📌 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 copy for various projects
- Collaborating with art directors, designers, and other team members
- Learning and maintaining VCU's UNCOMMON brand voice
- Developing breakthrough concepts and campaign ideas
- Editing and proofreading work for clarity, grammar, and style
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong creative portfolio and a passion for storytelling. It's ideal for a recent graduate or someone with limited professional experience looking to build their portfolio and gain experience in a creative 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 VCU's 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 at once and meet deadlines
✅ Soak up feedback and keep leveling up writing game
✅ Stay in the know about trends in culture, marketing, advertising, and what makes audiences tick
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well within a team. It's essential to be comfortable taking direction and open to feedback.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (advertising, marketing, communications, English, journalism)
Experience: Ability to 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
Required Skills:
- Experience collaborating with art directors/designers and other team members to concept and execute big ideas
- Proven ability to write in an established brand voice and follow brand standards
- Ability to develop breakthrough concepts and campaign ideas that meet strategic initiatives
- Ability to edit and proofread work for clarity, grammar, and style
- Proven ability to work on multiple projects at once and meet deadlines
- Soak up feedback and keep leveling up writing game
- 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
- A strong creative portfolio that shows off range, voice, and conceptual ability
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 bachelor's degree is required, relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of formal education. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or someone with limited professional experience looking to build their portfolio and gain experience in a creative environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Commensurate up to $53,000 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, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is competitive for entry-level positions in the marketing and communications field. Benefits are robust and include a generous tuition benefit, which can be a significant advantage for employees seeking to further their education.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. It is classified as a Research University (R1) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and offers a wide range of degree programs.
Company Size: VCU is a large university with over 31,000 students and approximately 9,000 faculty and staff members. This size offers opportunities for growth and exposure to diverse perspectives.
Founded: VCU was founded in 1838 as the Medical College of Virginia and became a four-year institution in 1968. It has since grown to become a comprehensive research university.
Company Description:
- VCU is a comprehensive research university with a strong commitment to community engagement and a mission to improve health for Virginia's diverse populations
- The university is known for its robust research programs, including those focused on cancer, infectious diseases, and health disparities
- VCU is home to the VCU Health System, which includes the VCU Medical Center, one of the nation's leading academic medical centers
Company Specialties:
- Research in cancer, infectious diseases, and health disparities
- Education in a wide range of fields, including the arts, sciences, and health professions
- Community engagement and service-learning opportunities
Company Website: https://www.vcu.edu/
ASSUMPTION: VCU's large size and comprehensive mission offer applicants a wide range of opportunities for growth and exposure to diverse perspectives. The university's strong commitment to research and community engagement makes it an attractive choice for individuals interested in working in higher education.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level position in the marketing and communications field. It offers an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or individuals with limited professional experience to build their portfolio and gain experience in a creative environment.
Reporting Structure: The Junior Copywriter will report directly to the Creative Director or a similar role within the Division of Enterprise Marketing and Communications.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the possibility of remote work for specific projects or tasks, as determined by the department.
Growth Opportunities:
- As a junior role, this position offers ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the Division of Enterprise Marketing and Communications and the broader university
- VCU's large size and comprehensive mission provide a wide range of opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- The university offers numerous training and development programs to help employees grow in their careers
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for a recent graduate or someone with limited professional experience looking to build their portfolio and gain experience in a creative environment. It offers excellent opportunities for growth and advancement within the university.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Division of Enterprise Marketing and Communications is located on VCU's Monroe Park Campus in Richmond, Virginia.
Office Location(s): 912 West Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23284
Geographic Context:
- Richmond is the capital of Virginia and the fourth most populous city in the state
- The city is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and diverse neighborhoods
- Richmond is located in the eastern part of the state, approximately two hours from both the Atlantic Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with the possibility of remote work for specific projects or tasks, as determined by the department.
ASSUMPTION: Richmond offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with a variety of housing options and neighborhoods to suit different preferences and budgets. The city's vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities, make it an attractive place to live and work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
- Final interview with the department head or a senior member of the team
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing samples and portfolio review
- Creativity and conceptual thinking
- Brand voice and tone
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
- Attention to detail and editing skills
- Knowledge of higher ed marketing and trends in culture, marketing, and advertising
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include a portfolio of your best writing samples, demonstrating your range, voice, and conceptual ability
- Be prepared to discuss your creative process and how you approach writing challenges
- Research VCU's UNCOMMON brand voice and be ready to discuss how you would maintain and evolve it
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
ATS Keywords: creative writing, copywriting, advertising, marketing, brand voice, campaign ideas, collaboration, editing, proofreading, higher ed marketing, trends in culture, marketing, advertising
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's writing skills, creativity, and cultural fit with VCU's UNCOMMON brand voice. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their creative process and provide examples of their best work.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Content management systems (CMS) and web platforms (WordPress, Drupal)
- Social media platforms (Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, JIRA)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite. Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, and project management tools is also beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation and creativity
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Excellence and continuous improvement
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Community engagement and service
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and detail-oriented
- Adaptable and open to feedback
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong creative portfolio that demonstrates your range, voice, and conceptual ability?
- Are you comfortable taking direction and open to feedback?
- Do you have experience writing in an established brand voice and following brand standards?
- Are you familiar with trends in culture, marketing, advertising, and what makes audiences tick?
- Do you have experience writing for Gen Z and knowledge of higher ed marketing?
ASSUMPTION: VCU values innovation, creativity, collaboration, and excellence. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their creative process and provide examples of their best work. They should also be comfortable taking direction and open to feedback.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, which can be challenging for individuals who struggle with time management or prioritization
- The university's UNCOMMON brand voice may be challenging to maintain and evolve, requiring a strong understanding of VCU's mission, values, and target audience
- The role may require working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners, which can present unique communication challenges
- The university's large size and comprehensive mission can make it challenging to navigate and understand the organization's structure and culture
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Junior Copywriter vs. Entry-level Marketing Coordinator: A Junior Copywriter focuses primarily on writing creative copy, while an Entry-level Marketing Coordinator may have a broader range of responsibilities, including event planning, social media management, and market research
- Junior Copywriter vs. Content Creator: A Junior Copywriter specializes in writing copy for advertising and marketing campaigns, while a Content Creator may produce a wider range of content, including blog posts, articles, and social media posts
- Junior Copywriter vs. Technical Writer: A Junior Copywriter focuses on creating persuasive and engaging copy, while a Technical Writer specializes in creating clear and concise documentation, user manuals, and other technical content
ASSUMPTION: This role is most similar to an Entry-level Marketing Coordinator or Content Creator, but with a primary focus on writing creative copy for advertising and marketing campaigns.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a social media campaign to promote VCU's upcoming commencement ceremony
- Writing a series of blog posts highlighting VCU's research initiatives in cancer, infectious diseases, and health disparities
- Creating a script for a VCU Health System television commercial featuring patient testimonials
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of writing tasks a Junior Copywriter might be expected to perform, from social media campaigns to blog posts to television commercials.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the creative process for a recent VCU advertising campaign?
- How does the Division of Enterprise Marketing and Communications collaborate with other departments and stakeholders on campus?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the VCU brand, and how does this role help address them?
- How does the Junior Copywriter role fit into the broader marketing and communications strategy for VCU?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Division of Enterprise Marketing and Communications?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a strong understanding of the role and a commitment to learning and growing within the organization.
📌 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 experience and skills for this role
- Include a portfolio of your best writing samples, demonstrating your range, voice, and conceptual ability
- Prepare for your interview by researching VCU's UNCOMMON brand voice and reviewing your portfolio
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
