The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia seeks an Associate Director, Content.

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 Associate Director of Content will serve as a key member of the Batten School’s marketing and communications team, reporting to and supporting the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. This role is responsible for translating Batten’s content strategy into action to drive audience engagement and awareness, overseeing editorial, video, and creative processes to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with the school’s brand voice.

The ideal candidate leads with an entrepreneurial mindset and maintains 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.

The Associate Director will also manage the Communications and Photo & Video staff, providing strategic leadership and mentoring to elevate storytelling across earned media, newsletters, video, and photography.

Additionally, this position will play a central role in supporting the launch of Batten’s new website.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications in implementing Batten’s brand strategy and campaign initiatives
• Lead content strategy and execution across web, social, print, photo, and video channels
• Provide strategic direction for social media in collaboration with the Digital Marketing Manager, who executes day-to-day management
• Supervise, mentor, and provide strategic guidance to the Communications Manager and Photo & Video Manager
• Manage the content calendar, operational workflows, and editorial processes to ensure efficiency and consistency
• Partner with faculty, students, alumni, and staff to produce compelling stories and thought leadership content
• Provide content and creative oversight for the development and launch of Batten’s new website
• Manage external creative partners, agencies, and freelancers as needed
• Maintain brand guidelines and ensure creative assets reflect Batten’s identity and standards
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required
• Experience: 6+ years relevant professional experience, to include 2+ years of formal managerial experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of experience in content strategy, editorial, or creative leadership
• Proven ability to lead and mentor direct reports, particularly in communications and creative functions
• Meticulous approach to research, writing, and fact-checking to ensure all communications uphold the highest standards of accuracy and credibility
• A demonstrated ability to adapt voice and tone for different audiences
• 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
• Experience managing creative production, including video, photography, and editorial content
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Marketing Cloud, WordPress, and project management tools such as Monday.com
• Strong project management and team collaboration skills
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations 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 $100,000–$110,000, commensurate with education and experience.

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

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after October 20, 2025.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0077289. Complete an application with the required following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Portfolio of prior work

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.”

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the position, please contact Nicki Deuel, tav9rs@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.