Senior Communications Strategist, External Relations
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
Overview
External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks an energetic and experienced communications professional to join its Advancement Communications team as the
Senior Communications Strategist . This role will help tell the story of philanthropy at UVA, advance strategic objectives and grow audiences. The University of Virginia has a strong advancement community, with professionals who are effective, results-oriented, and resourceful. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities and an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.
Position Summary
The
Senior Communications Strategist
plays a vital role on our communications staff, augmenting a high-performing team while collaborating to prepare for philanthropy communications opportunities of the future. Responsibilities include fundamental communications work as well as strategic planning, execution, and measurement in areas identified for growth and experimentation. The role reports directly to the External Relations’ Associate Vice President for Communications.
Responsibilities Writes and edits for digital and print platforms.
Collaborates with design, presentation, digital and video professionals on assets.
Contributes to editorial planning for content calendars, campaigns, and longer-term storytelling and fundraising projects.
Assists in preparing fundraising materials such as newsletters, brochures, case statements, appeals letters, stewardship communications, and campaign reports.
Proactively identifies opportunities for storytelling that build support in areas of institutional strategic importance.
Coordinates integrated strategies to amplify strategic content across platforms including owned, earned, and social media.
Leads and assists in building and executing earned media strategies that attract coverage of timely, newsy storylines and people who reflect philanthropy’s positive impact.
Establishes and cultivates relationships with journalists, influencers, and other content producers and distributors.
Leads and assists in planning, writing, and executing thought leadership and related strategies to support the SVP for External Relations and their portfolio.
Leads development of recommendations for robust integration of social media into the External Relations toolkit, including strategy for platforms, audiences, objectives and metrics.
Coordinates with State Government Relations to support strategic communications objectives with elected officials and leaders, underscoring UVA’s positive impact locally, statewide, and nationally.
Other duties as assigned.
The Successful Candidate Will Excel In The Following Areas Demonstrated ability to find and produce compelling stories aligned with strategic objectives, grow audiences, and influence behavior.
Ability to write in-depth narratives and concise, to-the-point copy.
Comfortable managing longer-term editorial plans and producing content on tight deadlines.
Proven ability to pitch to media and develop relationships with journalists and content-producing organizations that result in earned media success.
Experience writing opinion pieces, speeches, and executive talking points.
Demonstrated editing skills, including line-editing, and search-friendly headline and summary writing.
Demonstrated ability to write human-focused stories of impact, including content on philanthropy or higher education.
Mature news judgment, producing timely, newsy content that resonates with target audiences and recognizes external events.
Ability to work effectively in team environments with deadlines across months.
Familiarity with analytics and metrics that demonstrate content effectiveness and inform editorial decisions.
Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree required.
Experience: 5+ years of relevant professional experience required.
Preferred Qualifications 8+ years of experience in communications, including writing, editing, and media relations.
Experience in higher education or advancement communications.
Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role may require traveling to attend meetings and programs.
Salary Range
The anticipated hiring range is $100,000 - $125,000, commensurate with education and experience.
Position Type & Work Location This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
This is a restricted position, dependent on funding and subject to funding availability.
UVA External Relations offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. Some positions may require occasional work in our Charlottesville office or at event venues, with remote work possible depending on role and manager direction.
About UVA And The Community
To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Application Timeline
Application review will begin after April 6, 2026.
Additional Requirements Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
How To Apply
Please apply online by searching for requisition number
R0081952 . Complete an application with the following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Reference Check Process
Reference checks will be conducted 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.
Contact For additional information about the position, contact April Sibiski, Director of Staff Success, at nbu2ag@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks an energetic and experienced communications professional to join its Advancement Communications team as the
Senior Communications Strategist . This role will help tell the story of philanthropy at UVA, advance strategic objectives and grow audiences. The University of Virginia has a strong advancement community, with professionals who are effective, results-oriented, and resourceful. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities and an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.
Position Summary
The
Senior Communications Strategist
plays a vital role on our communications staff, augmenting a high-performing team while collaborating to prepare for philanthropy communications opportunities of the future. Responsibilities include fundamental communications work as well as strategic planning, execution, and measurement in areas identified for growth and experimentation. The role reports directly to the External Relations’ Associate Vice President for Communications.
Responsibilities Writes and edits for digital and print platforms.
Collaborates with design, presentation, digital and video professionals on assets.
Contributes to editorial planning for content calendars, campaigns, and longer-term storytelling and fundraising projects.
Assists in preparing fundraising materials such as newsletters, brochures, case statements, appeals letters, stewardship communications, and campaign reports.
Proactively identifies opportunities for storytelling that build support in areas of institutional strategic importance.
Coordinates integrated strategies to amplify strategic content across platforms including owned, earned, and social media.
Leads and assists in building and executing earned media strategies that attract coverage of timely, newsy storylines and people who reflect philanthropy’s positive impact.
Establishes and cultivates relationships with journalists, influencers, and other content producers and distributors.
Leads and assists in planning, writing, and executing thought leadership and related strategies to support the SVP for External Relations and their portfolio.
Leads development of recommendations for robust integration of social media into the External Relations toolkit, including strategy for platforms, audiences, objectives and metrics.
Coordinates with State Government Relations to support strategic communications objectives with elected officials and leaders, underscoring UVA’s positive impact locally, statewide, and nationally.
Other duties as assigned.
The Successful Candidate Will Excel In The Following Areas Demonstrated ability to find and produce compelling stories aligned with strategic objectives, grow audiences, and influence behavior.
Ability to write in-depth narratives and concise, to-the-point copy.
Comfortable managing longer-term editorial plans and producing content on tight deadlines.
Proven ability to pitch to media and develop relationships with journalists and content-producing organizations that result in earned media success.
Experience writing opinion pieces, speeches, and executive talking points.
Demonstrated editing skills, including line-editing, and search-friendly headline and summary writing.
Demonstrated ability to write human-focused stories of impact, including content on philanthropy or higher education.
Mature news judgment, producing timely, newsy content that resonates with target audiences and recognizes external events.
Ability to work effectively in team environments with deadlines across months.
Familiarity with analytics and metrics that demonstrate content effectiveness and inform editorial decisions.
Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree required.
Experience: 5+ years of relevant professional experience required.
Preferred Qualifications 8+ years of experience in communications, including writing, editing, and media relations.
Experience in higher education or advancement communications.
Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role may require traveling to attend meetings and programs.
Salary Range
The anticipated hiring range is $100,000 - $125,000, commensurate with education and experience.
Position Type & Work Location This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
This is a restricted position, dependent on funding and subject to funding availability.
UVA External Relations offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. Some positions may require occasional work in our Charlottesville office or at event venues, with remote work possible depending on role and manager direction.
About UVA And The Community
To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Application Timeline
Application review will begin after April 6, 2026.
Additional Requirements Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
How To Apply
Please apply online by searching for requisition number
R0081952 . Complete an application with the following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Reference Check Process
Reference checks will be conducted 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.
Contact For additional information about the position, contact April Sibiski, Director of Staff Success, at nbu2ag@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr