Commonwealth of VA Careers
Communications Manager, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
Commonwealth of VA Careers, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, 22904
The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia seeks a Communications Manager.
About UVA and the Batten School The University of Virginia (UVA), founded in 1819, is a top‑ranked public institution known for academic excellence, a vibrant community, and a commitment to leadership and service. The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, established in 2007, prepares students to become principled, results‑oriented leaders who can work across differences to solve society’s most pressing challenges. By blending rigorous academics, innovative research, and real‑world problem‑solving, Batten equips graduates with the skills and vision to create positive change in the public and private sectors.
Position Overview The Communications Manager is responsible for shaping, strengthening, and protecting the Frank Batten School’s external voice through strategic storytelling, earned media, writing, and issues management. This role serves as both a storyteller and a steward to amplify Batten’s mission while ensuring that all communications reflect the School’s commitment to nonpartisan leadership and public good.
The ideal candidate is a talented, versatile writer with demonstrated experience conducting detailed research and maintaining the highest level of factual accuracy and clarity across all content. They possess strong contextual judgment and editorial discernment, navigating complex or sensitive topics with nuance and care.
As a relationship builder and listener, the Communications Manager is deeply connected across the School with the people, programs, and ideas that make Batten exceptional. They proactively surface stories that inspire, inform, and advance the School’s reputation among external audiences, while cultivating and managing relationships with media partners to expand Batten’s visibility and impact.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Content, this role provides both strategic input and hands‑on execution in media relations, newsletters, and external communications.
Key Responsibilities
Build and maintain strong relationships with media and press outlets
Develop story ideas, provide strategic recommendations for earned media, and personally write and distribute press releases, op‑eds, and external announcements
Monitor communications trends and proactively develop timely, relevant responses and content
Support crisis communications, issues management, and reputation safeguarding
Partner with faculty, students, and alumni to identify storytelling opportunities that raise the school’s profile
Manage end‑to‑end execution of Batten’s newsletters, including:
Batten Newsletter (biweekly)
Research and Insights Newsletter (2‑3 times per year)
Ensure alignment of communications with Batten’s mission, voice, and brand identity
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required
Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Meltwater and Salesforce software, including Marketing Cloud
Strong writing and editing skills, with proven ability to craft press materials and public statements
Meticulous approach to research, writing, and fact‑checking to ensure all communications uphold the highest standards of accuracy and credibility
Ability to navigate complex or controversial subjects with nuance and sound judgment, ensuring content consistently reflects the Batten School’s commitment to nonpartisan leadership and public good
Ability to balance strategic input with tactical execution
Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission‑driven settings preferred
Physical Demands This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.
How to Apply Please apply
online , by searching for requisition number R0077288. Complete an application with the required following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
3‑5 Writing Samples (such as articles, press releases, publications, etc.)
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal Applicants Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.”
Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third‑party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
For questions about the position, please contact Nicki Deuel, tav9rs@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About UVA and the Batten School The University of Virginia (UVA), founded in 1819, is a top‑ranked public institution known for academic excellence, a vibrant community, and a commitment to leadership and service. The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, established in 2007, prepares students to become principled, results‑oriented leaders who can work across differences to solve society’s most pressing challenges. By blending rigorous academics, innovative research, and real‑world problem‑solving, Batten equips graduates with the skills and vision to create positive change in the public and private sectors.
Position Overview The Communications Manager is responsible for shaping, strengthening, and protecting the Frank Batten School’s external voice through strategic storytelling, earned media, writing, and issues management. This role serves as both a storyteller and a steward to amplify Batten’s mission while ensuring that all communications reflect the School’s commitment to nonpartisan leadership and public good.
The ideal candidate is a talented, versatile writer with demonstrated experience conducting detailed research and maintaining the highest level of factual accuracy and clarity across all content. They possess strong contextual judgment and editorial discernment, navigating complex or sensitive topics with nuance and care.
As a relationship builder and listener, the Communications Manager is deeply connected across the School with the people, programs, and ideas that make Batten exceptional. They proactively surface stories that inspire, inform, and advance the School’s reputation among external audiences, while cultivating and managing relationships with media partners to expand Batten’s visibility and impact.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Content, this role provides both strategic input and hands‑on execution in media relations, newsletters, and external communications.
Key Responsibilities
Build and maintain strong relationships with media and press outlets
Develop story ideas, provide strategic recommendations for earned media, and personally write and distribute press releases, op‑eds, and external announcements
Monitor communications trends and proactively develop timely, relevant responses and content
Support crisis communications, issues management, and reputation safeguarding
Partner with faculty, students, and alumni to identify storytelling opportunities that raise the school’s profile
Manage end‑to‑end execution of Batten’s newsletters, including:
Batten Newsletter (biweekly)
Research and Insights Newsletter (2‑3 times per year)
Ensure alignment of communications with Batten’s mission, voice, and brand identity
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required
Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Meltwater and Salesforce software, including Marketing Cloud
Strong writing and editing skills, with proven ability to craft press materials and public statements
Meticulous approach to research, writing, and fact‑checking to ensure all communications uphold the highest standards of accuracy and credibility
Ability to navigate complex or controversial subjects with nuance and sound judgment, ensuring content consistently reflects the Batten School’s commitment to nonpartisan leadership and public good
Ability to balance strategic input with tactical execution
Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission‑driven settings preferred
Physical Demands This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.
How to Apply Please apply
online , by searching for requisition number R0077288. Complete an application with the required following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
3‑5 Writing Samples (such as articles, press releases, publications, etc.)
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal Applicants Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.”
Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third‑party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
For questions about the position, please contact Nicki Deuel, tav9rs@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr