Description

VCU Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research

VCU is a public research university UNLIKE any other. We're dedicated to serving the needs of students and patients and our passionate community isn't afraid to tackle difficult challenges others can't, or won't. We're home to creativity, teaching, discovery and healing. Our location in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, means the nonstop energy of our city ignites our innovation and provides unlimited opportunities.

VCU's Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation and the VCU C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CCTR) invites all interested candidates to apply for our exciting Communications Manager position. CCTR accelerates the science that promotes healthy communities. It provides the commonwealth with infrastructure and resources that promote interdisciplinary human health research. As the first federally funded clinical and translational research center in Virginia, the Wright Center fosters research collaborations across the state and accelerates the translation of scientific discoveries to patient care.

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/

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities:

The Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research at VCU seeks a skilled Communications Manager to serve as its lead storyteller and strategic communicator. As the sole communications professional in the Center, this role will lead efforts to communicate the Wright Center's scientific discoveries, community engagement, and translational research in ways that resonate with external audiences--especially policymakers, funders, and the general public. The Communications Manager will use Wright Center communication assets for storytelling, supported by strategic use of social media, newsletters, blog, and the website.

Core Responsibilities and Duties:

Strategic Communications and Impact Storytelling- 3S%Identify and write compelling stories that showcase the Wright Center's contributions to public health, scientific discovery, and translational science.
Publish blog content tailored to internal and external audiences, especially
policymakers and funders.
Translate technical/scientific content into accessible, engaging narratives.

Content Development and Editorial Oversight- 25%
Serve as the primary writer and editor for blog posts, newsletters, social media, and print materials.
Maintain an editorial calendar aligned with grant milestones, institutional campaigns, and key events.
Draft executive-level communications for Wright Center leadership.

Digital Media and Online Engagement- 20%Manage and update the Wright Center website and ensure content reflects current initiatives and programs.
Oversee social media presence (Facebook and LinkedIn), including strategy, posting, and engagement tracking.
Ensure compliance with accessibility, branding, and usability standards.

Newsletter and Outreach Campaigns-10%
Produce and distribute the Wright Center's bi-weekly newsletter.
Use social media and email to drive engagement with blog content and the website.
Monitor performance metrics to refine outreach strategies.

Cross-Institutional Collaboration and Media Relations -10%
Coordinate with OVPRI and VCU University Relations to align messaging and strategy.
Pitch content to internal and external media channels.
Support visibility efforts related to grant impact and public outreach.

Work Environment and ScheduleThis is a full-time,12-month position based at the MCV Campus with hybrid work flexibility. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support events or meet communications deadlines. Some in-state travel may be necessary for interviews or coverage of outreach activities.