Assistant Director of Public Relations - Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Job

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

"To improve the lives of all Virginians by delivering cutting-edge cancer care through patient-centered prevention and treatment; high-impact, innovative research; community input and engagement; and education and training of the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals."

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is a nationally ranked cancer center located in the heart of Downtown Richmond. All full-time staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off,12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

Purpose of Position:

The public relations and marketing communications team at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is searching for an assistant director for public relations. This dynamic role will manage the public relations efforts of the center, including increasing national exposure of the research, medical care and education conducted at Massey. The role will help build on, and protect, Massey's reputation and by providing

* Team leadership,

* Project management and

* Support of public relations efforts for the cancer center

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and/or Competencies required to successfully perform the work:

* Deep knowledge of media and public relations strategies and best practices;

* Excellent writing, editing and interpersonal communications skills for varied mediums and audiences;

* Proven experience in writing, pitching and successfully placing stories in local, regional and national media publications;

* Substantial experience in developing various integrated communications content, including press releases, news articles, social media posts, print collateral, videos, photos, newsletters and email announcements;

* Excellent writing, editing and interpersonal communications skills for varied mediums and audiences;

* Strong ability to aptly convey technical information to a nontechnical audience

* High proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access; experience with basic photo editing and design layout software, such as Photoshop and InDesign, or similar;

* Some proficiency with Web CMS software or similar;

* Excellent analytical and project management skills;

* Ability to upwardly manage approvals to meet deadlines;

* Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cooperative teams;

* Ability to work flexible schedules to attend events and meet deadlines;

* Extensive critical thinking, problem-solving and strategic decision making skills;

* Adept at leading teams to collaborate on projects;

* Innovative and creative;

* Self motivated;

* Organized;

* Demonstrated experience in working independently with minimal supervision and ability to manage multiple projects with high degree of accuracy.

* Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center supports a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment. The candidate will demonstrate experience that shows their commitment to fostering such an environment.

Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification required for entry into position:

* Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, English, business or related field is preferred.

* Five or more years experience in communications required with preference to academic research or health care setting.