Executive Communications Specialist
Apex Systems, Charlottesville, VA, United States
Executive Communications Specialist
Job #:
3021087
Location:
Charlottesville, VA (hybrid - 3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
Duration:
Direct hire role
Position Summary:
Client seeks a skilled communicator and exceptional writer to support executive communications for the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). In this high‑impact role, the Communications Specialist will help elevate leadership voices, create compelling content across channels, and increase the CIO’s visibility both within higher education and the broader technology community. Reporting to the Director of Communications and Outreach, this role leads executive‑level communications strategy and delivery, working closely with the CIO, Deputy CIO, Chief of Staff, and senior leaders. The ideal candidate is an accomplished writer and storyteller who excels at shaping strategic narratives, translating complex or technical information, and fostering engagement across diverse audiences.
Responsibilities Executive & Internal Communications
Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that elevate the voice of the CIO with internal and external audiences.
Serve as lead writer, drafting and editing communications on behalf of the CIO.
Prepare remarks, presentations, articles, stories, and talking points that expand awareness of ITS strategy and leadership priorities.
Support quarterly departmental meetings by developing presentation content, preparing speakers, and coordinating logistics.
Ensure messaging aligns with the CIO’s voice, ITS Strategic Plan, and Culture Foundations.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support executive visibility during key initiatives and events.
Content Development & Channel Management
Draft and edit executive‑level communications including emails, web content, presentations, social posts, and internal messaging.
Proactively plan communications strategies and identify emerging opportunities; respond effectively to unexpected or time‑sensitive events.
Maintain and update the CIO website and ITS intranet; contribute to future content strategy planning.
Ensure consistency with ITS branding, editorial standards, and communications best practices.
Support development of digital, presentation, and multimedia content for executive communications.
Engagement and Positioning
Identify opportunities to elevate CIO and ITS visibility through speaking engagements and thought leadership.
Monitor higher education and IT trends to inform messaging and positioning.
Support internal campaigns that promote engagement, awareness, and organizational culture.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 5 years of professional communications experience.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a strong understanding of audience, tone, and strategic framing.
Demonstrated experience planning and executing integrated communications strategies.
Experience developing executive‑level presentations and talking points in the voice of senior leaders.
Proven ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging content.
Strong interpersonal and listening skills, with the ability to incorporate feedback effectively.
Experience supporting internal events or leadership visibility initiatives.
Experience managing web content using a content management system (Drupal).
Proficiency with email platforms, social media tools, and visual storytelling.
Highly organized, self‑motivated, and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑expectation environment.
Demonstrated discretion and professionalism when handling confidential or sensitive information.
Collaborative workstyle with the ability to build trust across leadership and teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
Experience supporting change communications or organizational initiatives.
Background in communications within higher education, the public sector, or technology organizations.
Understanding of digital accessibility and usability best practices.
Confident executive presence with the ability to coach leaders on delivery, tone, and message.
Strong visual storytelling instincts and ability to simplify complex topics for broad audiences.
Experience with design tools such as Canva and Adobe Lightroom.
Extensive experience developing and delivering executive‑level communications and strategic messaging.
Benefits Overview Apex offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, ESPP, 401(k) with company match, HSA, Employee Assistance Program, professional development resources, and various discounts. For more details, visit our Welcome Packet or contact a recruiter.
Equal Opportunity Employment Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or 804-523-8228. (Do not submit resumes or solicit consultants to this email address). UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Apex Systems.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
3021087
Location:
Charlottesville, VA (hybrid - 3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
Duration:
Direct hire role
Position Summary:
Client seeks a skilled communicator and exceptional writer to support executive communications for the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). In this high‑impact role, the Communications Specialist will help elevate leadership voices, create compelling content across channels, and increase the CIO’s visibility both within higher education and the broader technology community. Reporting to the Director of Communications and Outreach, this role leads executive‑level communications strategy and delivery, working closely with the CIO, Deputy CIO, Chief of Staff, and senior leaders. The ideal candidate is an accomplished writer and storyteller who excels at shaping strategic narratives, translating complex or technical information, and fostering engagement across diverse audiences.
Responsibilities Executive & Internal Communications
Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that elevate the voice of the CIO with internal and external audiences.
Serve as lead writer, drafting and editing communications on behalf of the CIO.
Prepare remarks, presentations, articles, stories, and talking points that expand awareness of ITS strategy and leadership priorities.
Support quarterly departmental meetings by developing presentation content, preparing speakers, and coordinating logistics.
Ensure messaging aligns with the CIO’s voice, ITS Strategic Plan, and Culture Foundations.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support executive visibility during key initiatives and events.
Content Development & Channel Management
Draft and edit executive‑level communications including emails, web content, presentations, social posts, and internal messaging.
Proactively plan communications strategies and identify emerging opportunities; respond effectively to unexpected or time‑sensitive events.
Maintain and update the CIO website and ITS intranet; contribute to future content strategy planning.
Ensure consistency with ITS branding, editorial standards, and communications best practices.
Support development of digital, presentation, and multimedia content for executive communications.
Engagement and Positioning
Identify opportunities to elevate CIO and ITS visibility through speaking engagements and thought leadership.
Monitor higher education and IT trends to inform messaging and positioning.
Support internal campaigns that promote engagement, awareness, and organizational culture.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 5 years of professional communications experience.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a strong understanding of audience, tone, and strategic framing.
Demonstrated experience planning and executing integrated communications strategies.
Experience developing executive‑level presentations and talking points in the voice of senior leaders.
Proven ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging content.
Strong interpersonal and listening skills, with the ability to incorporate feedback effectively.
Experience supporting internal events or leadership visibility initiatives.
Experience managing web content using a content management system (Drupal).
Proficiency with email platforms, social media tools, and visual storytelling.
Highly organized, self‑motivated, and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑expectation environment.
Demonstrated discretion and professionalism when handling confidential or sensitive information.
Collaborative workstyle with the ability to build trust across leadership and teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
Experience supporting change communications or organizational initiatives.
Background in communications within higher education, the public sector, or technology organizations.
Understanding of digital accessibility and usability best practices.
Confident executive presence with the ability to coach leaders on delivery, tone, and message.
Strong visual storytelling instincts and ability to simplify complex topics for broad audiences.
Experience with design tools such as Canva and Adobe Lightroom.
Extensive experience developing and delivering executive‑level communications and strategic messaging.
Benefits Overview Apex offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, ESPP, 401(k) with company match, HSA, Employee Assistance Program, professional development resources, and various discounts. For more details, visit our Welcome Packet or contact a recruiter.
Equal Opportunity Employment Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or 804-523-8228. (Do not submit resumes or solicit consultants to this email address). UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Apex Systems.
#J-18808-Ljbffr