Senior Director of Communications, Darden School of Business

University of Virginia

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business seeks a highly experienced, strategic and innovative communications leader to serve as Senior Director of Communications. Reporting to the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer (CMCO), this individual will define and execute a comprehensive communications vision that elevates Darden’s global reputation, strengthens brand visibility, advances enrollment and advancement priorities, and positions faculty as leading voices in business and society. Darden’s Office of Communications & Marketing (C&M) advances the School’s mission to inspire responsible leaders through transformational learning experiences. The Office shapes and amplifies extraordinary stories that reflect Darden’s values, research excellence, and global impact. Through award-winning journalism, thought leadership platforms, media engagement, digital content and issues management, C&M supports the School’s strategic priorities and institutional growth. The Senior Director will lead strategic editorial planning, thought leadership development, media relations, crisis communications, and content innovation. This leader will oversee the evolution of Darden’s news and thought leadership ecosystem into a unified, digital-first content hub, forging clear connections between faculty research, academic programs (MBA, MSBA, Executive Education & Lifelong Learning), and market relevance. As a senior member of the Communications & Marketing leadership team and Darden’s Enterprise Team, the Senior Director will lead and develop a high-performing communications team while partnering across programs, research centers, advancement, and University stakeholders to ensure consistent, compelling messaging worldwide. This position is located in-person in Charlottesville, VA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years relevant professional experience, to include 3+ years of formal managerial experience required.
Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated communications strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
Deep expertise in media relations, stakeholder communications, and digital content strategy.
Experience leading communications within complex, matrixed organizations.
Proven ability to influence senior leaders and build consensus across diverse stakeholders.
Strong leadership and team management experience, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
A strong visual sensibility or appreciation for design.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications preferred.
Experience in executive communications, including speeches, presentations, white papers, and opinion essays preferred.
Experience supervising freelance and staff writers, designers, photographers, videographers, and social media professionals preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy aligned with Darden’s strategic priorities.
Lead the strategic elevation of Darden’s global thought leadership platform.
Establish institutional messaging frameworks and editorial standards to ensure brand consistency and clarity.
Partner with senior leadership to articulate and advance core institutional narrative.
Monitor industry trends and emerging platforms to continuously strengthen reach, engagement, and impact.
Oversee Darden’s flagship publications, including The Darden Report (news) and Darden Ideas to Action (thought leadership).
Lead the strategic integration of these platforms into a unified, digital-first content ecosystem centered on a centralized content hub.
Develop and maintain an editorial strategy and calendar aligned with institutional priorities.
Oversee the creation of high-quality content across web, social media, multimedia, newsletters, and executive communications.
Collaborate with faculty, students, and staff to showcase research, expertise, and impact.
Provide editorial oversight and fact-checking support for major institutional publications, including the Employment Report, advancement materials, marketing collateral, and executive presentations.
Serve as primary liaison to University Communications and Advancement Communications to ensure alignment and amplification of Darden achievements.
Serve as Darden’s senior media strategist and primary media contact.
Build and maintain strong relationships with national and international journalists and media outlets.
Develop and execute proactive media strategies that position Darden faculty and leadership as influential voices in business and society.
Guide and manage external PR agencies in the U.S. and internationally.
Prepare institutional leaders for high-stakes interviews and thought leadership opportunities, providing media training as needed.
Lead crisis communications strategy and issues management planning.
Develop and maintain institutional playbooks for reputational risk scenarios.
Serve as communications lead during crisis situations in coordination with School and University leadership.
Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent messaging to internal and external stakeholders.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing communications team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and innovation.
Manage team budget, resources, and external vendor relationships.
Champion collaboration across degree programs, research centers, advancement, and University partners.
Serve as a senior leader within Communications & Marketing and as a member of Darden’s Enterprise Team.
Perform other duties as assigned, including occasional travel.