Virginia Commonwealth University
Director of the Richard T. Robertson School of Communication
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214
Overview
Director of the Richard T. Robertson School of Communication at Virginia Commonwealth University. The University invites nominations and applications for an exceptional leader to serve as the next director of the Robertson School. The successful candidate will foster excellence in learning, teaching, research, creative activity and institutional development. The director will champion career readiness and student success by supporting internships, employer engagement, and career education. A special focus will be training faculty, staff and students in the area of artificial intelligence. The ideal candidate values relationships with alumni, industry professionals and community partners to expand career pathways and aligns with the R1 mission of the university. Chief Purpose of this position
Virginia Commonwealth University invites nominations and applications for an exceptional leader to serve as the next director of the Robertson School. The successful candidate will foster excellence in learning, teaching, research, creative activity and institutional development. The director will champion career readiness and student success by supporting initiatives that bridge academic learning with real-world application, including internships, employer engagement and career education. The position emphasizes training in artificial intelligence and collaboration with external partners to advance the school within the university\'s R1 mission. Position Responsibilities
Serve as the academic and administrative leader of the Robertson School and collaborate with key stakeholders to execute the School\'s strategic plan. Ensure academic excellence and success of undergraduate and graduate programs; promote student, faculty, staff and alumni success. Manage and grow fiscal, physical and professional resources; foster research and professional excellence. Represent the School effectively within the University and to external constituencies, including the Industry Advisory Council. Required Qualifications
Distinguished record of individual, professional and/or academic accomplishment and leadership in one or more Robertson School disciplines (advertising, journalism, media production, public relations). Terminal degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Administrative experience and a track record of success at department chair or school director level, or equivalent leadership in advertising, journalism, media production or public relations. Scholarly record suitable for appointment at rank of professor with tenure at VCU. Outstanding leadership and management ability; strong vision; enrollment management and student recruitment potential; faculty recruitment, retention and support; ability to enhance research and professional engagement. Commitment to student-centered, career-focused culture with opportunity access, mentorship and industry preparation. Significant administrative experience in a complex organization; fundraising experience; strong interpersonal skills with internal and external stakeholders. Personal integrity; excellent listening and communication skills; openness to diverse perspectives; ability to unite diverse groups around a common action; willingness to innovate and solve problems; commitment to a thriving environment for faculty, staff and students at VCU. Preferred Qualifications
N/A Application Process / Additional Information
WittKieffer Executive Search is assisting Virginia Commonwealth University in this search. For consideration, all applications must be submitted through VCU eJobs and WittKieffer Executive Search. Submitting materials as PDFs is encouraged. Initial screening will begin immediately; applications and nominations will be accepted until an appointment is made. The priority consideration date is September 2, 2025. Note: VCU is transitioning to a new application system in October 2025; postings open after September 30, 2025 may require resubmission in the new system. Position Details
Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty Full time equivalent: 100 ORP Eligible: Yes Tenure: Open Rank: Open Months: 12 Department: Robertson School Salary: Commensurate with experience
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Director of the Richard T. Robertson School of Communication at Virginia Commonwealth University. The University invites nominations and applications for an exceptional leader to serve as the next director of the Robertson School. The successful candidate will foster excellence in learning, teaching, research, creative activity and institutional development. The director will champion career readiness and student success by supporting internships, employer engagement, and career education. A special focus will be training faculty, staff and students in the area of artificial intelligence. The ideal candidate values relationships with alumni, industry professionals and community partners to expand career pathways and aligns with the R1 mission of the university. Chief Purpose of this position
Virginia Commonwealth University invites nominations and applications for an exceptional leader to serve as the next director of the Robertson School. The successful candidate will foster excellence in learning, teaching, research, creative activity and institutional development. The director will champion career readiness and student success by supporting initiatives that bridge academic learning with real-world application, including internships, employer engagement and career education. The position emphasizes training in artificial intelligence and collaboration with external partners to advance the school within the university\'s R1 mission. Position Responsibilities
Serve as the academic and administrative leader of the Robertson School and collaborate with key stakeholders to execute the School\'s strategic plan. Ensure academic excellence and success of undergraduate and graduate programs; promote student, faculty, staff and alumni success. Manage and grow fiscal, physical and professional resources; foster research and professional excellence. Represent the School effectively within the University and to external constituencies, including the Industry Advisory Council. Required Qualifications
Distinguished record of individual, professional and/or academic accomplishment and leadership in one or more Robertson School disciplines (advertising, journalism, media production, public relations). Terminal degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Administrative experience and a track record of success at department chair or school director level, or equivalent leadership in advertising, journalism, media production or public relations. Scholarly record suitable for appointment at rank of professor with tenure at VCU. Outstanding leadership and management ability; strong vision; enrollment management and student recruitment potential; faculty recruitment, retention and support; ability to enhance research and professional engagement. Commitment to student-centered, career-focused culture with opportunity access, mentorship and industry preparation. Significant administrative experience in a complex organization; fundraising experience; strong interpersonal skills with internal and external stakeholders. Personal integrity; excellent listening and communication skills; openness to diverse perspectives; ability to unite diverse groups around a common action; willingness to innovate and solve problems; commitment to a thriving environment for faculty, staff and students at VCU. Preferred Qualifications
N/A Application Process / Additional Information
WittKieffer Executive Search is assisting Virginia Commonwealth University in this search. For consideration, all applications must be submitted through VCU eJobs and WittKieffer Executive Search. Submitting materials as PDFs is encouraged. Initial screening will begin immediately; applications and nominations will be accepted until an appointment is made. The priority consideration date is September 2, 2025. Note: VCU is transitioning to a new application system in October 2025; postings open after September 30, 2025 may require resubmission in the new system. Position Details
Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty Full time equivalent: 100 ORP Eligible: Yes Tenure: Open Rank: Open Months: 12 Department: Robertson School Salary: Commensurate with experience
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