Copy Editor

The mission of VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is to maximize philanthropic support by engaging stakeholders with our institution, working in partnership with all VCU schools, programs and campuses as one development and alumni relations community and implementing the best practices and efficient strategies to achieve a comprehensive development program.

Reporting to the executive director of DAR Communications, the copy editor ensures error‑free content for communications that engage, inform and solicit alumni and donors through integrated, multichannel communications strategies.

• Provide editorial services including substantive editing, copy editing, proofreading and research for all types of content to deliver and ensure current and accurate information and consistent messaging regarding VCU and its community.
• Independently proofread and edit content and proofs (print and digital) for nomenclature, content, spelling, grammar, consistent formatting, style and tone, consistent use of branding, terms, accuracy and readability, in accordance with set deadlines.
• Implement and ensure proper use of DAR Communications style, including AP Style, and maintain a list of exceptions, nuances and college, school or unit style preferences.
• Serve as departmental resource for fact checking, AP Style and grammatical questions and answer queries in a timely and positive manner.
• Assist department staff in other activities and provide assistance with special projects as requested.

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, marketing or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Four to six years of professional editing and proofreading experience.
• Expert knowledge of grammar and AP Style, with experience applying and interpreting institutional style guides.
• Experience serving as an editorial resource for AP Style, grammar, usage and fact‑checking across a team or department.
• Exceptional attention to detail and consistency across high‑volume, deadline‑driven communications.
• Demonstrated ability to edit for clarity, tone and audience while preserving the writer’s voice.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines; proven ability to collaborate constructively with writers, designers and stakeholders.
• Comfortable providing clear, diplomatic feedback while advocating for editorial standards.
• Strong organizational skills, self‑direction and accountability.
• Ability to adapt to change, learn new tools or processes and contribute innovative ideas.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

• Experience editing communications in a higher education, nonprofit or mission‑driven organization.
• Experience editing content across formats (email, web, social, print, magazines, forms).
• Familiarity with advancement, alumni relations or fundraising communications, including donor‑facing content.
• Comfort working in project management systems or shared editorial queues.

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume for consideration.

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, 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.

VCU is also committed to hiring veterans. The University will include a veteran’s period(s) of military service in calculations of the annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual.

Unit: Development MBU

Department: Operations

Salary Range: $55,000–$65,000

University

Job Title:

Communications Specialist 1-3

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Eligible for sponsorship (E.g. H-IB visa status, etc.): No

Wireless stipend: Not Eligible

Flexible Work Arrangement: Eligible for fully remote work; must be within driving distance of Richmond, VA to come in for staff events as needed

Izzy Kane

irkane