Science and Research Public Relations Specialist

$73,000 - $78,000/Yr

Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Richmond, VA

Educational Services

About the position

The Science and Research Public Relations Specialist at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) plays a pivotal role in managing and enhancing the university's reputation, particularly in the realm of research and science. This position is situated within the Enterprise Marketing and Communications Division and is co-funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). The specialist will be responsible for generating and disseminating content that highlights the significant research conducted by VCU faculty and students, thereby elevating the institution's national profile as a leader in research innovation. The specialist will engage in various activities, including identifying, writing, and pitching compelling stories to a range of media outlets, from traditional to digital and trade publications. A key aspect of this role involves developing strategic communications plans that align with the university's goals and objectives. The specialist will also collaborate closely with senior leadership, researchers, and communication directors across different schools and colleges within VCU, ensuring that the messaging is consistent and impactful. In addition to media outreach, the specialist will monitor news coverage to identify opportunities for VCU's research to be featured prominently. They will provide coverage for significant events such as VCU Research Weeks and the State of the Research address, ensuring that these events receive the attention they deserve. The role also requires the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language for various audiences, making the research relatable and engaging. The position is designed for a strategic thinker who can analyze the effectiveness of public relations efforts and make necessary adjustments to enhance visibility and engagement. The specialist will work in a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusion, reflecting the culture of VCU and its health system community. This role is essential for telling impactful stories about VCU and VCU Health, contributing to the overall mission of the university.

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, including VCU Research Weeks, the State of the Research address, and national rankings
• 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

Requirements

• 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
• Excellent persuasive writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Nice-to-haves

• 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

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