Executive Speechwriter

Title: Executive Speechwriter

Location: 907 Floyd Avenue, VCU Main Campus, Virginia, United States, 23284

•  45001481
•  Communications
•  Staff

•  VP Enterprise Mktg and Comm MBU

Job Description:

Unit: VP Enterprise Marketing and Communications

Department: VP Enterprise Marketing and Communications

Duties & Responsibilities:

VCU is seeking an Executive Speechwriter to research, write, edit and fact-check high-impact communications for the president, including major speeches, remarks, video scripts, talking points and internal messages.

This role is a trusted strategic partner who captures the president's voice, aligns messaging with VCU's enterprise strategy and brand and adapts content for multiple audiences and formats (especially for the president's social media accounts).

This position reports to the vice president for Enterprise Marketing and Communications and works in lockstep with two other areas: the Office of the President and EMC's Storytelling and Content department.

Key Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and fact-check presidential speeches, remarks, scripts, talking points, op-eds, video scripts and internal communications.
• Capture and sustain the president's voice across topics and audiences.
• Align messaging with VCU's enterprise strategy, brand identity and leadership priorities.
• Partner closely with the President's Office, Enterprise Marketing & Communications and university, health system and external stakeholders to gather inputs and shape narratives.
• Tailor content for varied audiences (students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, community, peers) and formats (speeches, video, interviews, digital).
• Identify proactive opportunities for presidential thought leadership and timely messaging.
• Support key events (including the annual State of the University event) by coordinating message moments, preparing run-of-show materials and providing real-time executive staffing.

Work Expectations

• Hybrid work may be possible; on-site presence required for key events and live executive support.
• On-site time will be spent in EMC's offices as well as the President's Office.
• Occasional evening/weekend work for major events and time-sensitive communications.

Measures of Success

• Consistent, recognizable presidential voice across major communications.
• High-quality speeches that land clearly with intended audiences and support strategic priorities.
• Strong stakeholder satisfaction (President, EMC VP, President's Office, university and health system leadership team, event partners).
• Accurate, timely deliverables with minimal last-minute issues due.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 5+ years of professional writing experience producing executive-level communications, including speechwriting.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills; proven ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong research and fact-checking skills; excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment with confidential information.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience in higher education, academic medicine, government or large complex organizations.
• Experience supporting major addresses, commencements, donor/alumni engagement, board-facing communications or issues/crisis messaging.
• Experience in speechwriting.

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience, starting at $78,000.

Benefits: 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 benefits, 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.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 13224N - Sr Communications Specialist 1