Public Relations Manager, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia seeks a Public Relations Manager. The Public Relations 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate all public relations activities and develop a media relations strategy for UVA Batten
- Build and maintain strong relationships with media and press outlets
- Manage media inquiries and interview requests
- 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 UVA Batten's mission, voice, and brand identity
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree required
- Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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
- Strong relationships with both local and national business and industry media outlets
- Ability to balance strategic input with tactical execution
- Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven settings preferred
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs. The anticipated hiring range is $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with education and experience. This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days on grounds per week, with additional on-site presence as needed, in accordance with UVA's remote work guidelines. 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.
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA. Equal Opportunity Employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.