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External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks an energetic and experienced communications professional to join its Advancement Communications team as the Senior Communications Strategist. This role will help tell the story of philanthropy at UVA, advance our strategic objectives and grow audiences. The University of Virginia has a strong and reputable advancement community, boasting effective, results-oriented and resourceful professionals. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development. Position Summary The Senior Communications Strategist plays a vital role on our communications staff, augmenting a highly effective team of professionals while collaborating to help us prepare for the philanthropy communications opportunities of the future. The role includes fundamental communications responsibilities but also will have expectations of strategic planning, execution and measurement in areas identified for growth and experimentation. The Senior Communications Strategist will report directly to External Relations' Associate Vice President for Communications. Responsibilities
Writes and edits for digital and print platforms. Collaborates with creative professionals on design, presentation, digital and video assets. Contributes to editorial planning for content calendars, campaigns and longer-term storytelling and fundraising projects. Assists in preparation of fundraising materials such as newsletters, brochures, case statements, appeals letters, stewardship communications, and campaign reports. Proactively identifies opportunities for storytelling that can be used to build support and interest in areas of institutional strategic importance. Coordinates integrated strategies to amplify strategic content across platforms including owned media, earned media and social media. Leads and assists in building and executing earned media strategies and efforts that attract coverage of timely, newsy storylines and people who reflect the positive impact of philanthropy. Establishes and cultivates relationships with journalists, influencers and other content producers and distributors. Leads and assists in planning, writing, and executing thought leadership and related strategies that support the SVP for External Relations and his portfolio. Leads development of recommendations for the robust integration of social media in the External Relations communications toolkit, including strategy for platforms, audiences, objectives and metrics. Coordinates with State Government Relations to support strategic communications objectives with elected officials and leaders designed to underscore the University's positive impact on local communities, state and federal levels. Other duties as assigned.
The successful candidate will excel in the following areas:
Demonstrated ability to find and produce compelling stories that align with strategic objectives, grow audience and influence behavior. Ability to write in-depth narratives and concise, to-the-point copy equally well. Comfortable managing both longer-term editorial plans and producing content on tight deadlines. Proven ability pitching to media and developing relationships with journalists and content-producing organizations that result in earned media success. Experience writing opinion pieces, speeches and executive talking points. Demonstrated editing skills, including line-editing, search-friendly headline and summary writing. Demonstrated ability writing human-focused stories of impact, preferably including content focused on the impact of philanthropy, higher education or related subjects. Mature news judgment, reflected in the ability to produce timely, newsy content that resonates with target audiences and recognizes the influence of events beyond our immediate market. Ability to work effectively in team environments that collaborate on deadline and across months. Familiarity with analytics and metrics that demonstrate the effectiveness of content and inform future editorial decisions.
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
8+ years of experience in communications, including writing, editing, and media Experience in higher education or advancement communications
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. Salary Range
Position Type & Work Location
This is an exempt-level,benefitedposition. Learn more aboutUVA benefits. This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. UVA External Relations offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and be able to work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools. Depending on the type of position and work performed, or as deemed by the manager, some positions may be required to work intermittently in our shared office space located in Charlottesville, Virginia.
This hybrid position can be worked remotely on occasion, although frequent in-person work in our office building, on UVA Grounds, or at event venues is required. About UVA and the Community To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visitUVA LifeandEmbark CVA. Application Timeline Application review will beginafterApril 6, 2026. Additional Requirements
How to Apply Please applyonline, by searching for requisition number R0081952. Complete an application with the following documents:
Upload all materials into the resume submissionfield. You cansubmitmultiple documents intothis onefield or combine them into one PDF.Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Reference Check Process Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will berequested, with at least three responsesrequired. Contact
Foradditionalinformation about the position, please contact April Sibiski, Director of Staff Success, at nbu2ag@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an 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.
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The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia
$100,000 - $125,000,commensuratewith education and experience.
Apr 01, 2026