Copywriter

Summary:

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

The Virginia Commonwealth University Division of University Relations is responsible for articulating and building VCU’s brand and supporting the university’s goals through strategic integrated communications.

As VCU’s integrated communications and marketing office, the Division of University Relations is energized by diversity and inclusion and thrives on collaboration and innovation. We reflect the culture of the university and health system community in our work. We leverage the power of our institutional knowledge to deliver results, foster an equitable and supportive work environment to empower our talent and work hard to tell impactful stories about VCU and VCU Health.

In partnership with Public Affairs, Events and Executive Communications, University Marketing is responsible for telling impactful stories about VCU and VCU Health. Through planning and implementing strategic, integrated marketing communications programs that capture the unique DNA of VCU, we create messaging that connects with our audiences and inspires action.

Our team supports the vision and business objectives of the university and its health system with a focus on the following goals:

· Attract prospective students, patients, faculty, staff and donors

· Activate VCU’s alumni, donors and community

· Improve VCU’s brand reputation with peers, influencers, the Richmond community, health patients and general public

Primary Purpose and Responsibilities

This is a senior level copywriter position that reports to the Creative Director within the University Relations marketing team. The role requires a passionate brand champion that writes compelling, accurate, creative and on-brand copy for a variety of integrated marketing campaigns that include print, digital, video, social media, etc. This position requires and experienced and natural collaborator that develops inspirational big ideas, exciting concepts and copy that meets clear marketing and communication objectives.

Minimum Hiring Standards

· Demonstrates a track record in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment through communications/marketing work, operations and interpersonal relationships.

· Five years of demonstrated experience in producing industry leading marketing and advertising concepts, copy and creative across traditional and non-traditional channels and markets

· Proven success in producing copy for advertising and integrated marketing campaigns

· Excellent conceptual skills

· Excellent writing skills

· Acute understanding of creative briefs and strategy

· Ability to work within and apply established brand architecture and standards

· Ability to work independently and in a team setting with other writers, editors, designers, photographers and videographers, to develop and execute creative concepts

· Ability to communicate and present inspired ideas accurately and clearly

· Ability to balance multiple priorities and consistently deliver concepts and copy under tight deadlines

· Ability to conduct research and interviews to inform messaging and copy

· Organizational and interpersonal skills

· Demonstrate understanding of health, higher education and VCU’s position in the market

· Demonstrate understanding of VCU’s audiences

· Able to successfully handle multiple tasks, shift focus and prioritize to meet a variety of deadlines

· Interpret creative direction and technical information and turn them into persuasive copy concepts

· Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, English or related field or equivalent experience plus copywriting experience in an advertising agency or in-house marketing department

Preferred qualifications

· Familiarity with the higher education and health categories

· Experience in an agency environment

· An impeccable portfolio with examples of big ideas and execution across a variety of platforms

· Examples of concepts and insights, which led to breakthrough creative that drove business metrics

Salary Range: 60,000 - 63,800

Position Details:

Department: University Relations
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt