Executive Director for Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations - Virginia Commonwealth University

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.”

About Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center:

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center (Massey) is working toward a future without cancer – one revolutionary idea, one promising therapy and one life saved at a time. Through innovative research, patient care, education and community engagement, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is discovering, developing, delivering and teaching effective means to prevent, detect, treat and cure cancer and to making these advancements equally available to all. Founded in 1974, Massey was among the earliest cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is the only cancer center in the Richmond metropolitan region and one of only two NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the state, placing it among the top 4 percent of cancer centers in the country.

Major strengths for VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center are in translating research discoveries into advances in treatment and prevention and in addressing cancer disparities to provide equal access to quality cancer care and screenings. Massey is leading the nation in establishing a 21st-Century model of equity for cancer research and care, in which the community is informing and partnering with Massey on its research to best address the cancer burden and disparities of those the cancer center serves.

Massey conducts cancer research across multiple domains including basic science (laboratory), translational, clinical and population sciences research. A key part of the research cycle is developing and conducting clinical trials that test promising scientific breakthroughs, and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center leads Virginia in offering the largest selection of cancer clinical trials as well as a statewide clinical trials network that bring cutting-edge trials to patients throughout the commonwealth.

Additionally, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center provides comprehensive, award-winning cancer care with a full range of medical and support services, the highest-quality treatments, advanced technologies and a compassionate approach. Massey treats patients with all kinds of cancer, including rare and complex cancers. World-class outpatient and inpatient care are delivered at Massey at various sites across the state by multidisciplinary teams of leading specialists who collaborate to fully coordinate and customize each patient’s course of treatment. Massey boasts the state’s largest, most comprehensive bone marrow transplant program.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center also serves as a vital resource for education, offering academic programs and training for students, cancer researchers and oncology health care professionals as well as health outreach programs for cancer patients, caregivers and the community.

 Position Summary:

The Executive Director is a key leadership role, responsible for all the marketing, communications, and public relations activities within the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. This position is responsible for overseeing and implementing a comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations strategy that encompasses both the research and cancer service line within the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

This position is a dual report to the Director of the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Associate Vice President of Strategy and Marketing in the Enterprise Marketing and Communications (EMC) division. The division leads integrated marketing and communications for VCU and VCU Health.

The successful candidate will drive the development and execution of strategies to enhance the center's reputation, promote its research initiatives, and support its clinical services.

Key Responsibilities:

·        Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic direction and vision for marketing, communications, and public relations efforts, ensuring alignment with Massey’s research and the cancer service line goals and objectives.

·        Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with Massey and VCU leadership, Health System, stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, donors, community partners, and the media, to enhance the center's image and impact.

·        Brand Management: Oversee the management of the Massey brand, ensuring a consistent and compelling presence across all channels and materials that is individualized for Massey and also integrated with the enterprise VCU and VCU health brand.

·        Partnership Commitment:  Serve as a trusted, creative and dedicated member of the VCU Health Strategy and Marketing senior leadership team. Ensure that Massey and VCU/VCU Health brands are integrated and complimentary to one another and provide collaborative partnerships within the team and EMC division.

·        Public Relations: Develop and execute public relations initiatives to enhance the center's visibility and reputation, including media outreach, press releases, and crisis communications.

·        Marketing Campaigns: Lead the development and execution of marketing campaigns that promote the center's research and cancer service line, including digital marketing, content creation, and advertising.

·        Internal Communications: Foster effective internal communications within Massey and the cancer service line to ensure all staff are well-informed about key initiatives, research breakthroughs, and service line developments.

·        Research Promotion: Collaborate with researchers and scientists to effectively communicate research findings and breakthroughs to the public, medical community, and potential research partners.

·        Community Outreach: Work with the Associate Director for Community Outreach and engagement to develop the communications around outreach programs to educate the public about cancer prevention, early detection, and available services.

·        Budget Management: Manage the Marketing and Communication's budget efficiently, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to achieve Massey’s strategic objectives. This also includes working with the health system resources for the cancer service line.

·        Team Leadership: Recruit, develop, and manage a high-performing team of professionals in marketing, communications, and public relations.

Qualifications:

·        Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

·        Minimum of 8 years of experience in leadership roles in marketing, communications, and public relations.

·        Proven experience in healthcare, cancer centers, or medical research institutions is highly desirable.

·        Strong strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute successful marketing and communication strategies.

·        Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

·        Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to manage a diverse team.

·        Proficiency in digital marketing and social media strategies.

·        Experience with crisis communications and media relations.

·        Knowledge of cancer research and healthcare industry trends is a plus.

·        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.

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience, starting at $125,000

Position Details:

Department: Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100%
Exemption Status: Exempt

University Title: Director CM (13411)

ORP eligible: yes

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Massey Human Resources

Contact Email: masseyhr@vcu.edu