📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Assistant Director of Communications & Creative Media
🔹 Company: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
🔹 Location: Richmond, VA
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site
🔹 Category: Non-profit, Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing communication plans for philanthropic events
- Creating compelling content and designing promotional materials
- Collaborating with internal teams and external partners
- Providing live event coverage and donor stewardship
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, design, and project management skills, as well as a passion for philanthropy.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans for philanthropic events
✅ Write and edit engaging content for event-related materials
✅ Use design software to create visually appealing promotional materials
✅ Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure consistent messaging
✅ Provide live event coverage, including social media updates and photography
✅ Assist in donor stewardship efforts, including personalized thank-you messages
✅ Track the performance of event communications and prepare post-event reports
ASSUMPTION: This role involves working with various teams and requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, or a related field
Experience: Three years or more of professional experience in communications, event management, or a related role, preferably within the nonprofit or philanthropic sector
Required Skills:
- 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
- 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 diverse population
Preferred Skills:
- 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
ASSUMPTION: While a portfolio is not required, providing writing samples and/or links to portfolios can strengthen the application.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000 per year
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health benefits
- Paid annual and holiday leave granted up front
- Generous tuition benefit
- Retirement planning and savings options
- Tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs
- Employee discounts
- Well-being resources
- Abundant opportunities for career development and advancement
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for event coverage
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the company's listing and is typical for this role in the non-profit sector.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Non-profit, focused on healthcare and education
Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees)
Founded: 1971, with a rich history in cancer care, research, education, and clinical trials
Company Description:
- VCU Massey Cancer Center is committed to discovering and developing new drugs and better treatments that save lives and making them accessible to all communities
- The center is dedicated to moving toward a future without cancer through innovative research, exceptional patient care, and community engagement
- VCU Massey Cancer Center is a part of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a premier, urban, public research university known for its academic rigor, research productivity, and commitment to the arts and to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community
Company Specialties:
- Cancer care
- Research
- Education
- Clinical trials
Company Website: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/
ASSUMPTION: VCU Massey Cancer Center is a well-established organization with a strong reputation in cancer care and research, providing a stable and supportive work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
Reporting Structure: The Assistant Director of Communications & Creative Media reports directly to the Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations Events team within the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position with flexibility for event coverage
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance within the Office of Development and Alumni Relations or other departments within VCU
- Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of communications, event management, and fundraising
- Chance to work on high-profile events and initiatives, enhancing the resume and portfolio
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a dynamic and growing field within a well-established organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a modern and collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): 401 College St, Richmond, Virginia 23298, US
Geographic Context:
- Richmond, VA is a vibrant city with a rich history, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- The city is known for its arts and culture scene, as well as its diverse and inclusive community
- Richmond is home to a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique character and charm
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for event coverage
ASSUMPTION: Richmond, VA offers a high quality of life, with affordable housing, a strong job market, and a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- On-site interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the department head or director
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Design and creative skills
- Project management and organizational skills
- Understanding of philanthropy and fundraising
- Alignment with VCU's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Include writing samples and/or links to portfolios to demonstrate your skills
- Prepare questions to ask during the interview to showcase your interest in the role and organization
ATS Keywords: Communications, Event Management, Philanthropy, Fundraising, Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Nonprofit, AP Style, Project Management, Social Media, Email Marketing, Analytics
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and demonstrating relevant skills and experiences is crucial for success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
- Email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp)
- Analytics software (e.g., Google Analytics)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in these tools is required for success in this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in all endeavors
- Integrity in all actions
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and continuous learning
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Results-driven and goal-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to take on new challenges
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your communication and design skills align with VCU's mission and values?
- How do you approach working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment?
- How do you balance multiple projects and deadlines, and how do you prioritize your workload?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with VCU's values and work style during the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing multiple projects and deadlines, often with tight turnaround times
- Working on weekends and evenings for event coverage
- Managing relationships with various internal teams and external partners
- Adapting to changes in event plans and priorities
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a willingness to take on new challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on philanthropy and fundraising within an academic medical center setting
- Similar roles in higher education or non-profit organizations may have different reporting structures and event portfolios
- Career paths in this field may include advancing to director or manager roles within the Office of Development and Alumni Relations or other departments within VCU
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a dynamic and growing field within a well-established organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive communication plan for a high-profile fundraising event, including email campaigns, printed collateral, and social media posts
- Designing promotional materials for a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, including logos, graphics, and event branding
- Creating a multimedia project to showcase the impact of donor contributions and encourage ongoing support
ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall strategy of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does the team collaborate and support each other in achieving our goals?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role?
- How does the organization support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and organization and provides valuable insights into the work environment.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Include writing samples and/or links to portfolios to demonstrate your skills
- Prepare questions to ask during the interview to showcase your interest in the role and organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
