Director of Communications

The Office of Marketing and Communications at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise seeks candidates for the position of Director of Communications with exceptional storytelling skills, sharp news judgment, and demonstrated ability to assist in crisis management. The successful candidate for this position will employ these and other writing and editorial skills, as well as a collaborative spirit, to find and tell compelling stories that elevate the reputation of UVA Wise.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications, the Director of Communications will produce and edit news and feature content for publication in a digital storytelling serial; in local and regional media outlets; on the College’s social media; and in the UVA Wise magazine. This content should include written narratives, compelling photographs, videos, infographics, and more, created in collaboration with other members of the Office of Marketing and Communications. A dotted line reporting structure to the Chancellor of UVA Wise, for coordination and advising during crisis communications, is also in place.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Content Curation and Creation:

• Develop and execute a storytelling approach for the organization that is aligned with the broader UVA Wise strategic plan and distribute content through a serial email, social media, the magazine, and other communication tools.
• Engage communicators across campus to educate them about institutional storytelling strategies and encourage contributions to support overall content strategies.
• Measure the reach and impact of communications strategies to evolve and improve storytelling strategy.

Sharing Content with Partners:

• Develop rapport and ongoing relationships with local, regional, and national reporters, editors, and producers to earn regular news coverage, in alignment with organizational objectives.
• Oversee the preparation, production, and distribution of information to the media and the public, which includes researching, writing, and approving major press releases and announcements.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews with campus leaders as needed.
• Advise faculty and institutional leaders on media presence and presentation.
• Monitor news coverage and media mentions.

Assisting with Crisis Communication

• Serve as a key consultant for crisis communications and respond to requests regarding issues of a sensitive or controversial nature.
• Benchmark best practices in higher education and other industries to ensure a contemporary approach to issues management and crisis communications.

In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

A bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or a related field is required, as is five years or more of experience in regular content curation and production. A knowledge of Associated Press style and the ability to publish stories to a content management system, email client, and social media are preferred.

A collaborative style that is collegial and respectful and a propensity to coach others regarding communication with unflappability and diligence is vital. The ability to balance the urgency of media inquiries and longer-term strategic communication content is necessary. A passion for storytelling, excitement for news, and a commitment to the principles of higher education’s role in our region is a must.

To Apply

To apply, please visit https://hr.virginia.edu/job-openings, search for Director of Communications, and complete the online application process. Please supply three writing samples.

UVA Wise is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Employee fulfills duties as a "responsible employee" under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. A Responsible employee includes any employee: who has the authority to take action to redress sexual violence; who has been given the duty of reporting incidents of sexual violence or any other misconduct by students to the Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate school designee; or whom a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

UVA Wise is committed to helping the campus community provide for their own safety and security. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report containing information on campus security and personal safety, including alerts, fire safety, crime prevention tips, and crime statistics is available at www.uvawise.edu/ASR . A copy is available upon request by calling 276-328-0190 or 276-376-3451.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.