Ready to join a workforce UNLIKE any other?

Advertising Summary: 

The VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs invites applications for a Communications Strategist. Reporting to the Director Communications and External Relations, the position is responsible for managing and executing a broad portfolio of communications initiatives that support the school's mission, strategic priorities and national reputation. Applicants must have the ability to identify and develop stories that highlight the school's contributions to public policy, public administration, criminal justice, social equity and community engagement for a variety of audiences and communications platforms.

Unit: L D Wilder Sch of Govt & Pub Affrs

Department: L D Wilder Sch of Govt & Pub Affrs

About the Wilder School

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University is a nationally recognized leader in public affairs education, research and community engagement. Named for L. Douglas Wilder, the nation's first elected African American governor, the school reflects his enduring commitment to public service, independent thought, principled leadership, civic engagement and excellence in government.

The Wilder School's mission is to:

● Engage, teach and inspire students and leaders to understand and solve challenges in our world.
● Advance research that informs public policy and decision-making to improve our communities.
● Collaborate with communities through innovative partnerships to enhance the quality of life.

Ranked among the top 20 percent of schools of public affairs nationwide and home to the No. 8 graduate program in homeland security and emergency preparedness, the Wilder School prepares the next generation of public service leaders while advancing evidence-based solutions to society's most pressing challenges.

Through nationally recognized academic programs, research centers and community partnerships, the school addresses critical issues in public policy, public administration, criminal justice, homeland security and emergency preparedness, and urban and regional planning. Across these areas, the school advances social equity, strengthens communities and develops solutions that improve quality of life.

The Wilder School's faculty are nationally recognized scholars whose research informs public policy, advances knowledge and shapes conversations on issues of local, state and national significance. Through its integration of research, teaching and public service, the school works to strengthen institutions, improve communities and expand opportunity across Virginia and the nation.

For additional information about the Wilder School, please visit our website at https://wilder.vcu.edu/ 

Position Summary 

The Communications Strategist serves as a key member of the Wilder School communications team and plays an important role in advancing the visibility and reputation of one of the nation's leading schools of public affairs. Reporting to the Director of Communications & External Relations, the position is responsible for managing and executing a broad portfolio of communications initiatives that support the school's mission, strategic priorities and national reputation.

Working closely with faculty, researchers, administrators, students and external stakeholders, the Communications Strategist identifies and develops stories that highlight the school's contributions to public policy, public administration, criminal justice, social equity and community engagement. The position translates complex research and scholarly work into accessible and engaging content for a variety of audiences and communications platforms.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and possess exceptional writing skills, strong attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious, highly organized and proactive, with the initiative and professional judgment to move projects forward independently while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.

This position offers the opportunity to work directly with nationally recognized faculty, senior university leaders, policymakers, community leaders and alumni whose work is helping shape the future of public service and public affairs. The successful candidate will bring a commitment to mission-driven work, an interest in communications assessment and metrics, and a passion for helping tell stories that demonstrate the Wilder School's impact. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Communications Project Management (35%)

• Manage a high volume of communications projects with competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness and attention to detail.
• Coordinate communications activities involving faculty, staff, students, alumni, university partners and external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain editorial calendars, project timelines and content schedules.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify opportunities to improve workflows, systems and communications processes.
• Serve as a project lead for communications initiatives, ensuring projects move efficiently from concept through execution.
• Anticipate needs, identify potential challenges and develop solutions that support successful project outcomes. 

Content Development and Storytelling (35%)

• Research, write and edit news stories, feature articles, profiles, newsletters, website content, executive communications and other communications materials.
• Translate complex research findings, policy issues and scholarly work into clear, compelling and accessible content.
• Conduct interviews with faculty, researchers, students, alumni, donors and community partners.
• Exercise strong editorial judgment in identifying stories that advance institutional priorities and demonstrate impact.
• Develop content that supports reputation-building, audience engagement and strategic communications goals. 

Strategic Communications and Assessment (20%)

• Support implementation of communications strategies aligned with school priorities.
• Track communications metrics and engagement data to assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in preparing communications reports and evaluating the effectiveness of content and outreach efforts.
• Recommend strategies to increase audience engagement and strengthen communications outcomes.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in higher education communications, public affairs communications and digital storytelling.

Digital and Multimedia Communications (10%)

• Support website, email and social media communications efforts.
• Assist with multimedia storytelling initiatives, including video, photography and visual communications projects.
• Ensure communications materials align with university and school branding, editorial and accessibility standards,

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible communications experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing, interviewing and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple high-priority projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to establish credibility and work effectively with faculty, researchers, administrators, students, alumni and community partners.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex research, policy or technical subject matter into engaging content for broad audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and professional judgment.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and managing projects from conception through execution.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, higher education administration, public administration or a related field.
• Seven or more years of professional communications experience.
• Experience in higher education communications.
• Experience writing about academic research, public policy, public administration, government, criminal justice, social equity or related fields.
• Experience working in public affairs, public relations, government communications or mission-driven organizations.
• Experience supporting executive communications or working with senior leaders.
• Experience using communications metrics and analytics to evaluate content performance and audience engagement.
• Experience managing editorial calendars, communications workflows and complex multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience with website content management systems, email marketing platforms and digital communications tools.
• Experience with graphic design, multimedia storytelling and video production.

Application Submission/Other Information 

• All applications must include a cover letter, three (3) writing samples, and a detailed resume
  with the names and contact information of three professional references. 
• Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with
  priority review beginning August 26, 2026.

As a preeminent national, urban, public research university and academic health center, Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

Salary Range: $62,000 - $68,000

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 13221N - Communications Specialist 1

Contact Name: Gina Barber
Contact Email: gbarber@vcu.edu