Communications Manager, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy

State of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

53d•$60,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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 by Thomas Jefferson, 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 of Leadership and Public Policy'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.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree required
Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong relationships with media and press outlets
Develop story ideas and provide strategic recommendations for earned media, while personally writing and distributing 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