📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Junior Copywriter
🔹 Company: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
🔹 Location: Richmond, VA
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Writing clear and compelling creative copy for various projects
- Collaborating with art directors, designers, and other team members
- Learning and maintaining the UNCOMMON brand voice
- Developing breakthrough concepts and campaign ideas
- Working on multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking to build their portfolio and gain experience in a creative marketing environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Write clear and compelling creative copy for a variety of projects, including integrated campaigns, websites, social posts, brochures, emails, broadcast, print ads, OOH, and beyond
✅ Collaborate with art directors/designers and other team members to concept and execute big ideas
✅ Learn and maintain the UNCOMMON brand voice and follow brand standards
✅ Develop breakthrough concepts and campaign ideas that meet strategic initiatives
✅ Edit and proofread work for clarity, grammar, and style
✅ Work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
✅ Soak up feedback and keep leveling up writing skills
✅ Demonstrate the ability to turn a creative brief into a big idea/concept
✅ Execute work that resonates with the target audience and differentiates the brand in their category
✅ Write for Gen Z and stay knowledgeable about trends in culture, marketing, advertising, and audience behavior
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing skills, creativity, and the ability to work well within a team and under tight deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (advertising, marketing, communications, English, journalism)
Experience: Entry-level (0-2 years) with a strong creative portfolio showcasing writing skills
Required Skills:
- Ability to write clear and compelling creative copy for various projects
- Experience collaborating with art directors/designers and other team members
- Proven ability to write in an established brand voice and follow brand standards
- Ability to develop breakthrough concepts and campaign ideas
- Ability to edit and proofread work for clarity, grammar, and style
- Proven ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
- Soak up feedback and keep leveling up writing skills
- Demonstrate the ability to turn a creative brief into a big idea/concept
- Demonstrate the ability to execute work that resonates with the target audience and differentiates the brand in their category
- Experience writing for Gen Z and knowledge of higher ed marketing
- Knowledge of trends in culture, marketing, advertising, and what makes audiences tick
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with content creation for social media
- Previous internship, freelance, or experience in a creative or marketing environment
- A love of language and a strong grasp of grammar, style, and tone
- A knack for taking direction and running with it
- The ability to juggle multiple projects without dropping the ball
- An openness to feedback and a willingness to keep learning
- A team-first attitude and great communication skills
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is required, the university values real-world experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating writing skills.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Commensurate up to $53,000 USD 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
- Career development and advancement opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling and work-from-home opportunities available
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is competitive for the entry-level position in the higher education sector and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education & Non-profit Organizations
Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees)
Founded: 1971
Company Description:
- VCU is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia, with a mission to provide high-quality, accessible education and to engage in research that makes significant contributions in all areas of study and seeks to apply new knowledge to address unmet human needs
- The VCU Massey Cancer Center is one of only 51 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the country and the only one in the Richmond area
- The university offers a robust benefits package and encourages a supportive work environment to empower talent
Company Specialties:
- Cancer care, research, education, and clinical trials
- Integrated communications and marketing
- Creative advertising and branding
Company Website: VCU Website
ASSUMPTION: VCU offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment with a strong focus on innovation and community engagement.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level (with growth opportunities)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Creative Director within the Division of Enterprise Marketing and Communications
Work Arrangement: On-site with flexible scheduling and work-from-home opportunities available
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to Senior Copywriter or other creative roles within the marketing department
- Expansion of responsibilities and leadership opportunities as the team and projects grow
- Potential to work on high-impact campaigns and initiatives across various platforms
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to learn from experienced creatives and contribute to high-profile projects.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site with flexible scheduling and work-from-home opportunities available
Office Location(s): 912 West Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
Geographic Context:
- Richmond, Virginia, is a vibrant, mid-sized city with a growing arts and culture scene, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving food and beverage industry
- The city offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas on the East Coast
- VCU is located in the heart of Richmond, providing easy access to downtown amenities and attractions
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling and work-from-home opportunities available
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work environment at VCU is collaborative, innovative, and supportive, with a strong focus on work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the creative team
- Final interview with the creative director
- Background check and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing samples and portfolio
- Creativity and conceptual thinking
- Brand voice and tone understanding
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Include a strong portfolio showcasing your range, voice, and conceptual ability
- Prepare for the interview by researching VCU, the Massey Cancer Center, and the Division of Enterprise Marketing and Communications
- Be ready to discuss your writing process, creative influences, and how you stay up-to-date with industry trends
- Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the position
ATS Keywords: Junior Copywriter, Creative Writing, Marketing, Advertising, Brand Voice, Concept Development, Deadline Management, Collaboration, Higher Education, Gen Z, Portfolio
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess both creative skills and cultural fit within the VCU and Massey Cancer Center communities.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred but not required, as training will be provided.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation and creativity
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Excellence and continuous learning
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Community engagement and service
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and deadline-focused
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with VCU’s commitment to innovation and creativity in your approach to writing?
- Describe your experience working collaboratively with art directors, designers, and other team members to bring ideas to life.
- How do you stay up-to-date with trends in culture, marketing, advertising, and what makes audiences tick?
ASSUMPTION: VCU values candidates who are passionate about their work, committed to continuous learning, and eager to contribute to a dynamic and collaborative team environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working within a brand voice and maintaining consistency across various platforms
- Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Navigating a large university system and its various departments and stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to communication and collaboration.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Junior Copywriter at VCU vs. Junior Copywriter at an advertising agency: VCU offers a unique opportunity to work on high-impact campaigns within a higher education setting, while an advertising agency may provide more exposure to consumer brands and commercial projects.
- Junior Copywriter at VCU vs. Junior Copywriter at a non-profit organization: VCU offers a robust benefits package and a dynamic work environment, while a non-profit may provide more opportunities to work on cause-driven campaigns and initiatives.
- Junior Copywriter at VCU vs. Junior Copywriter at a corporation: VCU offers a collaborative and innovative work environment, while a corporation may provide more opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.
ASSUMPTION: Each role offers unique benefits and challenges, and the best fit depends on the individual’s career goals, interests, and preferences.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive marketing campaign for a new undergraduate program, including print and digital advertising, social media content, and email marketing
- Creating a series of engaging and informative blog posts about cancer prevention and treatment for the Massey Cancer Center website
- Writing compelling copy for a fundraising event, including invitations, event program, and follow-up communications
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available to the Junior Copywriter within the Division of Enterprise Marketing and Communications at VCU.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing marketing and communication challenges facing VCU and the Massey Cancer Center currently?
- How does the creative team collaborate with other departments and stakeholders within the university?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Division of Enterprise Marketing and Communications?
- How does the team approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its marketing and communication efforts?
- What is the typical timeline for projects and campaigns within the division?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the organization, and demonstrate their interest and engagement in the interview process.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your range, voice, and conceptual ability
- Research VCU, the Massey Cancer Center, and the Division of Enterprise Marketing and Communications
- Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
