Communications Manager, Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Outreach

UVA Health•Charlottesville, VA

2d•$65,000 - $72,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Outreach at the University of Virginia seeks a Communications Manager to help tell and amplify the story of public service at UVA. This is a unique opportunity to shape the narrative of two cornerstone contributors to UVA’s public service ecosystem, specifically Madison House (MH) and Public Service Pathways (PSP), and to advance the University’s mission to educate ethically minded citizen leaders. This position sits at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and student engagement. The successful candidate will lead communications and marketing efforts while supporting signature programs and events that connect students, alumni, and community partners around a shared commitment to service. The role includes a dual reporting line to the Executive Director of Madison House and the Director of Public Service Pathways and collaborates closely with the Division of Student Affairs and units across the University that collectively advance UVA’s public service ecosystem. The role will also have a dotted-line relationship to the Director of Communications in the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost to ensure message alignment and continuity with the Provost’s Office, where Academic Outreach resides. Madison House serves as the student-led volunteer center for University of Virginia students, supporting student leadership, community partnerships, and a lifelong commitment to service. Public Service Pathways (PSP) is a rapidly growing initiative that connects curricular and co-curricular experiences to develop citizen leaders equipped to create meaningful change and to sustain public service as a lifelong commitment and a potential career pathway. Together, these programs play a central role in developing, training, and graduating citizen leaders. The Communications Manager leads a comprehensive communications strategy across Madison House and Public Service Pathways, overseeing digital and print content, brand alignment, and storytelling. The role is also responsible for supporting key events and engagement efforts—including major university programs, alumni activities, and large-scale service initiatives—ensuring cohesive messaging, strong participation, and effective execution. The ideal candidate is a strategic communicator, strong writer, and collaborative partner who thrives in a dynamic, student-centered environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
At least 3 years of experience in communications, marketing, or public relations
Excellent writing, editing, and project management skills with strong attention to detail
Experience with digital tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, Salesforce Agentforce Marketing, CMS platforms, email marketing systems)
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
Commitment to community-centered communication practices
Availability for occasional evenings and weekends
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
The University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Higher Education, or a related field
5+ years of relevant experience in higher education or nonprofit settings
Experience supervising students or volunteers
Familiarity with student engagement and university environments
Experience with media relations and press outreach
Experience contributing to grant writing or impact storytelling

Responsibilities

Develop and execute integrated communications strategies for Madison House and Public Service Pathways.
Ensure consistent voice, branding, and messaging across all platforms and audiences.
Collaborate with UVA communications partners to align with institutional priorities and guidelines.
Track performance metrics and continuously refine communications approaches.
Lead creation of compelling content across platforms, including websites, newsletters, social media, and print materials.
Produce the Madison House annual report and contribute to institutional reports and impact narratives.
Capture and elevate stories of student leadership, alumni engagement, and community partnerships.
Manage press outreach and serve as a primary media contact.
Oversee content and strategy for Madison House website, UVA Public Service website (in collaboration with partners e.g. Division of Student Affairs), and social media channels.
Produce newsletters and targeted communications, including multiple biweekly PSP newsletters across student cohorts.
Maintain brand assets, templates, and promotional materials.
Support planning, promotion, and execution of key events, including Public Service Week, Student engagement fairs and orientations, Alumni panels, community partner gatherings, service days, and recognition events.
Lead event-related communications, including marketing, registration, and audience outreach.
Provide day-of event support, including coordination and troubleshooting as part of an “all hands on deck” team environment.
Partner with staff, students, community partners, faculty, and alumni to ensure events reflect program goals and deliver strong participant experiences.
Partner with program staff and student leaders to produce recruitment and outreach materials.
Support student-led communications initiatives, supervise student interns, and provide coaching on messaging and design.
Ensure program information is current, accessible, and aligned with community partner expectations.
Develop materials for campus engagement opportunities (e.g., Activities Fair, Days on the Lawn, orientation events).
Manage internal communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams workspace, staff hub).
Monitor shared inboxes and coordinate timely responses.
Support cross-unit communications efforts across UVA’s public service ecosystem.
Support Madison House Board of Directors communications, meeting materials, and logistics.
Contribute to alumni communications, storytelling, and engagement efforts.
Assist with alumni-focused events and partnership development.