Director of Communications

Director of Communications

Our world is changing, driven by data in ways as profound as the changes brought about by the agricultural, industrial and computer revolutions. The School of Data Science at the University of Virginia (UVA) – UVA’s 12th school and the first established since 2007 – was formed to meet the challenges and maximize the opportunities of this data-driven age, and the School seeks a dynamic, experienced Director of Communications to raise our national profile for research, educational, industry collaboration and community initiatives. The School is dedicated to 1) excellence in collaborative, open, interdisciplinary research; 2) education which produces responsible, diverse leaders; and 3) service that leads to products and outcomes which provide societal benefit. 

The Director of Communications will lead and join a growing team that is working collaboratively to build a reputation for the University’s newest School. With data science having come under increased scrutiny for both the value and harm it does to society, our model of responsible data science will be understood and appreciated, not just as a set of specific objectives, but as a culture that underpins all we do. We seek a leader to develop and oversee that message based on guiding values of excellence, integrity, diversity, openness and transparency, FAIR data - the ability to Find, Access, Interoperate and Reuse data (https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2016.18), innovation, and data science for the social good.  Envisioned as a School without Walls, we endeavor to create change and excitement in higher education.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff with direct and regular communication with the Dean of the School, the Director of Communications will lead a team of communications professionals who partner with the School of Data Science community to design and execute communications strategies that will assist those units to meet their strategic goals and garner attention for their work, accomplishments and impact.

The Director of Communications will provide strategic oversight for a full range of communications tasks, including but not limited to:

• Developing a research-based, comprehensive communications and marketing strategy, and then implementing and measuring the effectiveness of the tasks and activities of the plan.
• As part of communications and marketing strategy, develop targeted plans based on the many different audiences of the school - prospective and current students and executive education participants, faculty, alumni (residential and online MSDS and all UVA alumni), schools and programs across Grounds, corporate partners, foundations and research collaborators.
• Develop strategy and implementation plan in coordination with third party marketing teams on online programs and special projects as appropriate.
• Developing and maintaining the communications goals and objectives of the School, ensuring consistent messaging, integrated approaches, innovative strategy, and best-in-class service to fulfill the mission.
• Managing and maintaining the School’s developing brand and ensuring its consistency across platforms and throughout the School and across Grounds.
• Assigning responsibilities to members of the communications team. Setting clear objectives and expectations, providing opportunities for leadership development and career growth. 
• Ensuring completeness, accuracy, and aesthetic presentation of all communications materials, including print publications, press releases, articles, annual reports, social media, promotional materials, and websites.
• Preparing leaders for media appearances and public presentations, ensuring consistent messaging and mitigating exposure to risk.
• Researching and drafting speeches and preparing presentations for leadership.
• Compiling reports for faculty, advisors, and other related groups to provide metrics on progress and impact.
• Assisting University leaders in responding to internal and external inquiries.
• Developing media contacts, in partnership with UVA Communications and other colleagues across Grounds; scheduling distribution of stories and press releases; tracking media placements; and handling incoming media inquiries.
• Managing a communications budget across programs, offices, and initiatives within the School.
• Staying up to date on communications skills and best practices. 
• Participating in all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities and efforts to communicate the DEI strategy. 
• Offering communications advice based on best professional practices and University media/communications procedures.
• Support admissions and fundraising goals in partnership with School leadership.

The School of Data Science is committed to recruiting a team that possesses a diversity of life experiences. We especially encourage applications from individuals who are members of underrepresented groups and who have worked to support the broadening of student access to Data Science careers. We are committed to creating and benefiting from an environment where a diverse group of capable, inspired individuals interact and collaborate to learn and advance knowledge without barriers. We encourage individuals with a variety of backgrounds to apply including, but not limited to, journalism, higher education communications and marketing, and PR and marketing agency professionals.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of experience OR Master’s Degree with at least 6 years of related experience
• Ability to think strategically and develop targeted plans across departments and audiences 
• Demonstrated ability to engage and partner with leadership, faculty, staff, student and other stakeholders at various levels in the organization
• Knowledge of or interest in issues and research projects in STEM and/or enrollment marketing in higher education is preferred

Priority applicant review will begin January 11, 2021. This position will remain open until filled. The selected candidate will be required to complete a background check per University policy prior to their first day of employment.  

Anticipated salary range: $100,000 - $130,000

To Apply:

Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs”, and search for “R0020175".   Complete an application online and see below for documents to attach.

Process for External Applicants: Please visit UVA job board https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs, “R0020175” complete the application and see below for documents to attach.  Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box or you can combine them into one PDF.

Complete an application online and attach:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter detailing your interest in this position and highlighting knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences that support excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion (Inclusive Excellence)  https://eocr.virginia.edu/Contribution-IE-Applicants 
• Digital Portfolio 

***Please note that you MUST upload ALL documents into the CV/Resume box. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration.***

For questions about the application process please contact Rhiannon O'Coin, Senior Academic Recruiter, [email protected]

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.