Director of Outreach

Overview

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is Virginia’s central hub for cybersecurity research, innovation, and workforce development where cutting‑edge ideas take shape, talent pipelines are built, and cross‑sector collaboration drives real‑world impact. CCI brings together researchers, students, industry leaders, and public partners to advance cybersecurity at the intersection of autonomous systems and intelligence.

With a vision to position Virginia as a global center of excellence in cybersecurity, CCI leverages the Commonwealth’s exceptional research institutions, diverse higher education system, vibrant startup ecosystem, and deep concentration of cyber talent to fuel innovation and economic growth.

CCI is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Outreach to lead high‑impact engagement efforts that advance strategic engagement and partnership initiatives, strengthen workforce development, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who thrives on the intersection of industry, government, and is motivated to build ecosystems that create lasting impact.

• Build and manage relationships with industry, government, community organizations, and educational institutions to expand program impact, support talent pipelines, and promote collaborative innovation.
• Design and execute outreach strategies that connect students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and employers while positioning CCI as a regional and national leader in workforce development and innovation ecosystems.
• Cultivate relationships with federal and Commonwealth of Virginia agencies, industry partners, foundations, and other funding organizations to identify and submit for funding opportunities to develop, support, or expand workforce development and innovation programs.
• Serve in a critical role in connecting the organization to employers, entrepreneurs, and community partners, ensuring programs remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with evolving workforce and innovation trends and needs.

• Master’s degree in communication, business administration, marketing, or related field.
• Demonstrated progressively advanced experience in outreach, partnerships, workforce development, innovation ecosystems, or higher education engagement.
• Experience building partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience leading administrative teams.
• Excellent communication, networking, and relationship‑building abilities.

• Experience working within higher education, research institutions, or innovation hubs.
• Knowledge of workforce development policy and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• Experience supporting grants, sponsored programs, or external partnerships.

Overtime Status:
Exempt – Not eligible for overtime.
Appointment Type:
Restricted.
Salary Information:
Starting at $120,000; commensurate with experience.
Hours per week: 40.
Review Date:
May 29, 2026.

This position is located in the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, VA. A hybrid work arrangement may be offered that would include designated weekly office hours, and such a schedule will be confirmed following onboarding/training and aligned with business needs. The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Alex Tuuri at alext3 during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.