Virginia Commonwealth University · 23 hours ago
Executive Speechwriter
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
5+ years expVirginia Commonwealth University is seeking an Executive Speechwriter to produce high-impact communications for the president, including speeches and internal messages. The role requires capturing the president’s voice and aligning messaging with the university's strategic goals.
Higher EducationLife ScienceUniversities
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
Qualification
Required
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
Master's degree in a related field
Experience in higher education, academic medicine, government, or large complex organizations
Experience in supporting major addresses, commencements, donor/alumni engagement, board-facing communications or issues/crisis messaging
Experience in speechwriting
Benefits
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
Company
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Virginia Commonwealth University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (85)
2024 (85)
2023 (71)
2022 (94)
2021 (77)
2020 (60)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$7.48MKey Investors
Virginia Innovation Partnership CorporationUnited States-Japan Foundation
2025-01-15Grant· $0.1M
2024-03-12Grant· $0.08M
2024-02-01Grant· $0.07M
Leadership Team
Karol Kain Gray
Senior VP and CFO
Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez
Professor
Recent News
The Virginian-Pilot
2025-12-05
2025-11-01
Company data provided by crunchbase