Writer

VCU is a public research university unlike any other. We're dedicated to serving the needs of students and patients and our passionate community isn't afraid to tackle difficult challenges others can't, or won't. We’re home to creativity, teaching, discovery and healing. Our location in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, means the nonstop energy of our city ignites our innovation and provides unlimited opportunities.

Department Summary: 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: 

This hourly role provides essential content creation for VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, with a primary focus on writing marketing and promotional copy for alumni events and programs. This role is ideal for a highly organized communications professional with strong writing and editing skills who is eager to support strategic initiatives and contribute to their success. The writer reports to the executive director, DAR Communications, and will interact with internal DAR partners and colleagues throughout VCU. This position will collaborate closely with VCU Enterprise Marketing and Communications to align content, storytelling and brand positioning with institutional priorities and standards. 

This position requires working hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. ET, for 25-28 hours a week. This position can be fully remote, but must be within driving distance of Richmond, VA (less than 3 hours).

Key responsibilities

1. E-newsletter content

• VCU Alumni e-newsletter

  • Develop strategic monthly e-newsletter outlines and craft engaging, audience-focused copy. 

  • Proactively research opportunities to highlight VCU graduates, including writing profiles or Q&As, as needed. 

• Constituent organization e-newsletters

  • Work with volunteer managers to develop strategic quarterly e-newsletter outlines for regional and shared identity organizations, and craft engaging, audience-focused copy.
    
    

• Parents’ e-newsletter

  • Work with various internal partners to develop strategic monthly e-newsletter outlines and craft engaging, audience-focused copy.

2. Events email content

• Develop content for monthly all-alumni email about upcoming events and programs.

3. Email and program content

• Write engaging content for emails promoting a diverse array of events and programs available to alumni and donors, and write corresponding copy for registration forms and social media.

4. Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, mass communications or a related field

• Minimum of two years’ professional writing and/or editing experience 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong interviewing, writing, editing and proofreading abilities

• Proficiency in AP Style

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities

• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• 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

• Experience in an academic medical center, healthcare or higher education (Research I) setting or similar complex environments.

• Familiarity with writing for a development and alumni relations organization

Interested applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter and professional writing sample for consideration.

Unit: Development MBU

University Job Title: Communications Specialist 1

Department: Operations

Salary Range: $20.00-$22.00 per hour

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 25-28 hours. This position requires working hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. ET.

Restricted Position: Yes,The position is supported by restricted funding, and continuation of the role is contingent upon the availability of budgeted funds.

ORP Eligible: No

Eligible for sponsorship (e.g. H-IB visa status, etc.): No

Flexible Work Arrangement: This position can be fully remote, but must be within driving distance of Richmond, VA (less than 3 hours).

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Izzy Kane
Contact Email: irkane@vcu.edu