Welcome to VCU, a world unlike any other.

We combine learning, research, creativity, service and discovery with a commitment to excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 “most innovative” public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs.

Here, your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay and mission-driven work. We advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated.

For the past 30 years, The Brandcenter at VCU has helped launch more than 2,000 alumni through its nationally recognized master’s program. We are the creative training ground for people who develop bold ideas and innovative solutions in advertising, business, art, culture, emerging technology, and beyond. Our community is collaborative, fast-paced, and deeply committed to preparing the next generation of creative leaders. 

This isn't business as usual. It's innovation at work. We are unlike any business school you've ever seen.

Join us. You can be unstoppable here.

Unit: School Of Business, Brandcenter

Position Summary:

The Brandcenter at VCU invites qualified and detail-oriented candidates to apply for the position of Operations Coordinator. This role is a key contributor within the Brandcenter’s small Operations team and supports program operations as well as faculty, staff, and guests in service of the Brandcenter’s academic mission. The role reports to and operates in close collaboration with the Director of Operations to ensure compliance with university policies and financial oversight procedures.

The Operations Coordinator provides hands-on administrative, financial, and operational support, ensuring smooth day-to-day execution of program needs. This is a highly collaborative, behind-the-scenes role that requires strong attention to detail. Candidates should be able to exercise professional discretion and sound judgment in determining when to act independently and when to seek input.

This position also plays a key role in stewardship of front-of-house program representation and helps manage or support front desk operations during the academic year. 

This role is well-suited for someone who takes pride in thoughtful execution, enjoys working in the details, and understands that operational excellence is foundational to a strong student and faculty experience in a role that is high-ownership and detail-driven for a small-team executor. 

Typical Responsibilities:

Events support:

• • Coordinate and participate in departmental meetings and internal events, ensuring preparedness and follow-through. 

  • Coordinate logistics and serve as internal operations lead for large annual events and other programming. 

  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure events are well-organized and aligned with program expectations. 

Fiscal admin support: 

• • Execute fiscal processes in coordination with the Director of Operations, such as purchase orders, payment requests, and, as department delegate, work with unit travelers to complete travel pre-approvals, reimbursements, expense reports, and related travel processing. 

  • Utilize university procurement systems (Pcard, RealSource, RealTime, Chrome River, Collegiate Travel Planners, etc.) and reconcile transactions monthly with accuracy and attention to detail.  

  • Ensure that all transactions are processed in compliance with university policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

  • Proactively monitor financial activity and operational workflows, identifying discrepancies, potential risks, or gaps and elevating them appropriately. 

  • Assist with all service-related contracts and ensure timely execution and renewal in partnership with the Director of Operations. 

  • Create and maintain tracking systems to proactively monitor purchases and expenses to assist the Director of Operations with reconciliation and reporting. 

General administrative support: 

• • Ensure program operations run smoothly during business hours, including front desk coverage and serving as a point of contact for operational needs. 

  • Oversee front desk operations to ensure a welcoming, professional, and consistent experience for guests, prospective students, faculty, and the Brandcenter community. 

  • Manage processes that support the faculty, adjunct, and student experience, including syllabi coordination, card access management, policy tracking, course appraisal delivery, office supply management, room reservation systems, etc.

  • Work on special projects and initiatives as needed to support the Brandcenter.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to serve as a proactive and solutions-oriented problem-solver, identifying program challenges and opportunities for process improvement.

• Manage multiple concurrent tasks in a small-team, fast-paced environment where operational responsibilities are managed independently, within a shared goal, and require flexibility, responsiveness, and personal ownership. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills that support effective collaboration with faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners, building strong relationships across teams and departments.

• Demonstrated ability to execute detailed administrative work in a timely and accurate manner, while maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all areas, but especially in those of finance and personnel administration.

• Commitment to customer service and creating a positive, inclusive, and professional environment. 

• Ability to manage multiple calendars, schedule meetings, coordinate logistics, and resolve scheduling conflicts with professionalism.

• Ability to learn and use a variety of computer programs and office applications, such as Microsoft or Google Workspace.

• 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.

• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends to support events (significant notice given and limited to once or twice a semester).

Preferred Qualifications

• College-level coursework in a business-related field or equivalent experience (e.g., 2-3 years in office management or administrative roles).

• Prior experience in an administrative or support position or relevant work experience in a university setting

• Experience with higher education, governmental, or corporate financial systems for purchasing and procurement (e.g., Banner, Reporting Center, SAS Reporting, RealTime, DocuSign, VCU FileLocker, RealSource, Chrome River, Collegiate Travel Planners, Google Suite applications, etc.)

• Ability to supervise student workers and support their development.

• Familiarity with university, state, and federal policies related to financial transactions and timekeeping.

• Previous experience using event management or CRM software (e.g. Slate).  

• Prior experience using Jotform or Smartsheet platforms.

Salary Range: $50,000-55,000

Additional Information:

Benefits: 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.

Priority will be given to candidates who submit their applications by 3/20/2026. 

This position is primarily in person, however, there may be opportunities for remote or flexible work at specific times of the year, working around the academic calendar in coordination with the supervisor. 

Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week, but may require periodic evenings and weekends for event support.

The Brandcenter is committed to the growth and professional development of its team members and will provide opportunities to foster a culture of learning and career development. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S without the need for employer sponsorship

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

University Job Title: 91921 - Open

Contact Information
Contact Name: Hattie Nguyen
Contact Email: nguyenh23@vcu.edu