Director of Public Information

Virginia Military Institute is accepting applications for a Director of Public Information. Reporting directly to the Assistant Superintendent for Strategic Enrollment Management, the director will serve as the Institute’s public information officer, providing leadership for public affairs, media relations, crisis communications, executive and internal communications, and institutional messaging. The reporting relationship notwithstanding, the director should expect frequent and direct contact with the Superintendent in response to crisis situations and related media queries.

The position will develop and implement proactive communication strategies that advance the Superintendent’s priorities, support institutional goals, and protect the reputation of the Institute.
The director serves as the official spokesperson during emergency and crisis situations, advises senior leadership on communication strategies, and oversees media relations, public messaging, and reputation management. The position also directs communications and coverage for major initiatives and events and ensures compliance with editorial and brand standards. The director will foster relationships with key stakeholders, help with project management, and manage departmental operations, including personnel, budgeting, vendor oversight, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and Institute policies.

• Develops and executes institute-wide communication plans that support the Superintendent’s priorities and institutional goals.
• Coordinates communications activities with other offices and departments on post and with the VMI Alumni Agencies.
• Develops and coordinates communications strategies in response to issues that have the
• potential to affect the reputation of the Institute.
• Oversees messaging and engagement for key events, ensuring relationships and engagement among cadets, employees, alumni, and the community.

• Leads the communications effort in actual or potential crisis situations.
• Serves as the Institute spokesperson and public information officer during emergencies, including representing VMI Police and coordinating public messaging.
• Provides communication counsel to senior leadership during emergencies and coordinates all crisis-related communication activities, including coordinating local government and law enforcement, the adjacent Washington & Lee University, and any other outside entities.
• Responsible for updating the website during emergencies to provide timely communication.

• Directs all media relations activities including responding to media inquiries, coordinating and preparing senior leaders for interviews, preparing press releases and proactively pitching stories.
• Oversees reputation monitoring, media tracking, and social media listening to identify emerging issues and opportunities. Will also provide strategic direction on handling any issues or opportunities.
• Cultivates relationships within the community and local, state, regional, and national media.

• Oversees institutional editorial brand guidelines, messaging consistency, and visual identity guidelines. Understands the differences between news/editorial messaging and marketing/branding.
• Ensures compliance with brand standards across all official communications
• Protects and strengthens the VMI brand through strategic communications and public messaging.

• Oversees internal communications and major Institute publications.
• Coordinates communications surrounding major Institute initiatives, announcements, and executive messaging.
• Facilitates and supports streaming requirements for Board of…