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Intl. Parking Inst

Science and Research Public Relations Specialist

Intl. Parking Inst, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214


Science and Research Public Relations Specialist

Job Code:

13224Recruitment Pool:

All ApplicantsPosting Number:

req6082Unit:

VP Enterprise Mktg and Comm MBUDepartment:

Enterprise Marketing and CommunicationsLocation:

VCUAddress:

912 West Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23284 USABenefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: 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, and more.Duties & Responsibilities

Summary:The VCU’s Enterprise Marketing and Communications Division seeks a Public Relations Specialist (Research and Science) for the Monroe Park Campus. The public relations specialist for research and science supports managing the reputation of and elevating national awareness for Virginia Commonwealth University. The position is located on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus and specifically works with academic colleges, schools, and units across the enterprise.VCU’s Enterprise Marketing and Communications and VCU’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) are co-funding this position. While the public relations specialist will officially be a member of the Enterprise Marketing and Communications Public Relations Department, they will regularly support the OVPRI with science and research content generation and media relations.The public relations specialist (research and science) leads external communications about research conducted by VCU faculty and students to raise the institution’s national reputation as a place where important research is taking place. Identifying, writing, and pitching stories to traditional, digital, and trade media outlets are key functions of this role.The specialist identifies and tells stories of strategic relevance to the VCU enterprise on owned channels and through media outreach and develops strategic communications plans. The position also contributes to OVPRI’s strategic communications about research and discovery.The public relations specialist establishes and maintains communication partnerships with senior leadership, researchers, and the communication directors at each school or college and OVPRI. The specialist will work closely with the MCV Campus Public Relations Specialist (Research and Science). As their main point of contact to the university’s central public relations department, the role provides strategic communications counsel and identifies research news most likely to advance the institution’s national visibility for its research excellence.As VCU’s integrated communications and marketing office, the Division of Enterprise Marketing and Public Relations is energized by diversity and inclusion and thrives on collaboration and innovation. We reflect the culture of the university and health system community in our work. We leverage the power of our institutional knowledge to deliver results, foster an equitable and supportive work environment to empower our talent and work hard to tell impactful stories about VCU and VCU Health.Public Relations Specialist (Research and Science) responsibilities:Writes stories for the VCU news center about research and science activities.Leads media outreach to local, regional, and national target outlets; responds to media inquiries and reporter inquiries.Curates and maintains targeted media lists for news releases, pitches, and media advisories.Proactively monitors news to identify media coverage opportunities.Provides coverage for VCU Research and Innovation’s signature events and enterprise-level announcements.Collaborates with video production, photography, design, and social media teams to produce integrated content packages for earned and owned channels.Cultivates mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders, members of the media, researchers, VCU’s schools and colleges, campus partners, and administration.Translates complex research and science topics into easily accessible public relations materials, stories, and media pitches that engage and excite audiences.Provides public relations guidance, strategic communications recommendations, and topical instruction to a variety of audiences, including researchers.Analyzes the impact of our public relations strategy and makes adjustments where necessary.Qualifications

Minimum hiring standards:Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field required or equivalent knowledge and experience.Minimum of 5 years experience in journalism, public relations, or related communications fields.Track record in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment through communications/marketing work, operations, and interpersonal relationships.Understanding of scientific principles and an ability to translate complex scientific concepts to a public audience in creative and compelling lay language.Proven media relations experience with an ability to promote academic health sciences and medical news to local, regional, and national journalists.Strong writing and editing skills for print, online, and broadcast purposes.Excellent persuasive writing, editing, and verbal communications skills.Must be a strategic thinker with experience building and leveraging relationships.Ability to build strong collaborative relationships with a diverse range of partners.Excellent communication skills and the proven ability to influence at multiple levels of the organization.Proven ability to think ahead, problem-solve, engage proactively, and take initiative.Strong process-minded planner who can determine deadlines, logistics, and operational plans for complex communication campaigns.Strong analytical skill set, capable of analyzing and reacting to results-oriented data.Preferred hiring standards:Master’s degree or graduate certificate in science writing, science communication, or strategic communications preferred.Work experience promoting research and science news.Visual storytelling skills including photo, visual, and data illustration.Understanding of clinical trial processes.Familiarity with academic journals and pitching science writers.Good understanding of brand journalism and media relations in the digital age.FLSA

University EmployeeJob FTE:

1Exemption Status:

ExemptRestricted Position:

NoE-Class:

UF - University Employee FTJob Category:

University EmployeeORP Eligible:

NoSalary Range:

$73,000 - $78,000Compensation Type:

SalariedTarget Hire Date:

10/10/2024Documents Needed to Apply:

Cover letter, resume, diversity statement, and science/research writing samples.About Virginia Commonwealth University

We are the university for Virginia. We know that the unique backgrounds and life experiences of the VCU community are what drive the university forward. Together, we’re forging a future that is built by us. Here, artists and engineers, doctors and designers come together to reimagine the human experience and tackle the problems of tomorrow.AA/EEO

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

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