Assistant or Associate Vice President for Communications

The University of Virginia (UVA) seeks a dynamic and visionaryAssistant or Associate Vice President for Communicationsto lead strategic communications across its External Relations division encompassing Communications, Development, Engagement, Gift Planning, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Operations, Principal Giving, State Government Relations, and UVA Health Development.

Reporting to theSenior Vice President for External Relations, this leader will serve as a strategic architect for how UVA tells its story to advance the Universitys philanthropic mission by amplifying a unified, compelling voice that resonates with donors, alumni, parents, friends, government partners, and key stakeholders.

A Moment of Extraordinary Momentum

Fresh off the historic success of its $6.11 billion Honor the Future campaign,UVA stands at the forefront of whats next in philanthropy and engagement. Building on this unprecedented achievement and UVAs national reputation, this role offers an opportunity to shape the next era of storytelling that inspires investment, deepens trust, and celebrates impact.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will bring both strategic vision and operational discipline,adept at weaving together storytelling, data insights, and brand strategy to advance a world-class institution. This is a chance to join UVA during a time of unmatched opportunity to translate momentum into meaning, inspire a new generation of support, and elevate the Universitys voice across every channel and constituency in a collaborative, fast-paced, and service driven environment.

The Role and Responsibilities

The Assistant/Associate Vice President for Communications will lead a comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy that strengthens UVAs reputation among philanthropic and stakeholder audiences while advancing the goals of the External Relations division. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

• Design and drive a bold, integrated communications strategy that propels External Relations fundraising, engagement, and reputation goals, amplifying the Universitys story of impact and innovation across audiences and channels.
• Forge strong partnerships with University Communications, the Office of the President, peers, and colleagues across Grounds to align voice, visual identity, and messaging that reinforce UVAs brand and elevate its institutional priorities.
• Serve as a trusted senior advisor and thought partner to the Senior Vice President for External Relations and divisional leaders, translating complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives that inspire action and deepen trust.
• Serve as editor-in-chief, overseeing signature External Relations publications, from campaign materials to advocacy initiatives, ensuring every message reflects UVAs excellence, authenticity, and forward momentum.

Philanthropic and Donor Communications

• Oversee bold, holistic campaign communications, including message development, case statements, and campaign reports that capture UVAs vision, impact, and inspire philanthropy.
• Shape and guide compelling content and creative collateral that brings fundraising priorities to life, ensuring every story, image, and design reflects UVAs distinct brand and voice.
• Oversee the development of compelling, donor-centric fundraising proposals and case materials for donor solicitations that align with UVAs strategic priorities and inspire philanthropic support.
• Collaborate closely with External Relations senior leaders to align messaging, and deliver a seamless, audience-focused experience across all platforms.

Digital and Creative Strategy

• Direct content strategy for External Relations website and related microsites.
• Develop the strategic direction for compelling multimedia, print, videography, digital images, and content that engages key audiences and advances fundraising and engagement outcomes.
• Ensure data-informed communications decisions through ongoing analysis of audience insights, communication metrics, and digital performance.
• Collaborate with External Relations area senior leaders on social media strategy.

Reputation and Media Relations

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive media (earned and paid) strategy for External Relations. Support strategic visibility for donors, volunteers, and institutional leaders in local, national, and trade media.
• Develop and execute strategies to elevate External Relations presence, both locally and nationally.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of writers, editors, designers, and digital specialists.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build relationships across External Relations and the broader University to achieve mutual goals.

Ideal Experience and Characteristics

Competitive candidates will demonstrate a strong track record of success in strategic communications, particularly in the context of advancement, fundraising, or constituent relations.

Ideal characteristics include:

• Significant experience in communications leadership roles, preferably within higher education, nonprofit advancement, or state relations.
• Proven ability to develop and execute effective, compelling, and holistic strategic communications plans.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and be successful in a rapidly changing environment.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills tailored to External Relations audiences.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in the communication field.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire teams in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• High emotional intelligence, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple priorities, and manage time sensitive requests, at times in high-pressure situations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, preferably in higher education, nonprofit advancement, or complex organization that requires collaboration with both internal and external partners.
• Experience with donor communications and campaign messaging.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across departments and with senior leadership, as well as external constituencies including donors, parents, foundation representatives, professional organizations, and other external agencies.
• Proficiency in digital communications tools, content management systems, and analytics platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (masters or equivalent).
• Experience supporting capital campaigns and principal gift communications.
• Familiarity with UVAs culture, values, and strategic priorities.

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