy of coverage

• Working knowledge of social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook; audience engagement strategies; and analytics

• Ability to work with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams

• Ability to manage special initiatives of the Dean including faculty and staff engagement events, philanthropic endeavors, teambuilding, and multi-cultural sensitivity

• Exceptional listening, oral and written communications skills

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with care

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so at VCU

Preferred Hiring Standards

• Masters degree and/or several years of experience in journalism, public relations, and/or communications

• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies

Required Licenses/ Certifications Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate Application Process/Additional Information Campus MCV Campus Hours/Week 40 Normal Work Days/Hours Monday - Friday Job Open Date 04/30/2021 Posting will close on or before Open Until Filled Yes Job Category Accounting/ Management/ Professional Is this a restricted position? No Is this position eligible to participate in alternative work arrangements? Yes Sensitive Position No Resource Critical Yes Quick Link https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/105239 Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Other Document
2. Reference Letter - 1
3. Reference Letter - 2
4. Reference Letter - 3