About VCU
At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery. These are the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

About the Division of Student Affairs
Through our programs, services, and facilities, the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) champions holistic student development by fostering inclusive communities and providing dynamic, integrative learning experiences that prepare our students to be thoughtfully engaged contributors to the global community.
We believe all people are capable of great things. Complete alignment with all criteria is UNCOMMON, and we welcome interested candidates to apply and share their unique experiences and perspectives with us.
The selected candidate will find opportunities for professional growth and will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Division of Student Affairs(DSA), addressing the diverse needs of Virginia Commonwealth University's students. DSA is dedicated to fostering the growth and potential of its employees and is committed to building work environments that are equitable and representative. Studies indicate that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply only to roles where they meet all listed qualifications. However, job descriptions are aspirational; no applicant fulfills every requirement. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. DSA strongly encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply, including but not limited to people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, members of the LGBTQIA community, veterans, and those from low-income or working-class backgrounds. 

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities
The chief purpose of this position is to provide leadership and guidance to a team of communications and marketing professionals that support the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) through integrated communication activities and initiatives that maintain the visibility and reputation of DSA to internal and external audiences. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Finance & Innovation, the Director of Communications and Marketing will work closely with their direct reports, DSA’s executive senior leadership team (ELT), DSA’s administrative team comprised of Directors, staff from across the Division, and with the communications offices in the Office of the Provost and Enterprise Marketing and Communications (EMC) to meet strategic goals through printed publications, online communication, social media, and media projects. Additionally, this position serves as the final review for communication and marketing materials that will be shared broadly to both the internal-to-VCU and external-to-VCU audiences. A significant responsibility of this role is to lead the team when developing and creating reports and documents to be shared with key university and external constituents with the goal of advancing Division priorities and sharing items of critical importance. This position will represent the Division to VCU Enterprise Marketing and Communication with the goal of sharing key Division news and initiatives, as well as assist with any questions regarding DSA programs, initiatives, or services. Position leads crisis and emergency communications for the Division, which includes working with leaders within the Division on developing those communications and consulting and collaborating with key VCU stakeholders to ensure consistency with the overall VCU messaging needs during crisis and emergency situations. This position is expected to work on site and is not eligible for remote work.

University Slotting 13411/Director, CM, State Role Code 29098

Minimum Hiring Standards
-Advanced Degree required in one of the following areas: Higher Education Administration, Marketing, Communications
-Minimum of 8-10 years experience in a leadership role
-Demonstrated ability to use discretion and good judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work under multiple deadlines
-Ability to work both independently and as a contributing member of a team
-Ability to work strategically in a fast-paced, complex work environment, effectively interacting with diverse groups of people
-Demonstrated commitment to student success
-Evidence of involvement in professional organizations
-Ability to work collaboratively in an urban/metropolitan environment
-Evidence of the ability to work in an environment that celebrates the diversity of its students
-Evidence of strong communication and presentation skills, including listening, writing, and speaking
-Ability to maintain confidentiality related to sensitive data and discussions
-Demonstrated ability and desire to take the initiative and independently problem-solve using sound judgment and professional discretion
-Significant knowledge and understanding of communication principles and best practices
-Proven record of utilizing innovative marketing tools and applications
-Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and other graphic design software, as well as working knowledge of software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
-Ability to respond to requests with a professional and positive demeanor; the desire to create a positive and enthusiastic environment within DSA
-Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
-Strong record of providing supervision of teams in a way that encourages their individual development, coaches them through challenges and ensures accountability
-Ability to think analytically and work strategically
-Capacity to work creatively in both collaborative and independent contexts
-Ability to make efficient use of available resources
-Ability to understand and comply with University and State policies, procedures, and guidelines
-Demonstrated track record of successful project management 
-Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Hiring Standards
-Experience in a higher education setting
-Experience leading multi-facetted team of professionals that possess a wide variety of specialized skills and experience levels
-Knowledge of Division goals, operations, personnel, functions, services, facilities, and programs
-Experience managing social media campaigns
-Knowledge of student development, student learning outcomes, and assessment, student affairs best practices
-Knowledge of AP style
-Experience with budget management

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

Position Details:

Department: Office of the VP for Student Affairs
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Melanie Goodman

Contact Email: mmgoodma@vcu.edu

Contact Phone: