University of Virginia Division of Student Affairs invites applications for an exciting opportunity within the Division – Executive Director, Strategic Communications. The University’s mission to develop engaged citizen-leaders is the foundation of the Division of Student Affairs work, which is guided by six core values – academic rigor, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, honor, public service, and student self-governance.
The Division consists of over 200 employees within five units -Student Affairs, Housing and Residence Life, Student Health and Wellness, University Career Center, and the Office of African American Affairs – all working together, for and alongside students, to create the distinctive student experience for which UVA is known. TheDivisionis recruitingan Executive Director, Strategic Communications, a full time, salaried position reporting to the Vice President of Student Affairs.
Position Overview:
The Executive Director of Strategic Communications for the Division of Student Affairs is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and executing comprehensive communication strategies that advance the division’s goals and objectives. This position plays a pivotal role in enhancing the division’s visibility, reputation, and engagement with various stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Planning and Leadership:
- Develop and oversee the division’s communication strategic plan, aligning it with the division’s overall goals and objectives.
- Provide visionary leadership and guidance to the communications and team, fostering innovation and collaboration in achieving strategic outcomes.
2. Policy Development and Implementation:
- Formulate and implement communication policies, ensuring compliance with organizational guidelines and industry standards.
- Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in communications and marketing to continuously improve policies and approaches.
3. Supervision and Management:
- Directly supervise a team of professionals, providing mentorship, guidance, and feedback to enhance performance and growth.
- Manage project budgets, resources, and operations effectively, ensuring optimal utilization of funds and achieving cost-effectiveness.
4. Coordination and Collaboration:
- Foster increased coordination between various departments within the division to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communications and marketing efforts.
- Collaborate with other divisions and university stakeholders to align strategies and initiatives for a unified institutional image.
5. Brand Management and Development:
- In coordination with University Communications, oversee the development and maintenance of the division’s brand identity, ensuring a strong, cohesive brand presence that resonates with the target audience.
- Manage crisis communication strategies to protect and enhance the division’s reputation during challenging times.
6. Public Relations and Media Engagement:
- Lead media relations and public relations efforts, building and maintaining positive relationships with relevant media outlets to amplify the division’s visibility and positive coverage.
- Serve as the division’s spokesperson when needed and ensure a consistent and unified communication approach.
7. Data Analysis and Performance Measurement:
- Implement data-driven decision-making processes, leveraging analytics to measure the effectiveness of communication and marketing initiatives.
- Use insights to make informed adjustments and improvements to strategies, maximizing impact and return on investment.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- 8 or more years of proven experience in executive-level communications and/or marketing roles, preferably within higher education or a similar complex organizational structure.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive communication and marketing strategies that align with organizational goals.
- Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including proficiency in crafting compelling narratives and engaging messaging.
- Understanding of digital marketing, social media, and emerging technologies relevant to communication and marketing efforts.
- Familiarity with policy development and adherence, as well as crisis communication strategies.
The Executive Director of Strategic Communications for the Division of Student Affairs will play a critical role in enhancing the division’s visibility and reputation, driving engagement, and ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic objectives. This position requires a strategic thinker, effective leader, and collaborative team player with a deep understanding of communication, marketing, and the higher education landscape.
Compensation and Benefits:
The hiring range for this position is $110,000.00 – $140,000.00 commensurate with qualifications and experience. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check. This is an on-Grounds, exempt-level position with UVa benefits. Employees’ benefits package highlights include:
- 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off
- Parental and Community Service Leave
- Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs available immediately.
- Retirement benefits
- Tuition and professional development benefits after six months of employment
- Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.
About Charlottesville and UVA:
Consider working on the beautiful Grounds of the historic University of Virginia. Located in the thriving and growing city of Charlottesville, Virginia, UVA is a world class institution with nationally ranked schools and programs, diverse and distinguished faculty, a major academic medical center and proud history as a renowned research University.Charlottesville is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains while also being just 2.5 hours to Washington, DC and 3 hours to the ocean. Charlottesville is home to a seemingly endless array of award-winning restaurants, attractions, schools, and businesses; learn more about all CVille has to offer .
Application Process:
This position will remain open until filled.Preference will be given to applications received by October 23, 2023. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
To apply, please create an account or log in to Workday and search for Requisition number R0053655. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs.’ Upload cover letter and resume materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.
References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process.A minimum of three is required. For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman , Academic Recruiter.
Physical Demands:
This primarily sedentary role involves extensive use of desktop computers. The position may require occasional travel to attend meetings and programs.
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.