Public Relations Manager, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy

Communications 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 Communications Manager.

About UVA and the Batten School

The University of Virginia (UVA), founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, is a top-ranked public institution known for academic excellence, a vibrant community, and a commitment to leadership and service. The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, established in 2007, prepares students to become principled, results-oriented leaders who can work across differences to solve society’s most pressing challenges. By blending rigorous academics, innovative research, and real-world problem-solving, Batten equips graduates with the skills and vision to create positive change in the public and private sectors.

Position Overview

The Communications 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.

The ideal candidate is a talented, versatile writer with demonstrated experience conducting detailed research and maintaining the highest level of factual accuracy and clarity across all content. They possess strong contextual judgment and editorial discernment, navigating complex or sensitive topics with nuance and care.

As a relationship builder and listener, the Communications Manager is deeply connected across the School with the people, programs, and ideas that make Batten exceptional. They proactively surface stories that inspire, inform, and advance the School’s reputation among external audiences, while cultivating and managing relationships with media partners to expand Batten’s visibility and impact.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Content, this role provides both strategic input and hands-on execution in media relations, newsletters, and external communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with media and press outlets
• 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 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
• Ability to balance strategic input with tactical execution
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven settings preferred

Physical Demands

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–$65,000, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This position is based in…