Executive Director of Communications

The University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy (Batten School) is seeking an experienced, creative, and energetic professional to serve as the Executive Director of Communications. Reporting directly to the Dean, this position plays a critical role by leading and supporting a team that implements comprehensive communications, branding, and marketing strategies to advance the mission and priorities of the Batten School. The Batten School generates knowledge that addresses pressing public policy challenges and broadly prepares students for ethical and effective leadership and public service. With continued robust growth, the Batten School attracts action-oriented students in rigorous graduate and undergraduate educational programs and exceptional faculty who conduct research and engage a wide range of stakeholders on issues impacting public life.

This is an exciting moment in the development of the Batten School. Over the next decade, we aim to increase our reach into new and underserved student communities, further bolster research discoveries, connect policy makers with the Batten School community to shape policy solutions, and invest in our community, program excellence, and infrastructure. Our Batten 2030 strategic plan also inspires exciting opportunities to partner with other schools and organizations, such as the newly formed Karsh Institute of Democracy, to support the broader ambitions detailed in the University of Virginia 2030 strategic plan.

The Role

The Executive Director of Communications (ED) will work as a member of the senior leadership team to co-develop a comprehensive communications and brand development plan that enhances the school's reach and advances strategic objectives in key audience areas including student prospects, students, and alumni; academic research and impact; and donor prospects and fundraising. Using the full spectrum of communications vehicles, including print, digital, web, social media, photo/video, and strategic events, the Executive Director will disseminate multi-platform, integrated communications that are creative, strategic, and effective in sharing the vision of the Batten School and inspiring our audiences to act in support of our mission and priorities. This work will require leading a communications and marketing team that currently includes four direct reports, students, partners, and vendors to support core capabilities in storytelling, content marketing, creative services, media relations, and executive and crisis communications. This role will also shape strategic events developed by the Batten School, with other UVA units, as well as with external organizations and employers to raise the profile of the school. The ideal candidate will have a broad communications and marketing skillset, be able to envision and plan strategically, be an inspiring, inclusive, and seasoned team manager, and be operationally focused with an organized methodical approach to building the needed communications infrastructure and processes to efficiently execute on our communications strategies.

The Executive Director will report to the Dean of the Batten School and collaborate extensively with the senior leadership team, faculty, staff, students, the Batten School Foundation Board, and others to both implement strategic initiatives and support the ongoing communication and marketing needs of the school community. With the importance of relationships with the primary school and UVA community, we have a strong preference for this role to be based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

• Bachelor's Degree and at least 8 years of professional experience in communications, marketing or related field OR an advanced degree and 6 years of related experience.
• At least 3 years of management experience with the skills to recruit, mentor, inspire, develop, and retain a talented team.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and communicate results of a comprehensive, strategic communications and brand development program.
• Exceptionally strong writing and editing skills with proven ability to deliver messaging and content in a consistent tone and style with appropriate strategic judgement and precise attention to detail.
• Thorough expertise with contemporary communication principles, including brand development, content marketing, advertising, website strategy, social media usage, and digital storytelling.
• Demonstrated budgetary supervision experience.

• Experience in a higher education or a similarly complex environment.
• Strong skills using technology to advance communication objectives, familiarity with content management, social media, and email/direct contact automation systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing and placing stories with external media.

• Highest level of integrity.
• Service mindset focused on the success of the school and broader Batten community.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities; self-directed and motivated.
• Adaptability and flexibility to act on and leverage communication targets of opportunity.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Thoughtful, transparent, and exceptionally collaborative.
• Committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

The University of Virginia is eager to build a pool of talented individuals. Batten is working with UVA Executive Search Group (ESG), an internal executive search firm in the Office of the President.

Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to AJ Davidson, Managing Director, at ajh2d@virginia.edu. To apply, submit a letter of interest and resume via Workday. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality. Applications received by Friday, May 23 will be given priority consideration.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.